The MBMC provides a state-of-the-art research and training environment in the areas of behavioural medicine, behavioural epidemiology and psychophysiology, all within a dynamic, multidisciplinary, university/hospital setting.

Multiple Expert Environments

Our members have the opportunity to work in multiple environments including general hospitals, specialty hospitals, outpatient clinics, and universities. They also have the opportunity to interact with and learn from researchers with various areas of expertise including basic/fundamental research, clinical research, epidemiology, pharmacology, health economics, statistics, and psychosocial-behavioural research.

Clinical Research Sites

The two main clinical research sites of the MBMC (the Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal and the Montreal Heart Institute) offer trainees at all levels the opportunity to learn new skills in an exciting, hands-on, clinical research environment. Both research sites are funded by the FRSQ and are affiliated with the Université de Montréal.

Learning Opportunities

The MBMC provides access to training seminars, lectures, journal clubs, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) workshops.

Research Support

The MBMC research sites also offer outstanding research support including audio-visual services, library services, and scholarships.

Annual Student Research Days

The MBMC further encourage training and mentorship through annual Student Research Days. These events feature the work of trainees and provide students an opportunity to showcase their work among peers and senior researchers.

Student Awards

Competitive student awards are also available through the MBMC which serve to encourage and reward excellence.

Expectations of Graduate Students

Find here a summary of what is expected of undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students working within the MBMC.

1. Prospective students are advised to arrange a meeting either with Dr. Simon Bacon or Dr. Kim Lavoie and to tour the University and the associated laboratories before applying to a graduate programme.

2. Students interested in pursuing a graduate degree under the MBMC’s supervision are highly recommended to apply for graduate student funding (from agencies such as CIHR, FRSQ, Heart and Stroke, and SSHRC) before commencing their graduate programme (preferably a year in advance).

If this is not feasible, students are required to apply for funding upon starting their programme. Applications for national and provincial awards are generally due in September and October. Over 95% of our current students hold graduate student funding.

3. Graduate students under the MBMC’s supervision are expected to work on their studies on a daily full-time basis. Students should expect to dedicate a minimum of 40 hours (with an average of 50 hours) per week to their studies. This will routinely require working on the weekends.

4. The summer months are generally the most productive periods for research activities in our laboratory. Therefore, graduate students are required to conduct their studies throughout the year, including the summer months.

5. Graduate students are expected to be involved in professional development events such as attending and/or presenting their research findings at local, national and/or international conferences.

6. Masters students are expected to finish their degree within a two-year period. Non-clinical psychology doctorate students are expected to finish their degree within a three- to four-year period. Clinical psychology students are expected to complete the degree (including all internships) within a five-year period.

7. During their graduate studies, graduate students are expected to publish their research findings in peer-reviewed journals. A general guideline for recommended publications and presentations for MSc and PhD students is as follows:

Presentations (1-2 per year):

• MSc (2-3 in total)
• PhD (6-8 in total)

Publications (1-2 per year):

• MSc (2-3 in total)
• PhD (4-8 in total)

8. Graduate students are expected to assist fellow graduate students and undergraduate students under MBMC’s supervision in their research projects.

9. Students are encouraged to take advantage of Montreal and its unique surroundings and to enjoy their time as a graduate student.

If you are interested in working with a member of the MBMC team, applicants are encouraged to apply at least one year in advance to take advantage of funding opportunities (e.g., FRQS/CIHR scholarship applications).

International students wishing to apply also need to plan ahead in order to leave enough time to arrange visas and other travel/immigration documents. For more information, please visit Immigration Canada.

Steps to apply:

1. Please email your CV, copies of your transcripts including GPA’s or equivalent, and a letter of intent detailing which university, program, and supervisor you wish to work with, as well as your research interests and the project on which you would like to apply, to our Administrative Director Guillaume Lacoste.

2. Explore funding opportunities

• FRQS
• CIHR

3. International students only: Contact the international office of your destination university for information about immigration and applying for visas.

You will be contacted for a possible interview with the team.

• Concordia University
• Université du Québec à Montréal
• McGill University
• Université de Sherbrooke
• Université de Montréal