Position Summary:

Develop and conduct research projects, plan specific experiments to test hypotheses about the role of the anterior vs. posterior nucleus accumbens in valence during an appetitive/aversive paradigm in mice.

Read and interpret new literature to integrate the latest findings in the field

Run mouse behavioral experiments with optogenetic stimulation to probe valence in an appetitive/aversive paradigm

Perform wet lab work such as histology/RNA-scope to validate viral targeting and probe gene expression, as well as imaging of the data

Perform data analysis on behavioral and imaging data

Supervise and train a graduate student assisting with the planned experiments

Prepare and write manuscripts in collaboration with the primary supervisor.

Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:

Expertise in R and Python for data analysis

Expertise in bioinformatic analyses

Advanced statistical modelling approaches, including multilevel and multivariate methods, dimensionality reduction, and latent variable modelling

Good organization skills

Expertise with statistical analysis of data

Attention to detail

Able to work independently and in collaboration with others

Experience and Education:

Experience with animal behavior and animal handling

Experience working with RNAscope, assay development for single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing

Experience in computational modelling of complex biological data

Extensive studies in the field of neuroscience

Additional Information:

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

Salary and Contract:

Hourly Salary: $35.37

Hours per Week: 40 (Full time)

Position Start Date: 2026-09-22

Position End Date: 2027-10-10

This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.

Equity and Diversity Statement:

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.