Information
This offer is the result of a collaborative project between the CNRS of Lyon, France and the University of Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada. Lab work will take place at the university of Trois-Rivières based in Québec (UQTR), under the supervision of Dr. Syrina Al Aïn and in Dr. Alexandra Veyrac’s lab which is located in Lyon, France.
2,2 billion people worldwide suffer from visual deficiency according to the World Health Organisation. The absence of vision is believed to induce cerebral plasticity, resulting in the peotentialisation of the other senses. Till date however, the impact of blindness on olfactory and memory functions as well as its neurobiology correlates remain poorly studied. This project would hereby aim to study neuronal plasticity of the olfactory and memory systems induced by the absence of visual inputs. The role of neurogenesis in this plasticity will be more specifically studied. In a blind mouse model, we will examine:
- neuronal plasticity. We will be namely observing the proliferation, survival, and functional integration of new neurons in the olfactory bulb as well as dentate gyrus, by means of techniques such as BrdU immunohistochemical staining , associated with other neuronal and glial markers
- behavioural adaptation
Requirements
Applicants should be holding a bachelor (or masters) degree in biology, neurosciences and or ethology.
Good writing and communication skills are expected. The candidates are also expected to be independent, to show scientific rigour and show interest for pluri-disciplinary research.
Enrolment in the Biomedical Science program of Trois-Rivières University, Québec will be required.
How to apply
To apply, send a CV and your transcript of records to : Syrina.Alain@uqtr.ca
Useful links
The lab: uqtr.ca/anatomie