NMD4C and MDC Launch Postdoctoral Fellowship Funding Competition

The Neuromuscular Disease Network for Canada (NMD4C) together with Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) are excited to announce the launch of a funding competition to award two postdoctoral fellowships in neuromuscular disease (NMD) research!

The fellowship provides salary support for early-career scientists to conduct postdoctoral studies in a laboratory focused on research of NMDs, with successful applicants being eligible to receive up to $40 000 in funding over a one-year period. The fellowship will allow early-career scientists to pursue NMD-related research that will impact the understanding of the biological causes and/or new clinical treatment of NMDs while also supporting the recipients to pursue future independent research careers in the field of NMDs.

The competition is open as of September 1st, 2021 with the deadline for submissions being October 15, 2021 at 11:59 PM ET. The fellowship guidelines are available here, and we encourage all who are eligible to apply.

The fellowship will provide opportunities for early-career scientists to pursue exciting research in NMDs. Reducing barriers to practice in neuromuscular research is integral in allowing researchers to build a sustainable career in the field, and we are pleased to partner with Muscular Dystrophy Canada in providing these opportunities.

Dr. Rashmi Kothary, Steering Committee Member of the NMD4C

The NMD4C and MDC are committed to empowering the next generation of  early-career researchers and clinicians in building successful careers in NMD research and clinical practice. When provided with access to research funding and clinical fellowship opportunities, researchers and clinicians are more likely to develop core competencies, perform meaningful research and make long-term commitments to the field of NMDs. Empowering the next generation of researchers today will lead to improved neuromuscular care, research, treatment, and health outcomes for all Canadians tomorrow.

This initiative will assist with training and education for the next generation of neuromuscular researchers and strengthens the biomedical infrastructure to build neuromuscular research capacity in Canada. For our clients, this means we are investing in the sustainability of neuromuscular research which brings us one step closer to finding cures.

Stacey Lintern, CEO of Muscular Dystrophy Canada

This collaborative award is the first created by the NMD4C and MDC, with both organizations planning to announce a second fellowship in the coming months which will support early-career clinicians who wish to pursue a fellowship in the neuromuscular field. Stay tuned to NMD4C and MDC updates for more information to come later this fall!

Please don’t hesitate to share this opportunity with any of your colleagues and within your neuromuscular networks. For further inquiries, please contact Dr. Homira Osman (MDC) at or Dr. Erin Beattie (NMD4C) at .

 

Guidelines on how to apply are available here.

The application is available here.

 

 

 

 

Fellowship_webBanner

Read next...

06 - 2026 Basic Research Summer School - EN

NMD4C Hosts 3rd Annual Basic Research Summer School at uOttawa!

From June 8 to 10, 2026, we hosted the 3rd annual NMD4C Basic Research Summer School at the University of Ottawa. The program supported 28 neuromuscular research trainees (graduate students and postdoctoral fellows) from across Canada and focused on developing practical skills, strengthening core knowledge in neuromuscular research, and providing opportunities to present and discuss their work. Through a combination of tutorials, lectures, hands-on workshops in cutting-edge wet lab techniques, flash talks, and both structured and informal networking, participants engaged with faculty, exchanged ideas, and built connections across institutions and career stages. 

New Publication from the NMD4C Clinical Trial Network Strengthens Trial Capacity in Canada

We are pleased to share a new publication from the NMD4C Clinical Trial Network led by Kerri Lynn Schellenberg, Homira Osman, Maria Masnata, Rhiannon Hicks, Corinne Kagan, Ana Stosic, Stacey Lintern, Erin Beattie, Drs. Hanns Lochmüller, Craig Campbell, and Jean K Mah. This work focuses on the implementation of a coordinated Canadian neuromuscular clinical trial network to enhance trial readiness, capacity, and access in rare disease research.

Canadian-Led Phase II Studies Advance Vamorolone Evidence in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Canadian-Led Phase II Studies Advance Vamorolone Evidence in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

NMD4C investigators contributed to two phase II studies evaluating vamorolone in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy across early childhood and adolescence, demonstrating safety, favorable pharmacokinetics, and potential efficacy. Led by Dr. Jean Mah and conducted across Canadian clinical trial sites with national and industry collaborators, the findings supported Health Canada approval of vamorolone as the first treatment for DMD in Canada. Leaders from both the clinical and patient advocacy communities, including Defeat Duchenne Canada, highlighted the impact of collaboration among patients, families, clinicians, and researchers in advancing care and improving access to new therapies.