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Postdoc and graduate student positions available to study the regulation of tissue growth using Drosophila

Posted by , on 28 August 2026

Location: Calgary

Closing Date: 1 October 2026

The lab of Savraj Grewal (University of Calgary, Canada) is looking to recruit new postdocs and grad (MSc and PhD) students.

Our lab uses Drosophila as an in vivo model to understand how growth and physiology are controlled during animal development. We combine molecular and genetic approaches to investigate the cell-cell signalling pathways and genetic mechanisms involved in linking environmental and metabolic stimuli to the control of cell, tissue and body growth.

Our current work centers on two main stimuli, nutrient and oxygen availability. We study the basic mechanisms by which cells and tissues sense these stimuli to control growth and physiology, and we investigate how disruption of this sensing and signaling contributes to disease, using Drosophila to model disorders characterized by abnormal nutrient and oxygen availability, such as cancer, obesity and ischemia.

There are several ongoing projects in the lab, and we work with new members to find the project that best fits their interests and experience. Further information on our research can be found here, and a list of our recent publications here.

Our lab is part of a collaborative environment within the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute at the University of Calgary, where trainees have the opportunity to interact with a diverse group of basic, translational and clinician scientists.

Postdoc positions: Applicants with a Ph.D. and a strong background in developmental biology, genetics, or molecular biology are encouraged to apply. Interested individuals should send a CV and a statement of research interests to grewalss@ucalgary.ca.

MSc and PhD positions: Applicants with an undergraduate degree in any area related to the biological sciences are welcome to apply. Interested individuals should send a CV and a statement of research interests to grewalss@ucalgary.ca.

Closing Date: 1 October 2026

Scientific fields: Cell biology, Development and disease, Growth control, Metabolism and physiology, Signalling

Model systems: Drosophila

Duration: Fixed term