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 solid 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: [email protected]
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.

📌 Chercheur postdoctoral (Quebec City)
🏢 McGill University centre de recherche de l'hopital Douglas
📍 Quebec City