Category: Trainee opportunities

Postdoc position in the Behavioural Neuroscience of Reward – Université de Montréal, Canada

Posted on | by Julie

Dr Anne-Noel Samaha’s laboratory at the Université de Montréal has an open position for a post-doctoral fellow. The research work involves characterizing the role of the amygdala in the behavioural response to reward cues in rats.

As an example, see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31953370/

Dr Samaha will hire someone whose primary research interest is in the behavioural neuroscience of reward. Research experience in this or a relevant field is required.

Training in techniques such as Pavlovian/Instrumental conditioning, in vivo optogenetics, chemogenetics, electrophysiology, and in molecular biology assays is desirable. Speaking French is not mandatory.

The salary is fully funded, though applicants will be expected to also apply for nominal funding. Our lab is dynamic and very collaborative. We are part of several research groups and networks, with many opportunities for collaborations.

See also https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=samaha+AN+montreal&sort=date

To apply, send a letter of intent, a CV with publications listed, a paragraph summarizing current research, and the contact details of 2-3 academic referees to Dr Samaha: anna.samaha@umontreal.ca

Contact information

Dr Samaha: anna.samaha@umontreal.ca

 

Swayne Lab – post-doctoral researcher in cellular and molecular neuroscience

Posted on | by Julie

Project: The post-doctoral researcher will investigate cross-cellular mechanisms regulating dendritic spine stability. Experiments will involve transgenic models both in situ and in vitro, a variety of imaging techniques (confocal, super-resolution, two-photon microscopy), cell biological and biochemical tools as well as electrophysiology, and behavioural studies.

Opportunity: The post-doctoral researcher will have the opportunity to apply and expand their expertise in neuron and astrocyte biology across these approaches in a dynamic and collaborative research environment that values integrity, teamwork, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Qualifications and Skills: We encourage researchers who have obtained or will soon obtain their PhD with a demonstrated track record in cellular signaling and imaging research to apply. Previous experience with fluorescence imaging, transgenic models, and primary cell culture is especially valued.

  • Applications will be accepted until May 31, 2024
  • Start date will be January 1, 2025
  • Yearly salary will range from $60,000 to $65,000 annually (benefits included)

Interested applicants are invited to email a CV, list of references, and brief statement of research interests to swaynelab@uvic.ca. Applications will be reviewed by Dr. Swayne together with team of senior lab members. A short list of applicants will be invited to a virtual interview, following which there will be an additional final selection and interview process. Please note that only applicants who make the short list will be contacted. For more information about the lab, please visit https://www.uvic.ca/swaynelab.

Contact information Questions and applications should be addressed to the Swayne Lab, University of Victoria, swaynelab@uvic.ca

Posting end date: 2024/05/31

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Neuroscience McGill University, Canada

Posted on | by Julie

We are currently seeking outstanding candidates with an interest in neocortical circuits, including topics and methods such as synaptic plasticity, unconventional NMDA receptor signalling, 2-photon optogenetics, and 2-photon imaging. Applicants should be experienced with whole-cell recordings and/or advanced imaging techniques. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in whole-cell electrophysiology and/or 2-photon imaging, as well as a related track record of publications. Duties include performing experimental recordings, together with the analysis and presentation of data, at local, national, and international conferences, writing manuscripts as well as occasionally training other members of the team. For examples of directions the lab is currently taking, please see:
• Chou et al bioRxiv 2023 https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.12.30.573666
• Wong et al Neuron 2023 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2023.10.011

The Sjöström lab is located at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre in beautiful Montreal, Canada. Montreal is a vibrant, multicultural city that provides an excellent quality of life. McGill and its neighbouring universities provide an exceptionally rich neuroscience community.

We provide fully funded salary that is competitive. Applicants are also expected to apply for independent funding, which we provide guidance with. Such independent funding is available for both Canadian and international applicants.

Full applications, including Letter of Intent, a full CV, a brief outline of current research, and the names and contact details of three academic referees should be sent to Dr. Jesper Sjöström at jesper.sjostrom@mcgill.ca (http://plasticity.muhc.mcgill.ca). In the subject line, please enter “Postdoc” followed by your name.

The application deadline is July 31, 2024.

