Research from University of Ottawa: deciphering what serotonin is saying inside our brains

Richard Naud - image credit University of Ottawa

Richard Naud

The international research team’s ambitious work has implications across multiple fields and sheds compelling new light on the extraordinarily complex serotonin system.

In our day-to-day lives, we’re constantly making a slew of decisions from immediate matters to prospects on the far horizon. But the evolutionary nuts-and-bolts of how our brains weigh these numerous daily decisions and what role is played by the neurotransmitter serotonin has been shrouded in mystery.

Now, a new study led by an interdisciplinary uOttawa Faculty of Medicine team delivers fascinating findings on this big topic and potentially unravels a hidden aspect of what our nervous system’s complex serotonin system is really doing inside the enigmatic organ in our skulls.

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University of Ottawa-led research team forges compelling new insights into dynamics of the brain’s serotonin system

Jean-Claude Béique

Dr. Jean-Claude Béïque (Photo credit: University of Ottawa)

Source of text: David McFadden, Communications Advisor & Research Writer, University of Ottawa

The study’s findings could potentially help develop targeted therapeutics for mood disorders like major depressive disorder.

Our lives are filled with binary decisions – choices between one of two alternatives. But what’s really happening inside our brains when we engage in this kind of decision making?

uOttawa Faculty of Medicine-led study published in Nature Neuroscience sheds new light on these big questions, illuminating a general principle of neural processing in a mysterious region of the midbrain that is the very origin of our central serotonin (5-HT) system, a key part of the nervous system involved in a remarkable range of cognitive and behavioral functions.

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MSc/PhD Position at the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada

Dr. Deepak Kaushik, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN, St. John’s, Canada), is currently recruiting MSc/PhD fellows to join a CIHR-funded research project focused on exploring the immunometabolic pathways of macrophages and microglia in multiple sclerosis (MS).

The Kaushik Lab is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable research environment that values diversity in all its forms. To learn more about ongoing research and recent publications, please visit: https://kaushiklab.com.

Why MUN? The Faculty of Medicine at MUN features state-of-the-art medical laboratories equipped with high-resolution confocal imaging, a Seahorse analyzer for metabolic profiling, flow sorters and cytometers, an electron microscopy suite with advanced tissue processing tools, and a 10X genomics platform for single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing. The place also offers numerous collaborative opportunities. More info: https://www.mun.ca/medicine/administrative-departments/medical-laboratories/

Ideal Candidate- The ideal candidate will have completed a master’s degree (for PhD) or Bachelor’s Hons (for MSc), possess foundational laboratory experience in immunology and/or neuroscience. A strong passion for research is essential. Previous research contributions, such as co-authorship on publications, will be considered an asset. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or possess the necessary permits to undertake doctoral studies in Canada.

Application Requirements- Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, a CV along with the transcripts and a personal statement outlining their research experience, expectations from the training and their short- and long-term goals. Fellowship will be commensurate with CIHR guidelines. If interested, send in your applications to dkaushik@mun.ca

Start date: September 2025

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Postdoctoral Research Position – Neuroimmunology & High-Throughput Immunometabolic Profiling in MS – Memorial University

Dr. Deepak Kaushik, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN, St. John’s, Canada), is currently recruiting a motivated postdoctoral fellow to join a CIHR-funded research project focused on exploring the immunometabolic pathways of macrophages and microglia in multiple sclerosis (MS).

The Kaushik Lab is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable research environment that values diversity in all its forms. To learn more about ongoing research and recent publications, please visit: https://kaushiklab.com.

Why MUN? The Faculty of Medicine at MUN features state-of-the-art medical laboratories equipped with high-resolution confocal imaging, a Seahorse analyzer for metabolic profiling, flow sorters and cytometers, an electron microscopy suite with advanced tissue processing tools, and a 10X genomics platform for single-cell and bulk RNA sequencing. The place also offers numerous collaborative opportunities. More info: https://www.mun.ca/medicine/administrative-departments/medical-laboratories/

About St. John’s- St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador, is among the oldest cities in the Americas. It is renowned for its deep historical roots, distinctive charm, thriving arts and culture, and a harmonious blend of urban sophistication and small-town warmth. A truly welcoming city for all!

Ideal candidate– The ideal candidate should have expertise in working with animal disease models, single-cell and spatial RNA sequencing technology, and a solid understanding of the CNS immune landscape. Additionally, applicants should have at least one first-author and one co-author publication from their PhD and must exhibit strong oral and written communication skills. The candidate should be Canadian citizen or a PR or have the required study permits to pursue the degree.

