Project title: Proventure. Cannabis use and psychotic experiences in adolescents: A longitudinal brain imaging study
Study levels: MSc and PhD
Principal investigators: Dr Patricia Conrod, Dr Stéphane Potvin
Project duration: 2-4 years
Available positions: 2
Start date: Between January 2023 and December 2023
Overview of the research group
Substance use disorders are widespread, with their first symptoms appearing in adolescence and a high rate of comorbidity with other mental disorders. Dr. Conrod’s lab is studying the development of these disorders and their risk factors using multimodal longitudinal research designs. Dr. Conrod’s research has shown that substance use behaviors can be predicted by a combination of psychological, genetic, and neurocognitive factors, which can then be targeted in preventive psychosocial interventions. These findings have led to the development of an intervention program that has proven effective in preventing substance abuse and mental health problems in high-risk youth.
Research project description
ProVenture is a large longitudinal study (4 years) following 120 youths annually. This study aims to better understand the impact of cannabis use on the structural and functional development of the brain, with particular attention to the evolution of psychotic symptoms. We use a variety of tests including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), clinical interview, neurocognitive tests, and questionnaires (see: https://conrodventurelab.com/projets/proventure).
Required training and profile
- Dynamic and motivated M.Sc. or PhD student in Biomedical Sciences (psychiatric sciences option), Neurosciences, Psychology, or a related field;
- Demonstrated research experience (e.g., honours thesis, conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, etc.);
- Have knowledge of neuroscience and/or psychiatric disorders;
- Effective oral and written communication skills in both English and French.
More specifically, candidates will be responsible for:
- Participating in the research project through the development of protocols, the execution of experiments and analyses, and the presentation (oral and written) of obtained results.
- Participating in the follow-up of participants, the organization and execution of clinical and neurocognitive interviews, and neuroimaging data collection.
- Preparing and analyzing behavioral and neuroimaging data.
- Writing scientific articles.
Conditions
The candidate must be a full-time Masters (M.Sc.) or PhD student at Université de Montréal. Otherwise, the candidate must register to a M.Sc. or a PhD program at the Université de Montréal and must meet the eligibility requirements of the program.
Submit your application
Applicants should send the required documents to Dr. Patricia Conrod by email at proventurestudy@gmail.com
Please provide:
- Curriculum vitæ (CV)
- Most recent academic transcript
- Cover letter
Equity, diversity and inclusion
The masculine gender is used without discrimination and for the sole purpose to facilitate reading. The CHU Sainte-Justine subscribes to the principle of equal access to opportunities and invites women, members of visible and ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and Indigenous people to apply. We would appreciate it if you could inform us of any disabilities that would require technical and physical accommodation adapted to your situation during the selection process. Please be assured that we will treat this information as confidential.
Studies at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center
Pursue your graduate or postdoctoral studies at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, and be one of the 450 students, fellows and interns involved in accelerating the development of knowledge in the field of maternal, child and adolescent health, whether in basic or clinical research. Under the supervision of prominent scientists, especially in leukemia, rare pediatric diseases, genetics, perinatology, obesity, neuropsychology and cognition, scoliosis and rehabilitation, you will have the opportunity to work with multidisciplinary scientific teams and collaborators from all over the world.
About the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center
CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center is a leading mother-child research institution affiliated with Université de Montréal. It brings together more than 210 research investigators, including over 110 clinician-scientists, as well as 450 graduate and postgraduate students focused on finding innovative prevention means, faster and less invasive treatments, as well as personalized approaches to medicine. The Center is part of CHU Sainte-Justine, which is the largest mother-child center in Canada and the second most important pediatric center in North America. More on research.chusj.org