PhD / Post Doctoral Opportunities

Swallowing Lab, University of Toronto

Lab Director: Dr. Rosemary Martino

Research Opportunity – Postdoctoral Fellow

Position Summary: A postdoctoral fellow appointment is available starting immediately in the Swallowing Lab, Department of Speech Language Pathology, University of Toronto, under the supervision of Dr. Rosemary Martino.

Our work focuses on understanding swallowing impairment (dysphagia) and its impact, with the overarching goal of reducing dysphagia burden for patients, their caregivers and the community by providing the best possible care to patients.

The primary focus of this postdoctoral research position will be the in the measurement of dysphagia’s medical consequences among a mix of disease etiologies. The successful candidate for this appointment will participate in the development and statistical analysis of data related to a new tool measuring these consequences. In addition, the position will offer extensive opportunities to network and collaborate with clinicians, scientists and research project stakeholders within the SLP department and the University Health Network.

Required Qualifications: We are seeking a highly motivated, enthusiastic individual with a Ph.D. or M.D. (or equivalent) who has a solid track record of training and experience in measurement science, with excellent writing skills. Preference will be given to candidates who have conducted high quality research, produced peer reviewed publications and scientific presentations, and have had exposure to grant writing. The successful candidate must work productively both independently and collaboratively with enthusiasm and poise.

Salary and Benefits: Base pay is commensurate with experience.

How to Apply: Please submit: (1) cover letter outlining career goals, research experience, and training goals, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) unofficial transcripts, and (4) contact information for three references to Trixie Reichardt at trixie.reichardt@uhn.ca

Paediatric Communication Laboratory

Lab Director: Dr. Deryk Beal

Our research focuses on improving outcomes and quality of life for children with acquired and developmental neuro communication disorders. We study the neurobiology of communication and its disorders for the express purpose of innovating and evaluating neurorehabilitation treatments for children with communication disorders. We work to advance neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, DTI, DKI, QSM, MEG, EEG, fNIRS) for the study of the neural network supporting language, speech and oral motor control and the identification of appropriate neural targets for rehabilitation.

Funding is available for a graduate student (M.Sc. or Ph.D. degrees) interested in the area of neuroimaging of motor learning in both children who are typically developing and those with developmental disorders. Post-doctoral opportunities may also be available. Please contact Dr. Beal for more information and/or to apply to be a graduate trainee in his lab.

Speech-Production Lab

Lab Director: Dr. Yana Yunosova

Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity in the Speech Production Laboratory
University of Toronto

The Speech Production Laboratory, led by Dr. Yana Yunusova (Lab Website), is seeking applications for a postdoctoral fellowship. This position focuses on the development and validation of innovative clinical assessments for motor speech disorders associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The role involves working as part of a multidisciplinary team that includes neurologists, engineers, and other specialists, fostering collaborative and innovative research within technology development space.

Qualifications:

  • A PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders or a related field.
  • A strong record of research productivity, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
  • Expertise in quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods research.

Preferred Skills:

  • Clinical experience, particularly with patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage directly with patients and healthcare professionals.
  • Teaching experience or interest in developing teaching skills (opportunities may be available).

Responsibilities:
The postdoctoral fellow will engage in advanced research activities, including data collection and analysis, manuscript preparation, and grant writing. The role offers opportunities for collaborative work with interdisciplinary teams and direct interaction with patients, contributing to impactful clinical advancements.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates should contact Dr. Yana Yunusova at yana.yunusova@utoronto.ca for more information or to submit an application.

Voice Resonance Lab

Lab Director: Dr, Tim Bressmann

Research in the Voice and Resonance Lab is dedicated to speech disorders that are related to structural defects or malformations of the vocal tract. In particular, we are interested in:

  • Speech disorders related to head and neck cancer
  • Speech disorders related to craniofacial syndromes such as cleft lip and palate
  • Speech disorders related to dentition and occlusion
  • Voice disorders

Interested in working in the Voice and Resonance Laboratory?

We are always interested in hearing from potential M.Sc. and Ph.D. students!

Please contact Tim Bressmann, at tim.bressmann@utoronto.ca if you would like to conduct research or volunteer in our lab.

Oral Dynamics Lab

Lab Director: Dr. Pascal van Lieshout (Currently on Administrative Leave)

The ODL is a specialized facility for research in the area of oral motor control. The research in the ODL concentrates on speech and swallowing behaviours in normal and disordered populations, including stroke patients with aphasia and verbal apraxia, people who stutter and individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease.  Concepts and tools of non-linear dynamical system theories are used to study motor coordination skills and learning at different levels. In particular, the focus is on different types of constraints that act upon the oral motor system (e.g., linguistic structure, task familiarity) in the way they shape the nature and stability of the dynamic coupling between articulators like tongue, lips and jaw. A better understanding of this relationship will provide new insights in the origin of speech and swallowing problems, which will support the development of improved assessment and rehabilitation techniques for these patients. A second line of research in the lab is dedicated to the development of new oral rehabilitation tools that support diagnosis and treatment of speech and voice disorders.

For students interested in a research position (M.Sc. or Ph.D.), please contact Dr. van Lieshout for more information.