Research Assistant - Esophageal and Gastric Cancer Research

About RI-MUHC

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) is a globally recognized biomedical and hospital research institution linked to McGill University's Faculty of Medicine, located in Montreal, Quebec. Supported by the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS), it is dedicated to advancing patient-focused scientific discoveries and health research.

Position Overview

The Cancer Research Program's Dr. Cools Laboratory, part of Thoracic Surgery and Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Laboratories at MUHC, is seeking a motivated and experienced research assistant specializing in esophageal and gastric cancer research. The role involves contributing to multiple projects, including handling human tissue and blood samples from consenting participants for genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic studies, managing databases and archival samples, developing human-derived organoid models, and evaluating therapeutic responses in cancer models.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out laboratory experiments and projects effectively.
• Develop and optimize experimental procedures and techniques.
• Document results, perform necessary calculations, and compile data accurately.
• Maintain comprehensive records, files, and databases related to research materials and findings.
• Guide and train students and postdoctoral fellows in laboratory methodologies.
• Operate relevant laboratory equipment pertinent to assigned tasks.
• Support the preparation of scientific reports, grant applications, and academic manuscripts.
• Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative research data.
• Review scientific literature to stay informed on relevant topics.
• Assist with overall laboratory management duties.
• Perform additional related tasks as required by the supervisor.
• Demonstrate flexibility to work varied hours on short notice.

Qualifications and Experience

• A Master's degree in Biology, Experimental Medicine, Immunology, or a related discipline is required.
• Minimum of two years of relevant work experience in biomedical research.
• Proficiency in both oral and written French at an advanced level is necessary.
• Advanced English communication skills, oral and written, to engage effectively with international researchers and prepare complex documents.

Additional Information

• Employment status is temporary, full-time with a 35-hour workweek.
• Working hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Work location is Glen Site, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Montreal.
• Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
• Applicants may include a cover letter combined with their resume in a single document.

Employee Benefits

• Initial 4-week vacation entitlement; an additional week after five years of service.
• Bank of 12 paid days off for personal, sickness, or family reasons.
• 13 paid statutory holidays annually.
• Modular group insurance plan, including gender affirmation coverage.
• Access to telemedicine services.
• Participation in the RREGOP defined benefit government pension plan.
• Opportunities for continued training and professional development.
• Access to child care centers.
• Corporate discounts on transit and retail programs.
• Competitive monthly parking rates.
• Employee assistance program and recognition initiatives.
• Flexible work options and additional benefits.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The RI-MUHC is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to merit-based hiring and fostering an inclusive community that welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds including racialized groups, women, Indigenous persons, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request.

Important Note

This position is not affiliated with hospital patient care roles.