McGill University is committed to diversity and equity in employment. It welcomes applications from: women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, persons of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, visible minorities, and others who may contribute to diversification. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Contact information:

jesper.sjostrom@mcgill.ca

View a PDF version of this advertisement: Postdoc-2024

Postdoc position in the Neural Dynamics of Emotional Memory lab – University of Toronto

Posted on | by Julie

The Neural Dynamics of Emotional Memory lab at the University of Toronto Scarborough is recruiting postdocs. We are a systems neuroscience lab that uses in vivo electrophysiology, fiber photometry, miniscope imaging, and optogenetic manipulations during innovative behavioural tasks to investigate the neural dynamics of emotional memory. We are particularly interested in how the threat-level of a context alters prefrontal and hippocampal representations to modulate fear and anxiety behaviours.

We are looking for candidates that are interested in how environmental and experiential factors alter neural representations to direct emotional behaviour. Research experience with rodents is required. Experience with in vivo recording methods and data analysis are highly encouraged.

Please send your CV and cover letter describing why you are interested in joining our team to robert.rozeske@utoronto.ca. For details visit rozeskelab.org Salary is commensurate with experience and start date is flexible.

Contact information

robert.rozeske@utoronto.ca

Postdoctoral fellowship in the genetic basis of natural variation in sociability

Posted on | by Julie

The Choe and Dukas labs, McMaster University
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The Choe and Dukas labs at the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University are looking for a postdoc for a collaborative ongoing project deciphering the genetic basis of natural variation in sociability.

The Dukas and Dworkin labs have artificially selected low and high sociability fruit fly lineages  (https://academic.oup.com/evolut/article/76/3/541/6728481) and identified promising candidate sociability genes. We have begun the process of quantifying the effects of these genes on sociability in fruit flies and wish to expand our work to examining the role of the verified genes in mammalian sociability using mice as a model system.

The Choe Lab (http://choelab.ca) investigates neurobiological mechanisms underlying social behaviour using a multi-scale approach with a wide array of techniques including in vitro electrophysiology, molecular biology, confocal and lightsheet imaging, optogenetic and chemogenetics, in vivo fiber photometry recordings, mouse fMRI and behaviour assays.

The prospective postdoc would combine functional genetic analysis (using RNAi interference, CRISPR, or Cre-conditional knockout strategies among other genetic approaches) to examine variation in sociability and its neurobiological basis using fruit flies and mice as model systems. Qualified candidates will possess a PhD in biology, neuroscience or another relevant field.

Please send a cover letter, current CV, and a list of 3 references to Drs Katrina Choe or Reuven Dukas at choek@mcmaster.ca or dukas@mcmaster.ca. We will notify applicants before contacting any references.

Contact information

Katrina Choe: choek@mcmaster.ca
Reuven Dukas: dukas@mcmaster.ca

View a PDF version of this advertisement: Choe-Dukas-McMaster-postdoctoral-fellow-job-ad

Postdoctoral Fellowship available in the Sephton laboratory at Université Laval: Investigating lipid metabolism in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Posted on | by Julie

Join our innovative research team at the CERVO Brain Research Centre of Université Laval in Québec City, Canada. The Sephton lab is dedicated to uncovering the mechanisms that cause the fatal motor neuron disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and developing targeted therapies based on these discoveries. The Sephton lab is pleased to announce a funded postdoctoral fellowship that will investigate the cause and impact of metabolic dysregulation in ALS and how it impacts disease progression.

Project overview:

An early clinical feature of ALS is an imbalance in energy homeostasis, which leads to an overall energy deficit. Due to the high energy demands and impaired glucose metabolism that occurs in ALS, there is a metabolic switch from glucose to lipids for energy production in the central nervous system. The successful candidate will lead a project investigating the cause and impact of this metabolic switch in the brain and spinal cord using animal models and cell-culture models of ALS/FTD. Utilizing methods like immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, neuron-glia co-cultures, western blotting and lipid and protein mass-spectrometry, the project aims to elucidate how the central nervous system manages lipids as an energy source and whether it is impaired in familial models of ALS, contributing further to the pathogenesis of disease.

Requirements:

  • D. in Neuroscience, metabolism or a related field with evidence of expertise and productivity
  • Proficiency in one or more of the following: immunohistochemistry, western blotting, confocal microscopy, animal handling, animal surgery, primary cell-culture and data analysis.
  • Independence in research, creative problem-solving skills, and a collaborative mindset.
  • Strong communication skills in English and the ability to work effectively within a team.

Lab Environment:

The Sephton lab cultivates an atmosphere that encourages collaboration and intellectual stimulation, placing a high value on creativity, scientific rigor, and innovative thinking. We create abundant avenues for professional development and promote independence in research endeavors. We are also strongly committed to supporting diversity, equity and inclusion. Our support extends to diverse career paths, encompassing both academia and industry. Situated in Québec City, renowned for its safety, affordability, and family-friendly surroundings, our lab provides an ideal setting for research and personal growth.

