The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is the research arm of The Ottawa Hospital – one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals. We are proudly affiliated with the University of Ottawa and supported by The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. With more than 2200 scientists, clinician investigators, trainees and staff, and total revenues of more than $120 million, we are one of the foremost Canadian hospital-based research institutes. Our research spans more than a hundred different diseases, conditions, and specialties with an overall focus on translating discoveries and knowledge into better health.
Job Description
A Postdoctoral Fellowship opportunity is available in Dr. Liu’s Lab at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI). Our lab investigates the molecular and epigenomic mechanisms that govern early brain development and how their dysregulation contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders such as Rett syndrome and autism spectrum disorders. We use human pluripotent stem cell-based models, including 2D neural differentiation systems, 3D organoids, and in vivo human-mouse chimeras to capture human-specific developmental and disease processes. These models are integrated with single-cell multi-omics, CUT&Tag epigenomic mapping, and super-resolution imaging to uncover how transcription factors, chromatin architecture, and nuclear organization coordinate neuronal gene expression programs and how disease mutations disrupt these regulatory networks. We are particularly interested in connecting these mechanistic insights to therapeutic discovery, including gene therapy and advanced drug delivery platforms that target transcriptional and epigenetic dysfunction in the nervous system. Further details are available on our lab website (https://www.yiliulab.com).
In this position, successful applicants will join a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and highly interactive environment with strong institutional support and access to state-of-the-art stem cell, genomics, and imaging facilities. Fellows will lead innovative projects at the interface of molecular neuroscience, stem cell biology, and epigenomics, and have the opportunity to collaborate with leading investigators across the Ottawa research ecosystem.
Basic Requirements (Education/Experience):
Applicants with expertise in any of the following areas are encouraged to apply:
•Stem cell and organoid models of human neurodevelopment
•Single-cell genomics and multi-omics data integration
•Chromatin biology, epigenomics, or transcriptional regulation
•Advanced imaging (super-resolution microscopy or spatial transcriptomics)
•Gene delivery and molecular therapeutics
Preferred Qualifications:
•Applicants with a background in epigenetics or chromatin biology and experience in bioinformatics analysis are preferred.
•Candidates with established expertise in stem cell-based or animal models to investigate neurodevelopmental disorders will be strongly considered.
Contract Details:
This is a 2-year full-time contract with the possibility of renewal.
Salary: $49,621 Minimum Annual Stipend – $55,863 Maximum Annual Stipend
Comments to Applicant:
Please combine all application materials into a single PDF and email to yiliu1@ohri.ca. Include:
•CV (with publications, research projects, awards, and relevant links)
•Research statement: applicants should outline their future research interests and proposed directions (1-2 pages)
•Three representative works
•Contact information of 3 referees
Contact Info:
Name: Yi Liu
Title: Scientist and Assistant Professor
Program: Regenerative Medicine
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Address: 501 Smyth Box 511 Ottawa ON K1H 8L6
Email: yiliu1@ohri.ca
Website: https://www.yiliulab.com
The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is committed to building and sustaining a welcoming and supportive culture that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion for trainees, researchers, and staff. We are devoted to identifying and removing barriers that limit equitable access to opportunities within our organization. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute strongly supports initiatives that encourage the participation of all groups, in particular the four groups defined in the Employment Equity Act (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities).
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those invited for an interview will be contacted. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is an equal-opportunity employer. Upon request, accommodations due to a disability are available throughout the selection process.