Application Requirements– Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, a CV along with the transcripts, a research proposal (1-2 pages; does not need to reflect the exact project they will work on), and a personal statement outlining their research experience, expectations from the training and their short- and long-term goals. The salary will range from $55,000 to $60,000, with additional benefits. Final salaries will be commensurate with the candidate’s prior experience, expertise, and achievements. If interested, send in your complete application to dkaushik@mun.ca.  

Start date: Available immediately/flexible

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Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 CAN- CIHR-INMHA Brain Star Awards!

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience (CAN) and the Canadian Institutes of Health’s Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (CIHR-INMHA) are proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Brain Star Awards.

The CIHR-INMHA Brain Star awards, administered by the Canadian Association for Neuroscience, are awarded to students and trainees who have published high impact discoveries in all fields and disciplines covered by CIHR’s Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction in the 2024 calendar year.

The top 3 Brain Star Award winners of the year have been invited to make a presentation at the CAN meeting in May.

Postdoc position available in the laboratory of Dr. Louis-Eric Trudeau at the University of Montreal to work on the regulation of dopamine release

The laboratory of Dr. Louis-Eric Trudeau at the University of Montreal presently has an opening for a postdoctoral fellow to work on projects that relate to the mechanisms of neurotransmitter release by dopamine neurons and/or on how inflammatory signals influence the functioning of these neurons.

The ideal applicant should have successfully completed a Ph.D. in the field of neuroscience (or is close to completing it) and have demonstrated productivity during the Ph.D. The University of Montreal is one of the top research universities in Canada and a great environment to perform biomedical research. Montreal is great place to come to work and live.

For more information, please contact Dr. Trudeau at the following email address:

louis-eric.trudeau@umontreal.ca

Louis-Eric Trudeau, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of pharmacology and physiology
Université de Montréal
louis-eric.trudeau@umontreal.ca


Posting end date 2025/09/01

Assistant Professor University of Saskatchewan-Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology

Assistant Professor
Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology
Applications are invited from qualified individuals for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology. We are searching for individuals with exceptional promise to develop a vibrant, externally funded research program in any area of Cell Metabolism. While we encourage applications from candidates studying any aspect of cell metabolism that would complement and expand upon our existing departmental strengths, we are particularly interested in candidates who explore immunometabolism, metabolic rewiring in healthy and diseased states, metabolites as signaling molecules, and metabolism of the gut microbiome. The successful candidate will also show a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate teaching.

The department has several areas of research strength encompassing immunology, bacteriology, virology, biochemistry of cancer, protein science, and biology of metals. Further collaborative opportunities in cancer genomics, cancer biology, neuroscience, cell physiology, and with clinicians are available in the College of Medicine and Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. Specific research areas of BMI faculty can be viewed here: https://medicine.usask.ca/bmi/. The department benefits from having the Canadian Light Source situated on our campus, and the department has strong affiliations with the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency. In addition, the College of Medicine Core Mass Spectrometry Facility enables research in proteomics, small molecules, and targeted metabolomics and a Protein Characterization and Crystallization Facility (PCCF) supports a wide range of biophysical methods to study protein interactions as well as protein X-ray crystallography.

The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. The University of Saskatchewan is located in Saskatoon, SK, a city with a diverse and thriving economic base, a vibrant arts community and a full range of leisure opportunities. The University has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and scholarly activities and offers a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs to a student population of over 25,000.

Qualifications
Applicants must have a PhD degree and post-doctoral experience in a biomedical discipline and a demonstrated ability to conduct original, innovative research. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and show an interest in fostering collaborations with faculty members in the department and elsewhere on campus.

The starting salary bands for the 2025-2026 academic year are as follows:
Assistant Professor: $110,489 to $131,909; Associate Professor: $131,909 to $153,329; and Professor $153,329 to $178,319 with a higher starting salary in rare and exceptional circumstances pursuant to Article 18.2.6.12 of the 2023-2027 USFA Collective Agreement.

This position includes a comprehensive benefits package which includes a dental, health and extended vision care plan; pension plan, life insurance (compulsory and voluntary), academic long-term disability, sick leave, travel insurance, death benefits, an employee assistance program, a professional expense allowance, and a flexible health and wellness spending program.

Interested candidates must submit via email a cover letter that includes a brief statement of research interests, a detailed curriculum vitae, a 5-year research plan (max. 3 pages), a teaching statement including teaching areas of interest (1 page), an equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) statement (1 page or less), and contact information for three references. In the EDI statement, reflect on your lived experiences, attitudes, beliefs, and practices then discuss how you will consider EDI in your role as a colleague, teacher, researcher, and in building your research team. For more information related to equity, diversity and inclusion please see our webpage: https://medicine.usask.ca/about-us/edi.php.

