Research Assistant - Pediatric Brain Tumor Liquid Biopsy Project

About the Organization

Join the globally recognized Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) in Montreal, Quebec, an institution dedicated to advancing biomedical and health research through innovative and patient-focused scientific discovery. The RI-MUHC operates as the research sector for the McGill University Health Centre and is affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. Support is provided in part by the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS).

Position Overview

The Child Health and Research Development (CHHD) team is looking for an enthusiastic, meticulous, and well-organized research assistant to contribute to Dr. Nada Jabado’s pediatric brain tumor research program. This role focuses primarily on developing novel liquid biopsy assays aimed at diagnosing, classifying, and monitoring cancer patients, particularly those with cancer predisposition syndromes. The selected candidate will receive direct supervision from the lab manager and work collaboratively within the team, including occasional support for colleagues' experiments.

Key Responsibilities

• Extract DNA, RNA, and proteins from biological fluids for experimental purposes.
• Design, conduct, and optimize liquid biopsy assays utilizing droplet digital PCR and complementary methods.
• Analyze and interpret liquid biopsy assay results.
• Coordinate patient sample logistics, including transfer from multiple clinical sites and detailed data entry into an internal sample database.
• Develop, compile, and maintain comprehensive experimental and sample documentation.
• Assist in drafting manuscripts based on experimental findings.
• Perform laboratory tasks under supervision while supporting other team members as needed.
• Present research findings during team meetings.

Performance Expectations

• Ability to work independently with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
• Capacity to adapt rapidly in a dynamic research environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.
• Manage competing priorities and adhere to tight deadlines.
• Resourcefulness and initiative-taking.
• Strong multitasking capabilities and teamwork skills.
• Confidential handling of patient sample information.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree in Life Sciences or related field.
• At least one year of experience in relevant settings such as research or clinical laboratories.
• Advanced proficiency in written French is required.
• Strong command of spoken and written English to communicate effectively with researchers and international students.
• Applicants must submit a combined PDF file containing their cover letter and CV.

Additional Information

• Employment type is temporary full-time with a 35-hour workweek (Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm).
• Work location is the Glen Site at 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montreal.
• Compensation is aligned with the candidate's education and experience.
• Benefits include four weeks of vacation (five weeks after five years), 12 paid personal/sick/family days, 13 statutory holidays, modular group insurance (including gender affirmation coverage), telemedicine services, defined benefit government pension plan (RREGOP), professional development opportunities, child care centers, corporate discounts, affordable parking rates, employee assistance, recognition programs, and flexible work options.
• This role is not a hospital position.
• The RI-MUHC is firmly committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from qualified candidates from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities upon request.