Postdoctoral researcher to lead project on neural mechanisms underlying odor-guided behavior at McGill University

We invite candidates to work on a multidisciplinary project investigating the neural circuit mechanisms underlying odor-guided behavior at McGill University. This is a multi-year project funded by NeuroNex (FRQ) and led by principal investigator Dr. Tomoko Ohyama (https://tomoko-oyama.squarespace.com/).

Smell is an ancient sense that almost every animal possesses. Although we rely on it less than many other species do, it continues to influence our behavior powerfully, guiding us toward food or mates and away from danger. The proposed enterprise will bring together the expertise of both experienced and budding biologists, mathematicians, and physicists at the forefront of neuroscience research, who are tackling different aspects of what problems odor-guided behaviors solve and how nervous systems achieve those solutions.

The Ohyama group will aim to understand how neural circuits translate odor signals into dynamic and adaptive behaviors using Drosophila larvae, which is a critical component of our overall network goal of understanding how natural odors trigger natural behaviors. This postdoctoral position is a 2–3 year appointment at minimum and will provide an opportunity to lead a large multidisciplinary field study and the analyses of multi-modal, neuroimaging, and behavioral data, with the potential to make novel discoveries in the mechanisms of, and recovery from, mild traumatic brain injury.

Desired qualifications:

  • PhD in neurobiology, neuroimaging, or related field
  • Expertise in big behavior analysis, neuroimaging, or related areas
  • Strongly motivated by research and development
  • Demonstrates autonomy and excellent interpersonal competencies to operate within a team
  • Excellent scientific writing skills

To apply, please e-mail Dr. Ohyama at tomoko.ohyama@mcgill.ca with the following information.

  • E-mail subject containing “[NeuroNex Postdoc Application]”
  • Brief statement of research experiences and interests
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Contact information for at least 2 references

McGill University is one of Canada’s best-known institutions of higher learning and one of the leading universities in the world. With students coming to McGill from some 150 countries, our student body is the most internationally diverse of any research-intensive university in the country.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the Q.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

 

Contact information

Dr. Tomoko Ohyama
Dept. of Biology
McGill University
Montreal, QC

email: Tomoko.ohyama@mcgill.ca