Funding:

The project is funded by a 5-year grant from the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR). Additionally, candidates can apply for several other funding opportunities for international post-docs available through the Québec and Canadian funding systems. The lab is supported by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Brain Canada, Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and ALS Canada.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience, along with a curriculum vitae by May 1st, 2024 to Dr. Sephton here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-Z4HwJDAQDPSXwXIkkMbM8MGHM4sdQaHMiIyrlKVPPs/viewform?edit_requested=true

Download this advertisement as a PDF document here:

PDF positin-Sephton lab-Final

Postdoc position: Regeneration of locomotor circuits in salamanders

Posted on | by Julie

PROJECT: Salamanders can swim underwater and walk on ground. Their spinal cord regenerates after a full transection and the animal recovers voluntary locomotion after a few weeks. How this occurs is largely unknown. Genetic dissection of salamander neural circuits is now feasible with methods for manipulation, elimination, and visualization of genetically-defined cells. Such approaches can be combined with patch-clamp electrophysiology, calcium imaging, optogenetics, tracing and movement analysis (Ryczko et al. 2020 Trends in Neurosciences). The candidate will use genetic tools, calcium imaging, electrophysiology and movement analysis based on deep learning and neuroanatomy to study salamander locomotor circuits. The work will be carried out in collaboration with a team of modelers and roboticists (Pr. Ijspeert, EPFL, Switzerland) and experts in genomics (Pr. Simon, Karolinska Institute, Sweden).

REQUIREMENTS: The candidate should have completed a PhD in neuroscience or a related field. The ideal candidate would have experience in electrophysiology (patch-clamp), calcium imaging, optogenetics, virus injections, deep learning-based movement analysis, matlab scripting, and a keen interest in motor control.

HOST LABORATORY: The lab of Pr. Ryczko (Sherbrooke, QC, Canada) has expertise in the neural control of locomotion and publishes in excellent journals (PNAS, Science Robotics, Journal of Neuroscience, Trends in Neuroscience). The lab receives grant support by the CIHR, NSERC, FRQS, CFI. This project is funded by a synergy grant of the ERC. We are equipped for patch-clamp recordings, confocal and two photon calcium imaging, optogenetics, viral injections, deep learning-based movement analysis, and microscopy (confocal, light-sheet, two-photon, STED).

START: the position is available immediately.

APPLY: Candidates should send a letter of interest explaining how they would fit, a CV, a complete record of their academic results and an international scale to interpret these, and three references at: dimitri.ryczko@gmail.com. Please specify where you have found the job post.

Contact:

dimitri.ryczko@gmail.com

M.Sc. & Ph.D. Positions at McGill University in Computational Analysis of Behavior and Brain dynamics with Computer Vision/Machine Learning

Posted on | by Julie

Positions Overview:

The Mohajerani lab (https://douglas.research.mcgill.ca/majid-mohajerani/) at McGill University is seeking prospective M.Sc. or Ph.D. to join our lab for Winter 2025 semester. The focus of student’s project will be on analysis of animal behaviour and brain activity using deep learning tools. To be qualified for this position, ideal candidates must have a solid background in computer vision and be familiar with neuroscience. As part of this role, students also must complete coursework for neuroscience program at McGill (www.mcgill.ca/ipn/), a university known for its world-class research and academic excellence, providing them an intellectually stimulating and inspiring environment for their career growth. We are searching for dedicated researchers to join our lab, so if you like tackling challenges, you are welcome to apply! Lastly, the successful candidate must have a collaborative spirit, as this role involves cooperation with multiple institutions and investigators.

Deadline: March 31st, 2024

Key qualifications:

  • Academic Background: M.Sc. or B.Sc. in computer science, computer engineering, neuroscience, or related fields. Solid foundation in machine learning , and knowledge of experimental neuroscience (e.g., optical imaging/ontogenetic, electrophysiology, behavioural assessment) will be a bonus.
  • Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with deep learning libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch), and image processing in Python.
  • Soft Skills: Individuals who are driven by curiosity, practical problem-solvers, and team players.
  • Passionate About Neuroscience: A genuine interest in computational, and/or behavioural neuroscience and a commitment to contributing to the field.

