Research Associate

About the Institute

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) is a globally recognized biomedical and hospital research center located in Montreal, Quebec. Affiliated with McGill University's Faculty of Medicine and supported partly by Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé, RI-MUHC focuses on advancing biomedical science and patient-centered medicine.

Position Overview

The Child Health and Human Development Department's MyeliNeuroGene Research Laboratory, led by clinician-scientist Dr. Genevieve Bernard, seeks a committed full-time Research Associate. The laboratory specializes in genetic white matter diseases, including leukodystrophies. The associate will perform diverse lab activities under the principal investigator’s guidance, such as maintaining induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), differentiating iPSCs into central nervous system cell types (oligodendrocytes, neurons), and developing 3D organoids and assembloids. The role encompasses overseeing multi-disciplinary research projects, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and contributing to grant writing.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and train student researchers.
• Oversee operations of the iPSC platform.
• Maintain cultures of iPSCs and their differentiated cell lines.
• Create CRISPR-edited iPSC lines.
• Manage and coordinate multiple research projects.
• Assist with project planning and strategic initiatives.
• Contribute to drafting grant applications.

Performance Expectations

• Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail.
• Work efficiently under tight deadlines and constraints.
• Handle confidential information with discretion.
• Collaborate effectively and work independently.

Qualifications and Experience

• Doctorate degree in biomedical science, neuroscience, molecular genetics, or related field.
• At least two years of professional experience including project management.
• Mandatory expertise with iPSC, oligodendrocyte precursor and other CNS cell cultures.
• Experience generating CRISPR-edited iPSC lines.
• Knowledge of RNA therapies.
• Fluency in both oral and written French and English, with ability for complex communication and documentation in both languages.
• Strong planning, organizational, time management, communication, and networking skills.
• Experience training or supervising students and managing projects.

Additional Information

• Employment is temporary full-time with a 35-hour, Monday to Friday schedule (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
• Work location: Glen Site, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montreal.
• Salary is competitive and aligns with education and experience.
• Applicants may submit a cover letter combined with their resume.

Benefits

• Four weeks of vacation, increasing to five weeks after five years.
• Twelve paid personal/sick/family days.
• Thirteen paid statutory holidays.
• Modular group insurance plan including gender affirmation coverage.
• Access to telemedicine services.
• Participation in the defined benefit government pension plan (RREGOP).
• Opportunities for training and professional growth.
• Child care center availability.
• Employee discounts and corporate perks.
• Competitive monthly parking rates.
• Employee Assistance Program and recognition initiatives.
• Flexible work arrangements.

Diversity & Inclusion

RI-MUHC is committed to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive community. Candidates from all backgrounds including racialized groups, women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals are encouraged to apply. Accommodations are available upon request for the application process.