The Seasonal and Social Neuroendocrinology (SeaSoN) Lab (PI: Dr. Kat Munley) in the Department of Psychology at the University of Alberta will be opening its doors in July 2025 and is seeking 2-3 graduate students (M.S. or Ph.D. track) to join our team! Our lab uses genetic, molecular, endocrine, and behavioral approaches within a comparative framework to study the social and seasonal regulation of behavioral plasticity in dominance hierarchies of African and Neotropical cichlid fishes and how these mechanisms differ across species and sex.
We are searching for motivated students with a B.S. in Psychology, Biology, Neuroscience, or a related discipline and basic laboratory skills acquired in a classroom and/or research setting. Prior experience with fish and relevant wet lab techniques (e.g., behavioral testing, polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, histology) is beneficial, but not required. As an integrative and multidisciplinary lab, we value students with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, both within and outside of science.
Graduate students in the SeaSoN Lab will have the opportunity to develop expertise in a suite of laboratory methods, such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, next-generation sequencing, multiplexed in situ hybridization, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, enzyme immunoassays, and dynamic behavioral paradigms. Additionally, students will gain conceptual knowledge and professional development training through the lab and the University of Alberta’s Graduate Program in Psychology, as well as experience in experimental design, data and statistical analysis, mentoring, and pedagogy through teaching assistantships offered by the department.
If you are interested in joining the lab as a M.S. or Ph.D. student, contact Dr. Munley (munley@ualberta.ca). In your email, please include your CV and briefly discuss your research experience and why you are interested in joining the lab. Applications for the 2025-2026 academic year are due December 1st, and prospective students are strongly encouraged to reach out prior to the application deadline to discuss your research interests and fit in the lab.
