Description

The WiNTER (Winston Neuroimaging and Translational Epilepsy Research) lab at Queen's University is recruiting a Postdoctoral Fellow to work on a multicentre CIHR-funded project on multimodal prediction of seizure recurrence after unprovoked first seizure to guide clinical decision-making. We are developing a predictive machine learning model of seizure recurrence risk using brain connectivity data derived from MRI, functional connectivity from EEG and quantitative neuropsychological data. The project is a collaboration between the First Seizure clinics in Kingston, Ontario and Halifax, Nova Scotia with data acquired at both sites.

The lab was founded to improve the understanding of the comorbidities of epilepsy and the diagnosis and surgical treatment of people with epilepsy primarily through neuroimaging techniques and translation into clinical practice. This has developed into employing more multimodal approaches, including robotic technology, neuropsychology, EEG and machine learning. There will be an opportunity to contribute to other ongoing projects, including the use of multimodal neuroimaging in the planning of epilepsy surgery. Independent self-directed projects such as analyses of multicentre open-source datasets (e.g. ENIGMA Epilepsy, MELD) are encouraged.

The lab is based in the Centre for Neuroscience Studies at Queen's University, Kingston, Canada and we have active collaborations with the School of Computing here and other universities within Canada and internationally. The lab has an open and collaborative approach and works closely with the co-located District Epilepsy Centre at Kingston Health Sciences Centre that serves patients across South-Eastern Ontario to translate research advances into clinical benefit. Dr. Winston supervises in the Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Translational Medicine Graduate Program and the School of Computing.

Requirements

Requirements: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in programming (Matlab, Python or similar) and machine learning. Prior experience in neuroimaging toolkits (e.g. FSL, FreeSurfer, MRtrix) is essential. Additional experience in signal processing and EEG is beneficial, but this can be learned from and supported by other postdoctoral fellows in the lab. You will be expected to help supervise and support graduate students so evidence of this is beneficial. You must already hold or complete a PhD by the start of the position.

To Apply: Application is via an up-to-date CV, a summary of previous research work demonstrating how you meet the above criteria and the names of three references (at least one within the last 12 months). Informal enquiries welcome. For further details www.thewinterlab.com, gavin.winston@queensu.ca, @DrGavinWinston (X).

Logistics: This position is funded for 2 years by the CIHR and includes access to the extensive Queen’s University Benefits package. Start date is flexible but around October 2026 preferred. Salary will be commensurate with experience and institutional guidelines. The university will apply for LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessments) exemption for international applicants to enable you to apply for a work permit.