PhD or Postdoctoral Position – Circuit Neuroscience and Stress-Related Behaviors

Université Laval - CERVO Brain Research Center; Quebec; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The CERVO Brain Research Center at Université Laval is offering a postdoctoral position to investigate brain circuits linked to emotional behaviors and stress. Candidates will engage in cutting-edge neuroscience research, using advanced techniques like in vivo imaging and electrophysiology. The position promises a vibrant research environment in historic Québec City, providing opportunities for both scientific growth and community engagement.

Benefits

Access to state-of-the-art research facilities

Opportunities for career advancement and networking

Weekly seminars and summer schools

Supportive environment promoting diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• Experience in behavioral analysis, optical imaging, and/or electrophysiology is mandatory.
• Strong interest in behavioral neuroscience and circuit function is essential.
• High degree of scientific curiosity, motivation, and independence is expected.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects investigating brain circuits and neuronal subtypes in behaviors.
• Utilize advanced techniques such as viral-mediated gene transfer and Ca²⁺ imaging.
• Collaborate within a multidisciplinary research environment.

Skills

Behavioral analysis

Optical imaging

Electrophysiology

Scientific curiosity

Independence

Education

PhD in Neuroscience or related field

Tools

In vivo Ca²⁺ imaging

Optogenetic manipulation

Chemogenetic manipulation

Patch-clamp electrophysiology

Single-cell RNA-seq

Job description

PhD or Postdoctoral Position – Circuit Neuroscience and Stress-Related Behaviors

Position: Post-doctoral Position

Deadline: 15 October 2025

Country: Canada

Department: Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences

Description:

The Labonté Lab , within the Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience at Université Laval , is seeking a highly motivated PhD student or postdoctoral fellow to join an exciting research program focused on the functional investigation of brain circuits and neuronal subtypes involved in emotionally driven and motivated behaviors, particularly in the context of chronic stress.

The selected candidate will lead a project that leverages cutting-edge circuit neuroscience approaches to target, record, and manipulate genetically defined neuronal populations in vivo. The research will explore how specific neuron subtypes in key brain regions—including the medial prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, ventral tegmental area, and lateral habenula—contribute to adaptive and maladaptive behavioral responses.

The project integrates a multidisciplinary toolkit, including:

• Viral-mediated gene transfer and intersectional viral strategies to label and manipulate neuron subpopulations
• In vivo Ca²⁺ imaging (using mini-endoscopes or fiber photometry) in freely behaving mice during emotional and cognitive tasks
• Optogenetic and chemogenetic manipulations to probe circuit function
• Patch-clamp electrophysiology to study synaptic plasticity
• Integration of existing single-cell RNA-seq, synaptic tracing, and electrophysiological data to guide functional interrogation of identified circuits

This position is part of an ongoing and well-supported research program with strong foundations in molecular, cellular, and systems neuroscience.

The Labonté Lab, located at the CERVO Brain Research Center , offers a vibrant, collaborative, and multidisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities and expertise. The center also features a rich program of events, including weekly seminars and summer schools. We are strongly committed to the scientific and professional development of our trainees, offering ample opportunities for career advancement, networking, and training in both academic and translational neuroscience. We actively promote the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and strive to create a supportive environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and identities.

The lab is located in Québec City, a historic and culturally rich city designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region offers a high quality of life and is surrounded by exceptional opportunities for outdoor activities year-round.

We are looking for candidates with:

• A strong interest in behavioral neuroscience and circuit function
• Demonstrated experience in behavioral analysis, optical imaging, and/or electrophysiology
• A high degree of scientific curiosity, motivation, and independence

We encourage interested candidates to apply by sending an email to [e-mail] including a motivation letter, CV, 2 reference letters and transcripts.