Research Assistant - Immunology and Infectious Diseases

About the Institute

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), located in Montreal, Quebec, is a globally recognized biomedical and hospital research center affiliated with McGill University's Faculty of Medicine. It is partially funded by the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS). The Institute focuses on scientific discovery and innovative patient-centered healthcare research.

Position Overview

We are inviting applications for a Research Assistant role within the IDIGH department, working under Dr. Brian Ward's lab. The incumbent will support multiple projects funded by CIHR, Medicament Quebec, and industrial collaborators, focusing on animal vaccination models and clinical vaccine trials. Responsibilities include management and execution of experiments with preclinical vaccination and challenge models, as well as developing and performing humoral and cellular immunological assays for clinical vaccine studies.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct experiments involving mice and human immune tissues such as serum, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and tonsil organoids.
• Develop flow cytometry panels and analyze flow cytometry data.
• Collaborate with senior research assistants to manage lab activities and provide training to new student trainees.
• Analyze experimental data, assist with manuscript preparation, and maintain lab documentation.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master's degree in Immunology, Infectious Diseases, or a related discipline.
• Experience with flow cytometry and handling of animal models is a significant asset.
• Completed or willing to undertake biosecurity level 2 training.
• Proficient in French language skills are mandatory.
• Advanced oral and written English proficiency is required due to regular interactions with international researchers and students, as well as complex scientific communications.

Working Conditions and Additional Information

• This position is temporary and part-time, requiring 28 hours per week.
• Working hours are Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
• Work location: Glen Site, 1001 Decarie Blvd, Montreal, Quebec.
• Compensation will reflect education and experience.
• Applicants may include a cover letter combined with their resume in a single document.

Benefits

• Six paid sick days annually, including up to three personal days.
• Vacation entitlement calculated on a pro-rata basis as a percentage of salary.
• Flexible group insurance plan, inclusive of gender affirmation coverage.
• Participation in the defined benefit government pension plan (RREGOP).
• An additional 5.3% of gross earnings paid in lieu of statutory holidays.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The RI-MUHC is dedicated to equitable hiring practices and is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates who identify as members of racialized groups, women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Accommodations are available for applicants requiring assistance during the recruitment process.