Project:
The main interest of the lab (PI: Sandrine Côté) is to investigate the anatomical and functional logic of neural circuits linking sensory and motor regions of the brain to reveal how they help orchestrate the production and learning of dexterous movements. By gaining a better understanding of these fundamental mechanisms, our ultimate goal is to develop new therapeutic treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders and acquired brain injuries linked to sensorimotor deficits.
This posting is related to a newly funded NSERC research program (5-year grant) that will investigate the role of the circuitry linking sensory thalamus to motor cortex in the context of dexterous forelimb movements using viral tools, in vivo electrophysiology, chemogenetics, calcium imaging and movement analysis using deep learning in mice.
Scholarships will be offered for all positions, but candidates will be expected to apply to provincial (e.g. FQRNT, FRQS) and federal (e.g. NSERC, CIHR) funding programs.
Requirements:
We seek highly motivated students and postdocs with research experience in areas ranging from neurosciences, biomedical sciences, psychology, biomedical engineering, rehabilitation or other related disciplines, with strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a team.
Candidates with diverse skills and career objectives will be considered.
Prior experience in one or more of the following is highly desirable: animal surgery, microscopy, in vivo electrophysiology, calcium imaging, chemogenetics, behavioral experimentation, programming languages (Python/Matlab), and data analysis.
Lab Environment:
We are a newly established lab at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR). Trois-Rivières is well regarded by students for its affordability, friendly atmosphere, and safety. The city is surrounded by nature with outdoor activities that can be enjoyed year-round. The lab provides a dynamic, collaborative and supportive research environment that values innovative thinking, scientific rigor, teamwork and diversity. MSc and PhD students will be enrolled in the Graduate Biomedical Sciences program at UQTR. Basic knowledge of French is recommended but not required as assignments and exams can be written in French or English.
To apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following documents to sandrine.cote@uqtr.ca
- A short cover letter describing research background and interests
- University transcripts
- CV
Join us in unraveling the mysteries of sensorimotor circuits!
Contact information
sandrine.cote@uqtr.ca
