Neural Circuitry Underlying Motor Control

Description

Our laboratory has recently identified and characterized neuronal brain mechanisms related to motor control and locomotion (Roussel et al, Cell Reports Medicine, 2023; Lemieux et al., Nature Communications, 2024). Using mouse genetics, we employ a wide range of techniques, from behavioral in vivo assays (kinematic and electrophysiological recordings) to physiological in vitro methods (whole-cell patch-clamp recordings with calcium imaging), viral-based neural circuit mapping, and neuroanatomical investigations using confocal microscopy.

The graduate student will develop a new pipeline of programming tools to accelerate data analysis from our neuroanatomical or electrophysiological studies (e.g., segmentation tools for neurons, axons or synaptic boutons or motor spike sorting) in physiological and neuropathological conditions (spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, etc.).

Research Field

- Brain and spinal cord
- Optogenetics and pharmacogenetics
- Mouse genetics
- Calcium imaging
- Electrophysiology
- Neuroanatomy
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Parkinson's disease

Research Supervisor

Frédéric Bretzner

Research Environment

CR-CHU de Quebec-Université Laval, CHUL

The laboratory is located in the neuroscience axis of the CR-CHU de Québec-Université Laval in Quebec City, in a dynamic French- and English speaking research environment linking neuroscience, neuroinflammation, and neurophotonics.

Web Site

Financial Aid Available by Program of Study

Doctorate in Neurosciences

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

$21000 per year for 4 years.

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
Program progress award (S-1 to S-8)	8 x $525
Program progress award (S-9 to S-11)	3 x $200
Successful completion of Ph.D exam	$800
Submission of dissertation deposit before the end of the 12th semester	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$7,850

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Funding source	Amount
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$30,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$30,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,500 to $3,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$25,000 to $40,000$
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $49,000.

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Master's Degree in Neurosciences with thesis

Program description

Financial Aid Available*

Financial Aid Related to Research Project

$18000 per year for 2 years.

Program-Specific Financial Aid

Graduate Studies Awards

Milestone	Amount
First submission of thesis by the end of the 5th semester of full-time registration	$2,000
Language training	$250
Total	$2,250

Université Laval: Student Financial Aid

Sources de financement	Montant
Leadership and Comittment Scholarship (Canadians & permanent residents)	$10,000
Citizens of the World Scholarship (International students)	$20,000
Mobility Grant for Out-of-Province Internships or Research Visits (in French)	$1,500 to $3,000
Graduate Scholarships from Granting Agencies	$20,000 to $27,000
Online Directory of Graduate Scholarships (in French)	$500 to $50,000

_{* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.}

Desired Profile

- Biomedical Science
- Neurology
- Mathematics, Statistics and Actuarial Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Physics Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Neuropathology
- Artificial intelligence

Requirements and Conditions

Candidates with programming skills (specifically Python and Matlab) and a good background or interest in neuroscience, particularly those wishing to pursue in research, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Required Documentation

- Text about research interests
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript

Names and contact details of three references

Application Deadline

July 1, 2026

Find Out More

Frédéric Bretzner
Professeur titulaire
Département de psychiatrie et de neurosciences
Frederic.Bretzner.1@ulaval.ca