Please send your complete application package to:

Dr. Linda Chelico
Department Head and Chair of the Search Committee
Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology
107 Wiggins Road, Rm GA20.12
Saskatoon, SK Canada S7N 5E5
Telephone: (306) 966-4375
Email: bmiadmin@usask.ca

Due to federal immigration requirements, we also ask candidates to indicate whether they are Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or are otherwise already authorized to work at this position for the duration of the appointment, with an explanation if this last category is indicated. Candidates may be asked to provide proof of citizenship, residency or work eligibility.

Review of applications will begin in May of 2025; however, applications will be accepted and evaluated until the position is filled. The anticipated start date is January 1, 2026.

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and we are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.


Contact information

Dr. Linda Chelico
Department Head and Chair of the Search Committee
Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology
107 Wiggins Road, Rm GA20.12
Saskatoon, SK Canada S7N 5E5
Telephone: (306) 966-4375
Email: bmiadmin@usask.ca

PhD students- The Guo lab- Cilia in the Brain – University of Calgary

The Guo Lab at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary is seeking candidates for two PhD student positions. The long-term goal of the Guo lab is to define fundamental principles governing the functional wiring of the brain. Toward this goal, we are focused on primary cilia, signaling antennae of almost all cells in the brain. Long considered as evolutionary remnants of little significance, primary cilia in the past decade have sparked enormous interest, fueled by the discoveries that mutations in 150+ ciliary genes lead to 30+ human disorders collectively termed “ciliopathies”. The brain is particularly vulnerable to ciliary dysfunction as reflected by the prominent brain anomalies and neurological deficits associated with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders found in ciliopathy patients. Nevertheless, due to the lack of mechanistic insights, how primary cilia can exert such a profound impact on the brain remains a long-standing mystery.

How do primary cilia, only a few um long protrusions from the cell soma, exert such a profound impact on the brain? The Guo lab is incorporating recent technical advances including single cell/nucleus RNAseq and ATACseq, human iPSCs, Serial Block face EM, mouse genetics, biochemistry, cell signaling control, in vivo 2-photon live imaging, and translational pharmacology to peel back the layers of this mystery from gene→cell→circuit→behavior→therapeutics (Guo et al., Developmental Cell 2017; Guo et al., Developmental Cell 2019; Wang et al., Nature Neuroscience 2024). The Guo lab has established a wide range of national and international collaborations. PhD students in the Guo lab have ample opportunities to learn cutting-edge technologies in molecular/cellular/system neuroscience and be co-supervised by Dr. Jeff Biernaskie (scRNAseq/ATACseq, U of C) and Dr. Grant Gordon (in vivo 2-photon imaging, U of C), Dr. Tomas Nowakowski (viral genomic technology to study the human brain, UCSF).

Project summary and responsibilities

  • Define the role of primary cilia in glial cells in development and disease, using both mouse models and human cells.
  • Analyze data from molecular, genetic, imaging, and behavioral experiments.
  • Collaborate with lab members and interdisciplinary teams at U of Calgary and internationally.

Qualifications:

  • MSc in neuroscience or a related field is highly desirable but not required.
  • Motivated, self-driven, and curious. Willing to learn many different techniques and analytical skills.
  • Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills.
  • (highly desired but not necessary) Experience with molecular biology, scRNAseq/ATACseq, in vivo 2-photon live imaging, and mouse behavior
  • Experience with coding is an asset (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB).
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Individuals interested in this opportunity should submit the following components in a single PDF document to Dr. Jiami Guo (Jiami.guo@ucalgary.ca).

  • Letter of interest (research interests, experience, and goals (<2 pages)
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Recent publications (links)
  • Names and contact information of two or three referees (who will only be contacted if a candidate is shortlisted)

The position is located in Calgary, Alberta. Applications will be accepted until suitable candidates are identified.
Contact information Dr. Jiami Guo
jiami.guo@ucalgary.ca

Assistant/Associate Professor (Research) in Computational Genomics, Department of Psychiatry – McGill University

​Apply here: https://mcgill.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/McGill_Careers/job/Douglas-Hosp-Burland/Assistant-Associate-Professor–Research–in-Computational-Genomics–Department-of-Psychiatry—C2-230921-_JR0000064367

Position Description

The McGill University Departments of Psychiatry in collaboration with the Douglas Research Centre (DRC) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences is inviting applications for a full-time Contract Academic Staff position in computational genomics “omics” (i.e., genomics, epigenomics, and/or proteomics). This is a three year, renewable appointment at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor (Research) based at the Douglas Research Centre. The professorial rank will be determined according to the candidate’s qualifications and experience. This will be a Contract Academic Staff position and does not confer eligibility for tenure. The role includes establishing an independent research program and supervising students.

