Laboratory Technician

About the organization

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) is a highly regarded biomedical and hospital research institute based in Montreal, Quebec. It operates as the research branch of the McGill University Health Centre and is connected to McGill University's Faculty of Medicine. The institute receives partial support from the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS).

Role overview

The Child Health and Human Development Program is hiring a temporary laboratory technician for a 6-month full-time assignment covering parental leave. The work sits within the reproductive/stem cell biology and protein engineering area. The project aims to develop a protein compound that can influence the blood-testis barrier and help improve the success of stem cell transplantation.

Relevant background material mentioned with this project includes the following references: Song et al. (2024) Sci Rep 14:2299, Rajachandran et al. (2024) Cell Rep 42:112737, and Gamero-Estevez et al. (2024) US Patent.

Core duties

• Build expression constructs for target proteins.
• Produce the protein compounds required for the project.
• Apply those compounds in tissue culture experiments.
• Carry out immunostaining and image-based analysis.
• Refine methods, solve technical issues, and adjust procedures as needed.
• Work closely with the team and communicate effectively.

Education and experience

Candidates should have a college diploma (DEC) in molecular biology, biochemistry, or cell/tissue culture, along with one to two years of work experience.

Required capabilities

• French fluency is mandatory.
• Applicants should have basic spoken English and intermediate written English, since the role involves regular interaction with researchers and international students who work only in English and requires reading, writing, and analysis of English-language research documents.
• Practical knowledge of molecular biology methods such as western blotting, molecular cloning, and immunoprecipitation.
• Hands-on experience with cell culture, immunostaining, and related analysis.
• Strong planning and organizational ability.
• Dependability and good punctuality.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.
• Energy, commitment, and attention to detail.

Work schedule and conditions

This is a temporary, full-time role with a 35-hour workweek. The standard schedule is Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Work will be based at the Glen Site, 1001 Decarie Blvd. Personal situations will be taken into consideration. Applicants who want to add a cover letter should combine it with their resume into one document.

Compensation and benefits

Pay is aligned with education and experience. The institute offers a 4-week vacation entitlement, a 5th week after 5 years of service, 12 paid personal/sick/family-obligation days, 13 statutory holidays, modular group insurance including gender affirmation coverage, telemedicine, the RREGOP defined benefit pension plan, training and professional development, child care centres, corporate discounts such as OPUS and Perkopolis, competitive monthly parking, an employee assistance program, a recognition program, and flexible work options.

Important notes

This role is not a hospital position. The employer also states its commitment to merit-based hiring and equal opportunity, with encouragement for applications from racialized groups and visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. Candidates who require accommodations during the application process may contact the institute confidentially by email.