Postdoctoral fellowship or Ph.D. project in developmental genetics / quantitative microscopy

2-year Postdoctoral Fellowship or Graduate Studentship

~ Apply by January 28^th, 2026 ~

Opportunity:

Canadian government has one-time competition to attract global research talent at Ph.D. and postdoctoral fellow levels. Ph.D. fellowships are for 3 years with $40K yearly support, and postdoctoral fellowships are for 2 years with $70K yearly support: https://sshrc-crsh.canada.ca/en/funding/opportunities/canada-impact-plus-research-training-awards.aspx .

The Lab:

Our lab, in Department of Biology at McMaster University, ON, is focused on “physical biology of developing systems (pBoDS)”. We focus on signalling pathways patterning early vertebrate embryos with relevance to human birth defects. The lab has CFI-funded state-of-the-art light microscope and novel transgenic zebrafish reporter tools to study how cell signalling dynamics impact organismal patterning and we are support by NSERC Discovery Grant. Further details of interests, people, and research outcome can be found at the lab website: www.physicalbiology.ca.

Place:

McMaster University is frequently named as one of the Canada’s most research-intensive universities, ranking in health-related fields at top 100 universities worldwide. Beyond the lab, the researcher will have access to university’s cutting edge light microscopy (CALM), electron microscopy (CCEM), and genomics (MobixLab) facilities and further departmental logistics.

McMaster University is located in Hamilton, Ontario, right next to Cootes Paradise Ecopark System and surrounded by unique geographical features of Niagara escarpment, including numerous waterfalls in Ancaster and Milton region, and beautiful Lake Ontario waterfront.

Position:

We are actively looking for postdoctoral candidates interested in submitting an application through CIRTA stream. Strong Ph.D. candidates will also be considered. If successful, postdoctoral fellowship position maybe extended for another year and lab’s internal funding will cover 4^th year stipend for the Ph.D. student.

We look forward to hearing from candidates with:

• Quantitative microscopy and/or
• Molecular cloning and reverse genetics

training background, strong communication skills, inquisitive minds, and rigorous work ethic. Previous zebrafish exposure, experience with cell biology and in silico modeling is not a must but are preferred assets.

Hiring Preferences:

The position is open for international trainees as well as Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Candidates must currently reside outside of Canada.

In pBoDS Lab we are strong believers of a collegial lab environment, flexible hours tailored in consideration of researcher’s outside of the lab commitments, value of diversity, and promotion of mentorship for people from underprivileged backgrounds. People of colour, women, and economically disadvantaged candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Process:

To apply or inquire, please reach out to mfsimsek@mcmaster.ca by January 28^th, 2026, with your curriculum vitae, and a brief (2-3 paragraphs) proposal for the intended research directions. Selected candidates will be interviewed online. After interview, the candidate applicant will be guided to draft the submission in February 2026 for the CIRTA fellowship.