BACKGROUND

The Genomic centre at the Universite Laval (Quebec, Canada) conducts research in the fields of bioinformatics and systems biology. The center is divided into twelve specialist research groups, has a highly multi-disciplinary profile (biologists, biochemists, MDs, physicists, statisticians, and computer scientists). The successful candidate must be analytical, articulate, organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable. The position requires independence and self-motivation in a team environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

We are looking for a Ph.D Student who will work on new tools for the analysis of the behavioral responses in rodents. The project will provide training in computer vision technology, the design of automated assays and in behavioural analysis and screening techniques in mouse. The successful candidate will develop and validate an automated home-cage system for behavioural phenotyping in rodent. State of the art vision algorithms will be used to detect and identifies the behavioral profiles of the mouse. The motion and postural aspects of the rodent's behavior are captured by the automated-system and fed into a pattern recognition algorithm where the signal is compared to a reference list of behavioral patterns and classified.

The candidate will be responsible for software development, system evaluation and validation and will have the opportunity to contribute to all aspects of the project.

REQUIREMENTS

We ask a Ph.D degree in statistics/biostatistics, computer science, physics, computational biology or other fields with strong quantitative training. Strong programming skills in C/C++, R, and similar languages are required. Previous experience with genomics or biological data analyses is a plus. You should have interest in phenotyping of laboratory rodent behavior. You should be proficient in English and have excellent scientific writing and presenting skills. You are an enthusiastic team player who is able to work independently, and who has good organizational and communicational skills.

TERMS

The period of employment is 3 years

LOCALE

CHUQ Research center, Quebec, Canada

COMPENSATION

The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications should be sent by email to: Arnaud Droit (arnaud.droit[at]crchuq.ulaval.ca)

DEADLINE

Open until filled