Chercheur postdoctoral

Postdoctoral Fellow in Translational Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology of Eating Disorders

Douglas Research Centre, McGill University (Montreal, Canada) Principal Investigator: Prof. Salah El Mestikawy, PhD

Duration: 2 years (renewable)

Starting date: Flexible (2026–2027)

Project

The El Mestikawy laboratory at the Douglas Research Centre and McGill University is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Fellow to join an ambitious translational neuroscience program aimed at developing the first mechanism-based treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN) and related compulsive disorders.

Anorexia nervosa is among the most severe psychiatric disorders, with one of the highest mortality rates in psychiatry. Current treatments remain only partially effective, highlighting the urgent need for innovative therapeutic approaches grounded in neurobiology.

Our research has identified a previously unrecognized role of striatal cholinergic signaling in the control of habits and compulsive behaviors. Using a humanized mouse model carrying the rare VGLUT3-p.T8I mutation identified in patients with eating disorders and addiction, we demonstrated that reduced cholinergic tone promotes anorexia-like, bulimia-like and addiction-like behaviors.

Most importantly, we discovered that increasing cholinergic signaling with the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor donepezil reverses self-starvation behaviors in mice and improves symptoms in a cohort of patients with anorexia nervosa. However, due to its peripheral effects, donepezil promotes multiple sides effects (nausea, cramps, diarrhea, hypotension)

To improve the efficacy of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors for the treatment of AN, eating disorders and other compulsive disorders our team has developed a new generation of brain-specific acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, including our lead compound Donquine. This centrally active compound displays substantially greater potency and reduced peripheral side effects compared with donepezil. Donquine and its analogues are protected by international patents and constitute promising candidates for future clinical development.

Research Objectives

The successful candidate will participate in a multidisciplinary project combining behavioral neuroscience, fiber photometry, neuropharmacology and translational psychiatry.

The project includes:

• Characterization of novel brain-permeant acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
• Investigation of acetylcholine and dopamine dynamics in the dorsal striatum.
• Fiber photometry recordings using state-of-the-art genetically encoded biosensors (GACh4.3 and GRABDA4.4).
• Studies in the activity-based anorexia (ABA) model of anorexia nervosa.
• Evaluation of therapeutic mechanisms underlying the rescue of compulsive self-starvation behaviors.
• Collaboration with medicinal chemists, clinicians and industrial partners supporting preclinical drug development.

Available Techniques

The laboratory has extensive expertise and established protocols in:

• Fiber photometry
• In vivo neurochemical recordings
• Viral vector approaches (AAVs)
• Mouse genetics
• Activity-Based Anorexia (ABA)
• Models of compulsive behavior
• Behavioral phenotyping
• Neuropharmacology
• Translational psychiatry

The candidate will have access to a fully equipped neuroscience environment and will interact with collaborators in Canada and Europe.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for an outstanding and enthusiastic scientist with:

Essential Qualifications

• PhD in Neuroscience, Neurobiology, Pharmacology, Physiology or a related discipline.
• Strong publication record.
• Experience with rodent behavioral neuroscience.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while interacting within a multidisciplinary team.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be highly advantageous:

• Fiber photometry
• In vivo imaging
• Neuropharmacology
• Dopamine and acetylcholine systems
• Viral vector approaches
• Computational analysis of neural signals
• Psychiatric disease models
• Eating disorders research

Research Environment

The Douglas Research Centre is one of Canada's leading mental health research institutes and is affiliated with McGill University, consistently ranked among the world's top universities.

The El Mestikawy laboratory offers a highly collaborative and internationally connected environment with strong expertise in:

• Neurotransmitter systems
• Addiction
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Translational neuropsychiatry
• Drug development

The position offers opportunities to contribute to high-impact publications, international collaborations and translational projects with significant clinical and commercial potential.

Salary and Benefits

Salary will be competitive and commensurate with experience, according to McGill University and Douglas Research Centre guidelines.

Application

Interested candidates should send emails containing:

• A cover letter describing research interests and career goals.
• A curriculum vitae.
• A list of publications.
• Contact information for three referees and recommendation letters

Applications and inquiries should be sent to:

Prof. Salah El Mestikawy

Douglas Research Centre, McGill University

Montreal, QC, Canada

Email:

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

McGill University and the Douglas Research Centre are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and encourage applications from all qualified candidates.