The McGill University Department of Psychiatry (https://www.mcgill.ca/psychiatry/) has a rich history of scientific innovation with sustained expertise in psychotherapy, substance abuse research, psychoneuroendocrinology, psychoimmunology, genetics, epigenetics, advanced brain imaging, and now single-cell neurobiology. It remains a global leader in integrating cutting-edge science with clinical practice to train future psychiatric researchers and clinicians.

With over 55 researchers spanning a full range of mental health research (i.e., neuroscience, clinical services, policy, and epidemiology/population health), the Douglas Research Centre (DRC) has been an international leader in mental health research for more than 40 years. The DRC has been at the forefront of pioneering innovative methods in the field of psychiatry, including single-cell neurobiology and is an integral member of the SCGBI research program focused on using single-cell approaches to gain insights into the brain and its related disorders. Together, with the recently acquired resources and the strong ties between the DRC, the Montreal Neurological Institute (The Neuro) and The Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research (LDI), this program is poised to maintain McGill’s global leadership in Neuroscience.

McGill is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities, with students from over 140 countries. The university is located in Montreal, a cosmopolitan city with great cultural and linguistic diversity. It has long been considered a leader in neuroscience and a strong innovator in methods that support a wide spectrum of basic and clinical research endeavours. The university’s strong training programs in Biological and Biomedical Engineering, Psychiatry, and Quantitative Life Sciences as well as the Integrated Program in Neuroscience favour the development of strong multidisciplinary research teams.
 

Job Duties

The successful candidate has a keen research interest in computational single-cell neurobiology; they possess expertise in bioinformatics, computer science, computational genomics, programming and/or mathematics. Scientists focusing on computational integration of large-scale functional and comparative multi-omic datasets, tool development and AI approaches are especially encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the advancement of the recently funded Ludmer Centre’s Single-Cell Genomics Brain Initiative (SCGBI):

https://www.mcgill.ca/ludmercentre/our-research/scgbi)

The role includes establishing an independent research program, supervising students, contributing to formal classroom teaching at McGill, and the possibility of obtaining memberships in additional departments (if applicable). The successful candidate will also be expected to conduct rigorous cutting-edge research, therefore augmenting the existing efforts of the Douglas Research Center. The incumbent will develop a fundamental, disease-relevant research program in their own areas of expertise, aligned with the strategic priorities of the Research Centre and the McGill University Department of Psychiatry.

The successful candidate will be expected to independently acquire funds to support the training of graduate students at the M.Sc. and Ph.D. level. The incumbent will also be expected to disseminate research findings through peer-reviewed publications and other knowledge translation and exchange activities, participate and be actively involved in all aspects of the Research Centre and McGill’s academic mission, and demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas (i.e., research, teaching, supervision of students and residents, and involvement in academic and administrative committees).

McGill faculty members are expected to contribute to service activities within their units, the University, and the wider scholarly community. A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion is also expected.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Candidates must:

  • Have a PhD in Computational genomics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics or a related field;
  • Demonstrate excellent research productivity and the ability to attract competitive funding;
  • Have proven potential in advancing the field of Computational genomics and/or neuroscience;
  • Demonstrate a commitment to, and in accordance with the circumstances, a track record in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI);
  • Fluency in English is essential; a working knowledge of French, or a commitment to acquiring it within few years of appointment is preferred.

Note: For more information about the eligibility for promotion and reappointment, please consult the following link: https://www.mcgill.ca/apo/academic-life-cycle/contract-academic-staff-cas/ranked-cas

Faculty/Department/Unit: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry

Employee Type: Contract Academic Staff (‘Academic Contractual’)

Rank: Assistant or Associate Professor

Salary: The salary will be commensurate to the qualifications and experience

Job Status: Full-time

Posting Period: Applications must be received within 30 days of posting

The following supporting documents are required:

  • Cover letter and curriculum vitae;
  • Statement of research interests and goals;
  • Statement of teaching philosophy;
  • Names and contact information of three referees.

Use a personal email address when creating an account in Workday to submit your application. Do not use @mail.mcgill.ca or @mcgill.ca email accounts to apply.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Mark Cembrowski wins the 2025 CAN New Investigator Award for multidisciplinary research that has transformed our understanding of how memory is represented in the brain

Mark Cembrowski
Mark Cembrowski

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience is proud to announce Dr. Mark Cembrowski will be awarded the 2025 Canadian Association of Neuroscience (CAN) New Investigator Award. Dr. Cembrowski has established himself as an outstanding scientist, collaborator, and mentor, conducting leading-edge research on the cellular and molecular underpinnings of cognition and brain disorders, particularly in memory.

Read his profile