Postdoctoral Research Position in Algal Physiology & Biotechnology

The Heyland Lab in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team working at the interface of algal physiology, microbial interactions, and environmental biotechnology. Our lab integrates functional genomics, experimental physiology, and bioprocess engineering to develop innovative algal systems for wastewater treatment, nutrient recovery, and sustainable bioproduction.

Position Overview

The successful candidate will lead projects focused on:

• Physiological and metabolic characterization of microalgae in engineered and natural environments
• Development and optimization of algal cultivation strategies (e.g., biofilms, photobioreactors, side‑glowing fiber reactors)
• Algal–bacterial interactions and implications for wastewater treatment and bioreactor performance
• High‑throughput screening of algal strains for biotechnological applications

Qualifications

• PhD in algal biology, microbiology, biotechnology, environmental engineering, or a related field
• Strong background in algal physiology, microscopy, bioreactors, or molecular tools
• Experience with microbial cultivation, quantitative analysis, and experimental design
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment

What We Offer

• Access to cutting‑edge genomics and bioprocessing facilities through the Advanced Analysis Centre – Genomics
• Opportunities to collaborate with industry partners working on wastewater innovation and algal biotechnology
• A supportive, dynamic research environment with strong opportunities for publication and professional development

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 2–3 references to:
Dr. Andreas Heyland
Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph
Email: aheyland@uoguelph.ca

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

PhD Position in Thyroid Hormone Signalling & Marine Developmental Biology

The Heyland Lab in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph invites applications for a PhD position focused on the molecular, cellular, and physiological roles of thyroid hormone (TH) signaling in sea urchin development. Our group uses sea urchins as a powerful model to explore how endocrine signals regulate metamorphosis, skeletogenesis, and life‑history transitions, with broader implications for endocrine evolution across the animal kingdom.

Project Overview

The PhD student will investigate:

• Molecular pathways underlying canonical and non‑canonical thyroid hormone signaling
• Regulation of skeletogenesis, programmed cell death, and metamorphic competence
• Evolutionary origins of TH signaling pathways across marine invertebrates
• Gene expression patterns, receptor function, and hormone–cell interactions using cutting‑edge genomic, imaging, and embryological techniques

The project will combine experimental embryology, functional genomics, imaging, hormone manipulations, and comparative evolutionary approaches, with opportunities to develop independent sub‑projects.

Qualifications

• MSc degree in biology, physiology, molecular biology, marine biology, or a related field (exceptional BSc candidates will be considered)
• Strong interest in developmental biology, endocrinology, or evolutionary physiology
• Experience in molecular techniques, microscopy, or marine invertebrate culture is an asset
• Curiosity, independence, and strong communication skills

What We Offer

• Access to world‑class imaging and genomic facilities through the Advanced Analysis Centre – Genomics
• Training in developmental, molecular, and endocrine biology using well‑established marine model systems
• Supportive, interdisciplinary lab environment with opportunities for publication, conference travel, and collaboration

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter outlining your research interests, CV, transcripts (unofficial accepted), and contact information for two references to:
Dr. Andreas Heyland
Email: aheyland@uoguelph.ca

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

MSc Position in Sea Urchin Embryogenesis & Endocrinology

The Heyland Lab in the Department of Integrative Biology at the University of Guelph is recruiting an enthusiastic MSc student to join our research program investigating the cellular, molecular, and endocrine mechanisms underlying embryogenesis and metamorphosis in sea urchins. Our lab uses high‑resolution imaging, functional genomics, and experimental embryology to uncover how endocrine signals—particularly thyroid hormones—shape early development and life‑history transitions in marine invertebrates.

Project Overview

The MSc student will work on projects involving:

• Early embryonic development and patterning in sea urchins
• Hormonal regulation of skeletogenesis and metamorphic competence
• Experimental manipulations of endocrine pathways (e.g., thyroid hormones, neuropeptides)
• Imaging, gene expression analysis, and embryo culture techniques
• Opportunities to explore comparative endocrinology across invertebrate species

The project can be tailored to the student’s interests within developmental biology, embryology, or endocrine physiology.

Qualifications

• BSc in biology, molecular biology, physiology, marine biology, or a related discipline
• Interest in embryology, developmental biology, endocrinology, or invertebrate models
• Prior experience in lab-based biology (e.g., microscopy, molecular techniques, organismal culture) is an asset but not required
• Strong motivation to learn new techniques and work collaboratively

What We Offer

• Hands‑on training in advanced imaging, functional genomics, and embryological methods
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art facilities through the Advanced Analysis Centre – Genomics
• A supportive, interdisciplinary lab environment with opportunities for conference participation and publication
• Integration into a dynamic research group studying development, endocrinology, and marine physiology

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter describing your research interests, CV, unofficial transcripts, and contact information for two references to:
Dr. Andreas Heyland
Email: aheyland@uoguelph.ca

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.