Project Title

Neuroinflammation as a biomarker for epilepsy and neuropsychiatric comorbidities among people with tuberous sclerosis complex: a prospective, multicentre study

Description

The teams of Drs. Larochelle and Keezer are located at the CHUM Research Center (CRCHUM), in Montreal, Canada. A position as a PhD student or post-doctoral fellow is immediately available. Dr. Larochelle's laboratory studies the interactions between cells of the immune system and those of the central nervous system in neuroinflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis and refractory epilepsy. Dr. Keezer's research group focuses on studying somatic comorbidities of epilepsy, using robust epidemiological methods.

The CaTS (CAnadian Tuberous Sclerosis complex group) cohort is a recently launched multimodal prospective study of children and adults with TSC, recruited from the 4 largest TSC clinics in Canada (2 in Montreal, 1 in London and 1 in Toronto, Ontario). This initiative is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and is led by Dr. Keezer, in close collaboration with Dr. Larochelle.

The overall goal of our research group is to investigate the potential contribution of neuroinflammatory processes to epileptogenesis and microstructural damage to the central nervous system (CNS) in TSC, a disease involving the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. (mTOR). We will also identify the role of neuroinflammation in predicting the development of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and its response to mTOR inhibitors.

Responsibilities 

As a PhD Student or Postdoctoral Trainee, this person will be responsible for:

• Participate in the analysis of blood samples using a 21-color multiparametric FACS panel, multiplex immunoassays and SIMOA. 
• Compare our results to those of age- and sex-matched individuals with DRE but without STB and to those of healthy control subjects. 
• Analyze tuber loading on brain MRIs using semi-automated segmentation techniques. Single cell RNA sequencing on selected biological samples will be carried out in individuals carrying different mutations, as well as before and after mTOR initiation.
•  We will complement our analyzes using ROC curves, regression models, statistical heatmaps, and Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) with FlowSOM cluster analyses.

Qualifications

• Hold an MSc degree for the PhD program and PhD or MSc with an MD for the postdoctoral internship
• Have a strong academic record
• Demonstrate motivation and autonomy in research
• Have good communication and organizational skills
• Have good knowledge of immunology and/or neurology
• Have experience with cell biology techniques, flow cytometry, microscopy, and handling of laboratory animals
• Speak French and/or English and know how to write in English
• Have a good publication record depending on the level

What we offer

• Contract lasting 3 to 5 years
• Champ-de-Mars metro station connected to the CHUM by a tunnel
• Salary according to CRCHUM standards
• Start date: As soon as possible

It is essential to attach your CV for your application to be considered.

Only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.

The CRCHUM invites women, Indigenous, visible minorities, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities to apply. The CRCHUM adopts a broad and inclusive definition of diversity that goes beyond applicable laws. 

The CRCHUM thus encourages all people, regardless of their characteristics, to apply. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, please note that priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent resident.