Job ID: 123300
PhD or Postdoctoral Position – Computational Neuroscience and Circuit Biology
Position: Post-doctoral Position
Deadline: 15 October 2025
City: Quebec
Country: Canada
Institution: Université Laval - CERVO Brain Research Center
Department: Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences
Description:
PhD or Postdoctoral Position – Computational Neuroscience and Circuit Biology
Labonté Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
Dynamica Research Lab, Department of Physics, Engineering Physics and Optics, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
The Labonté Lab and Dynamica Research Lab (co-led by Patrick Desrosiers) at Université Laval are jointly seeking a highly motivated PhD student or postdoctoral fellow to join a dynamic research program focused on the computational analysis of temporal dynamics in neuronal circuit activity underlying emotionally driven and motivated behaviors, and their disruption by chronic stress.
The selected candidate will lead a project that leverages cutting-edge computational approaches in neurophotonics, systems biology, network theory, and AI-driven predictive modeling. The project will examine the recruitment and consolidation of neuronal representations in the medial prefrontal cortex during ethologically relevant tasks spanning social, emotional, motivational, and cognitive domains. Analyses will focus on mPFC neurons involved in complex circuits projecting to subcortical structures and will compare their engagement across different behavioral tasks. Temporally constrained and network-based computational approaches will be used to evaluate the dynamic evolution of neuronal representations under both baseline and stress conditions. AI-based methods will also be employed to develop in silico models that predict neuronal representations and behavioral responses in males and females.
The project integrates a multidisciplinary toolkit, including:
- Neurophotonic approaches to target neuronal subpopulations
- In vivo Ca²⁺ imaging using mini-endoscopes in freely behaving mice during tasks covering social, emotional, motivation and cognitive behavioral domains
- Computational processing of raw Ca2+ signals from different modalities
- Advanced clustering and network-based approaches for the analysis of longitudinal time series
- AI-based modelling and predictive analyses to develop in silico predictive models
- 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. The Dynamica Research Lab, based on the main campus of Université Laval, is a multidisciplinary group focused on the study of complex systems. It collaborates with several scientific initiatives, including UNIQUE, which explores the shared principles of neuroscience and artificial intelligence, and CIMMUL, which is dedicated to mathematical and statistical modelling and their applications in the applied sciences.
Both labs are strongly committed to the scientific and professional development of their trainees, providing 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. Our teams are fully bilingual, and while several options to learn French are available, English is the primary language of communication in the labs.
The labs are 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 computational neurosciences and circuit function
- Interest in network science and AI models
- Demonstrated experience in programming and coding in Python, MATLAB, or R.
- A high degree of scientific curiosity, motivation, and independence
- Previous experience with Ca2+ imaging data and behavioral analysis is considered an asset.
We encourage interested candidates to apply by sending an email to benoit.labonte@fmed.ulaval.ca including a motivation letter, CV, 2 reference letters and transcripts.