My group concentrates on neural dynamics with particular emphasis on sensorimotor integration and memory systems. We combine optical imaging (e.g., two-photon imaging), optogenetics, electrophysiology, behavioural methods and computational tools to investigate how different brain areas communicate with one another to (a) encode and consolidate memory or (b) generate motor movement based on sensory inputs. We also have an interest in structure-function relationships in the brain. The lab has expertise in optics, engineering and microscopy that allows us to develop/employ hardware tools to collect brain activity/behaviour at multiple scales. Our expertise in computational neuroscience techniques allows us to develop quantitative tools (including artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches) to understand brain dynamics and behaviour in health and brain disease. Our research currently has been mainly focused on accomplishing the following objectives:

• Studying the impact of hippocampal outflow on neocortical physiology, information processing, and plasticity
• Determining the role of neuromodulatory systems (e.g., Acetylcholine, Serotonin, Dopamine, Neuroephinephrine) in memory formation and retrieval
• Determining the mechanism by which stress changes the cellular structure, brain dynamics, and cognitive functions
• Determining the link between genetic and environmental factors, pathology deposition, brain network dysfunction and cognitive deficits in Alzheimer’s disease
• Investigating neural mechanisms underlying motor control in animal models and humans in health and after brain damage for devising new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches
• Development of software and hardware tools for the neuroscience community

Majid Mohajerani, PhD, is an Associate Professor at the Douglas Research Centre and McGill University. Previously, he held an Associate Professor position at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge before joining McGill University. He holds BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Neuroscience, respectively. Prior to his roles as a CAIP Chair in Healthy Brain Aging and Dementia and later as Bryan Kolb Chair at the University of Lethbridge, he conducted postdoctoral research at the University of British Columbia. His research program remains dedicated to exploring neural dynamics, with a particular focus on sensorimotor integration and memory systems.

Education

• M.Sc., Biomedical Engineering, AmirKabir University of Technology
• Ph.D., Neuroscience, 2007, International School of Advanced Studies
• Postdoctoral fellowship, 2013, University of British Columbia

• 2021-2024    Accelerator Award, NSERC
• 2020-2030    Bryan Kolb Professorship Chair, University of Lethbridge
• 2019-2024    Board of Governor’s Chair in Neuroscience (declined), University of Lethbridge
• 2017-2019    New Investigator Award, Alzheimer Society of Canada
• 2015-2021    Early Career Researcher Award, NSERC Discovery Grant
• 2015-2017    New Investigator Award, Alzheimer Society of Alberta & Northwest territories
• 2013-2021    New Investigator Award, Alberta Innovation Program Chair
• 2010-2011    New Investigator Henry J.M. Barnett Award, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
• 2010-2013    Postdoctoral Fellowship, Canadian Institute for Health Research (Focus on Stroke)
• 2008-2011    Postdoctoral Fellowship, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research
• 2004-2004    Research Scholarship, International Center for Theoretical Physics (ICTP)
• 2002-2006    Ph.D. scholarship, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA)

Available Positions

We are currently looking for the following:

1. Postdocs and/or graduate students (Master’s and/or Ph.D. levels) to use inspirations from neuroscience to improve Artificial Intelligence and, conversely, to apply Artificial Intelligence to understand brain function and behaviour.
2. Postdocs and/or graduate students (Master’s and/or Ph.D. levels) to work in the development of UHF-based Internet of Things (IoT) systems and their application in the brain-machine interface.
3. Postdocs and/or graduate students (Master’s and/or Ph.D. levels) interested in learning in vivo optical imaging, optogenetics, advanced behavioural assays, electrophysiological recording, and Neurotechnology. Experience in MATLAB and/or Python will be an asset.
4. Undergraduates in different disciplines (e.g., Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, etc.) interested in independent studies, applied studies, summer positions, co-op and honour thesis.

Interested students/applicants should send a brief description of their research interests and a CV.