University of Alberta: Graduate students (M.S. or Ph.D. track

Society for Integrative & Comparative Biology; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative lab at the University of Alberta is inviting motivated graduate students to join their research team. This is a unique opportunity to explore the fascinating world of social and seasonal neuroendocrinology in cichlid fishes, utilizing cutting-edge techniques such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and next-generation sequencing. Students will not only enhance their laboratory skills but also gain valuable professional development through teaching assistantships and mentorship. If you are passionate about research and eager to contribute to groundbreaking studies, this position promises a rewarding academic experience that will shape your future career in science.

Qualifications

• Motivated students with a B.S. in relevant fields and basic lab skills are sought.
• Prior experience with fish and wet lab techniques is beneficial but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop expertise in various laboratory methods and techniques.
• Gain experience in experimental design, data analysis, and mentoring.

Skills

Laboratory Skills

Behavioral Testing

Polymerase Chain Reaction

Gel Electrophoresis

Histology

CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing

Next-Generation Sequencing

Data Analysis

Education

B.S. in Psychology

B.S. in Biology

B.S. in Neuroscience

Tools

Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Enzyme Immunoassays

Job description

The Seasonal and Social Neuroendocrinology (SeaSoN) Lab (PI: Dr. Kat Munley) in the Department of Psychology at the University of Alberta will be opening its doors in July 2025 and is seeking 2-3 graduate students (M.S. or Ph.D. track) to join our team! Our lab uses genetic, molecular, endocrine, and behavioral approaches within a comparative framework to study the social and seasonal regulation of behavioral plasticity in dominance hierarchies of African and Neotropical cichlid fishes and how these mechanisms differ across species and sex.

We are searching for motivated students with a B.S. in Psychology, Biology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline and basic laboratory skills acquired in a classroom and/or research setting. Prior experience with fish and relevant wet lab techniques (e.g., behavioral testing, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, histology) is beneficial, but not required. As an integrative and multidisciplinary lab, we value students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, both within and outside of science.

Graduate students in the SeaSoN Lab will have the opportunity to develop expertise in a suite of laboratory methods, such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, next-generation sequencing, multiplexed in situ hybridization, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, enzyme immunoassays, and dynamic behavioral paradigms. Additionally, students will gain conceptual knowledge and professional development training through the lab and the University of Alberta’s Graduate Program in Psychology, as well as experience in experimental design, data and statistical analysis, mentoring, and pedagogy through teaching assistantships offered by the department.

If you are interested in joining the lab as a M.S. or Ph.D. student, contact Dr. Munley ([e-mail]). In your email, please include your CV and briefly discuss your research experience and why you are interested in joining the lab. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are due December 1st, and prospective students are strongly encouraged to reach out prior to the application deadline to discuss your research interests and fit in the lab.