Research Assistant 2

Please refer to the How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply.

If you are an active McGill employee (ie: currently in an active contract or position at McGill University), do not apply through this Career Site. Login to your McGill Workday account and apply to this posting using the Find Jobs report (type Find Jobs in the search bar).

The McGill Centre for Genomics is seeking a dynamic and well-organized individual to join our team as a Research Assistant for the Olink Lab Platform. In this role, the incumbent will play a crucial part in supporting our proteomics platform, contributing to the advancement of research and discoveries. As an integral team member, responsibilities will encompass a range of technical tasks.
Position Summary:

• Project Focus: Conduct research on novel treatments for Pheochromocytoma and Pancreatic cancer, with a focus on BUB1 protein inhibition using techniques such as siRNA, nanoparticle delivery, and drug screening.
• Support Multiple Research Projects: Contribute to a wide range of ongoing and future research projects within the Genome Centre, such as projects in cancer biology, genomic medicine, and biomarker discovery.
• Omics Technologies: Prepare and analyze patient tissue culture, and animal model samples using a variety of omics technologies, including proteomics (Olink platform), metabolomics, metagenomics, and genomics.
• Laboratory Techniques: Perform advanced molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, real-time PCR, RT-PCR, and next-generation sequencing.
• Cell Culture and Assays: Handle 2D and 3D cell culture, stem cell differentiation, and transfection. Demonstrate a high capability to run biochemical assays, including western blot, BCA assay, ELISA, and immunocytochemistry.
• Microscopy and Imaging: Conduct experiments using fluorescent and confocal microscopy for cellular and molecular imaging.
• Data Analysis: Perform data analysis and statistical analyses using tools like Python.
• Contribute to Research Output: Perform experiments, analyze data, prepare publications, and conference presentations.
• Protocol Development: Collaborate with the Principal Investigator to design and develop protocols aligned with project objectives. Demonstrate the ability to independently troubleshoot and resolve conceptual problems in design.
• Platform Management: Execute workflows related to the proteomics platform, assisting in the coordination and management of platform projects.
• Workflow Optimization: Optimize laboratory workflows, ensuring compliance with BSL-2 protocols, and assist with staff training.
• Stakeholder Communication: Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including collaborators and suppliers, to facilitate effective communication.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work with interdisciplinary teams, including bioinformaticians, clinicians, and engineers, to integrate molecular biology techniques with data science, machine learning, and computational biology.
• Adopt and Implement New Technologies: Stay updated with emerging technologies in genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, incorporating new methodologies into the lab’s research pipeline as required.
• Assist with Grant Preparation: Provide support for grant and funding proposal preparations by contributing research data, background information, and project descriptions as needed.
• Innovate and Optimize Lab Processes: Identify areas for improvement in experimental design and lab efficiency, suggesting and implementing innovative solutions for workflow optimization.
• Ensure Regulatory Compliance: Maintain awareness of and adhere to ethical, safety, and regulatory standards in research, ensuring that all experimental activities comply with institutional and governmental policies.
• Equipment Operation: Operate and maintain automated liquid handling equipment, such as pipettes, syringes, and robotic arms.
• Project Coordination: Collaborate with the Project and Operation Manager – Biomarker’s Platform to plan incoming projects and establish timelines for sample preparation and processing.
• Collaborative Support: Aid staff and collaborators associated with the Biomarkers Discovery Platform.
• Training and Supervision: Provide training and guidance for new trainees and visitors, ensuring they are well-equipped for experiments and familiar with laboratory procedures.
• Lab Maintenance: Oversee the installation, care, and maintenance of laboratory equipment, ensuring efficient operations.

Education/Experience:

MSc or equivalent degree with prior experience in a similar role

Other Qualifications:

• To succeed in this role, the incumbent should possess the following qualifications:

• Software Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office and other relevant software tools, such as NPX manager and liquid handler programming softwares.
• Olink Familiarity: Experience with Olink’s platform and related products including NPX manager software.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Attention to Detail: Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and problem-solving abilities.
• Team Player: Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and deadlines.
• Advanced Laboratory/Technical Skills: Proficient in molecular biology techniques, cell culture, and biochemical assays, with experience in automated liquid handling equipment (SPT Labtech, Formulatrix).
• Precision Pipetting: Experience with pipetting small volumes and multi-channel pipetting with high precision.
• Technology Familiarity: Experience working with Fluidigm’s Controller, Biomark HD System, and Proximity Extension Assay (PEA) technology.
• Motivation: Demonstrated motivation, multitasking efficiency, and the ability to work under pressure.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and solve problems, analyze data, and implement/troubleshoot solutions.
• Adaptability: Flexibility in managing changing priorities and deadlines in a fast-pased research environment.
• Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4

Hourly Salary:

$30.75

Hours per Week:

35 (Full time)

Location:

Penfield 740

Supervisor:

Academic Associate

Position Start Date:

2024-09-01

Position End Date:

2025-08-31

Deadline to Apply:

2024-10-29

This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].