What we offer:

  • A Focus on Behavioural Neuroscience: Dive deep into research that aims to unravel the complexities of behaviour and brain dynamics through AI. Our projects span various aspects of the field, offering a rich environment for academic and personal growth.
  • Collaborative Environment: Work alongside leading scientists in a supportive, interdisciplinary team where your ideas and contributions are valued.
  • Resources: Access to cutting-edge technology and resources to facilitate your research, experimentation, and learning.
  • Real-World Impact: Engage in projects that aim to translate scientific discoveries into practical applications, making a tangible difference in the field and beyond.
  • Academic Excellence: As part of McGill University, you’ll be immersed in an environment known for its high standards of research and education.

How to Apply:

If you’re passionate about machine learning and want to work in a dynamic and exciting environment, please apply with your resume and a cover letter describing your relevant experience and why you’re the right fit for this role. We strive to ensure that our team is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. All qualified applicants, including women and members of visible minority groups, are welcome to apply. If you meet all the requirements, please fill out the following form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1TK_TfBSzkqNcR_DYt82HGb0MImX_1mthtegbxbkJtbI/edit

Post-doctoral position in comparative study of reward learning, stress and psychedelics- McGill University

Posted on | by Julie

Do you want to know what mice think about on mushrooms? Are you interested in making inferences in mice and humans?

The Behavioural Neurogenomics Lab (https://www.bagotlab.org) at McGill University is looking for a highly motivated computational neuroscience postdoc to lead a newly funded collaboration examining the neural bases of effects of stress and psychedelics on reward processing in mice and humans. This is a fully funded position intersecting computational modeling, neural circuit interrogation and robust behavioural paradigms. Based in Montreal, the candidate will work closely with the Noise Lab at Université de Montreal (https://ebitzlab.com/) and the Mayo Lab (https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/leah-mayo) at University of Calgary to develop new approaches for the comparative study of the neural processing of reward.

The candidate must have a PhD in computational neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science or a quantitative discipline as well as fluency in Matlab or Python and experience in statistical data analysis and an interest in translational or comparative research. Ideally, the candidate would have some background in cognitive and/or reinforcement learning models, generalized linear models, hidden Markov models or probabilistic graphical models.

Anticipated start date April 1, 2024 for an initial term of 1 year with the possibility of renewal.

Come join an exciting, diverse team in a unique city with a supportive, and highly collaborative environment.

To apply, please send a PDF of your CV to rosemary.bagot@mcgill.ca with a list of three potential references to contact. In your email, please describe 1) why you are interested in the position and 2) how your prior experience relates to this research opportunity.

Posting end date: 2024-03-30

Postdoctoral Position Available in the Breton-Provencher lab at U. Laval: Noradrenaline, acetylcholine and learning

Posted on | by Julie

Join our dynamic and innovative research team at the CERVO Brain Research Centre of Université Laval in Québec City, Canada. Established in 2021, our team is dedicated to unraveling the intricate mechanisms underlying learning and memory. We are excited to announce a funded postdoctoral position focused on exploring the role of neuromodulation in learning consolidation.

Project Overview:
The successful candidate will engage in a stimulating project investigating the impact of neuromodulators, such as acetylcholine and noradrenaline, on learning consolidation. Utilizing advanced methods like in vivo electrophysiology, two-photon imaging, and animal behavior analysis, the project aims to elucidate the neural mechanisms governing the consolidation of motor learning. This project aligns with our general research focus, which centers on understanding the influence of neuromodulatory systems on learning. For further insights into our work, please refer to Breton-Provencher and Sur’s publication in Nature Neuroscience (2019) and Breton-Provencher et al.’s recent article in Nature (2022).

Requirements:

  • Ph.D. in Neuroscience or a related field.
  • Proficiency in one or more of the following: in vivo electrophysiology, two-photon imaging, animal surgery, programming languages (Python/MATLAB), and data analysis.
  • Expertise and productivity in neuroscience research.
  • Independence in research, creative problem-solving skills, and a collaborative mindset.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.

Lab Environment:
Our lab fosters a collaborative, supportive, and intellectually stimulating environment where creativity, scientific rigor, and innovative thinking are valued. As a young lab, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and encourage independence in research pursuits. We offer support for various career paths, whether in academia or industry. The lab is located in Québec City, known for its safety, affordability, and family-friendly environment.

Funding:
The project is funded by a 3-year grant from the US Department of Defense. Additionally, candidates can apply for several other funding opportunities for international post-docs available through the Québec (e.g., FRQS) and Canadian (e.g., CIHR, NSERC) funding systems. The lab is supported by NSERC, Brain Canada, CFI, FNFR, and the CERVO Research Centre.

Interested candidates of ALL BACKGROUNDS should submit a cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience, along with a curriculum vitae.

Join us in unraveling the mysteries of neuromodulator systems in the brain!

Visit the vbplab.com for more info!