Post-Doctoral Researcher

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Position Summary:

The Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health (CEYMH) at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute and McGill University invites applications for a postdoctoral researcher with expertise in functional MRI (fMRI) analysis and Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM). CEYMH is dedicated to advancing youth mental health through a combination of innovative research, clinical service delivery, and training of future clinicians and researchers.

This position is part of the internationally funded DIALOG initiative, supported by the Wellcome Trust. DIALOG aims to understand the neurobiological mechanisms underlying disorganization symptoms in severe mental illnesses. The initiative integrates neuroimaging, behavioral, linguistic, and computational approaches and involves collaborators from Canada, the UK, Germany, Italy, Australia, and the Netherlands. The project offers access to large-scale, multi-site neuroimaging datasets, advanced analytical tools, and a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment.

Work environment: The Postdoctoral researcher will be based at the department of Psychiatry at McGill University, Douglas Mental Health University Institute. It includes the Douglas Research Centre, the second largest mental health research center in Canada. Its vibrant multidisciplinary community of researchers investigate virtually all aspects of mental health, from genes to society. The Douglas forms part of the Montreal West Island Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre (CIUSSS-West Island), which provides health care services to a population of nearly 375,000 inhabitants (Statistics Canada, 2016).

A postdoctoral researcher joining the DIALOG project becomes part of a vibrant international research network, collaborating across neuroscience, psychiatry, linguistics, and computational modeling. The position offers access to large-scale neuroimaging and language datasets, advanced analytical tools, and a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment. The researcher is supported in developing independent projects, building global partnerships, and pursuing external funding through the project’s institutional and international connections, creating a strong foundation for long-term career development and impactful research.

The team has a proven track record of mentoring early-career researchers and supporting prestigious fellowships and awards, including CIHR, NARSAD, FRQS, and EU grants. This commitment to mentorship ensures that postdoctoral researchers receive the guidance and resources necessary to thrive in both academic and applied research settings.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Neuroscience, Psychology, Psychiatry, Biomedical Engineering, etc.] or related field (completed within the last 5 years)
• Strong background in functional neuroimaging (MRI), and computational modeling
• Proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Excellent organizational, communication, and teamwork skills
• Experience with dynamic causal modelling (DCM), machine learning or related computational approaches are an asset

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Analyze fMRI data to investigate brain activity and connectivity.
• Model brain functional connectivity using static and dynamic approaches.
• Utilize Dynamic Causal Modeling (DCM) to study brain network dynamics.
• Lead and support ongoing research projects.
• Contribute to publications, conferences, and grant proposals.
• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaborations within and beyond the institution.

Skills and abilities:

• Capacity to work in a young multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced, result-oriented environment
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and organizational skills
• Able to work under minimal supervision and meet deadlines
• Legally able to work in Canada

An equitable salary of up to $70,000 CAD, commensurate with experience.

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.