M.Sc/Ph.D/Post doc and Technician Opportunities
Opportunities available in the lab of Dr. Melissa Perrault (perreaum@uoguelph.ca)
Sex-specific role for the EphA2 receptor in depression (preclinical neuroscience)
Post-doctoral researcher or technician, one (1) position in cellular systems mechanisms of depression (preclinical neuroscience) available immediately.
Graduate students, two (2) positions, MSc or PhD, in cellular and systems mechanisms of depression (preclinical neuroscience) available immediately up to F24.
Project description: Evidence suggests that women exhibit twice the risk to develop depression. Our published findings in rats showed that innate and stress-induced changes in neurophysiological oscillations (brain waves) are sex-dependent and contribute to depression-like behavioural responses. Our preliminary findings have also demonstrated a sex-dependent role for the erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A2 receptor (EphA2R) in mediating depression- and anxiety-like behaviour in rats. The EphA2R functions as an important mediator of synaptic plasticity, thus implicating the receptor as a potential candidate in the suppression of low frequency neural oscillations within the circuity that we have shown to play a key role in female-specific stress responses and depression-like risk.
Objectives: 1. Investigate the sex-dependent functional role of the EphA2R in in brain. 2. Elucidate a sex-dependent role for the EphA2R in depression-like behaviour. 3. Evaluate the EphA2R as a therapeutic target in depression.
Requirements: A background in molecular or cellular biology and/or neuroscience is mandatory and comfort working with rodents is necessary. Postdoctoral applicants should have experience in performing stereotactic surgeries.
Appointment and salary: The position for the post doc/technician is for up to 4 years. Salaries: MSc $28000/year; PhD $30000/year; Post-doc $50000/year; Technician $40000+ commensurate with experience and education level.
Additional information: The lab of Dr. Perreault is multidisciplinary with opportunities to train in cellular neurobiology, neuropharmacology, systems neuroscience, and behavioural neuroscience. We employ techniques such as primary neuronal cell culture, in vitro and in vivo systems electrophysiology, biochemistry, in vivo AAV technologies, gene expression assays, omics, coding, advanced statistical methods. Collaborations with the Department of Plant Agriculture to study holistic approaches to health (e.g. psychedelics) are possible.
Dr. Perreault offers a welcoming and supportive work environment and strongly encourages applications by those from marginalized groups.