Research Assistant

**Reason for the position**

**About the Aghazadeh Lab**:
Our lab focuses on understanding **beta cell development**and creating **stem cell-based therapies for type 1 diabetes (T1D)**. T1D is a prevalent chronic disease, affecting 1 in 10 Canadians, with increasing incidence. It results from autoimmune destruction of beta cells— insulin-secreting cells located in the pancreatic islets.

Without beta cells, individuals with T1D must manage their blood glucose levels with daily insulin injections or pumps. Over the last two decades, significant efforts have been made tongenerate beta cells from stem cells for therapeutic transplantation. These cells can produce insulin in vivo and potentially eliminate the need for external insulin administration.

However, beta cells naturally reside in a highly vascularized environment and depend on blood vessels for glucose sensing and insulin release. In our lab, we generate **vascularized beta cells**either from stem cells or by integrating primary tissues, then assess their function and therapeutic potential in diabetic models. We also investigate how **vascular abnormalities**contribute to beta cell dysfunction and the onset of T1D.

Our lab is located in the heart of Montreal, near McGill University, Parc Jeanne-Mance, and Place des Arts—easily accessible by public transit.

**Summary of responsibilities**

**Procurement & Inventory Management**:
Maintain lab inventory and order supplies in a timely manner to avoid experimental

delays. Responsibilities include communicating with suppliers, obtaining quotes,

negotiating pricing, managing storage, and aliquoting reagents.

**Cell Culture**:
Culture and maintain human stem cells and primary cells. Perform large-scale cell

production, differentiation protocols, and quality control testing.

**Animal Experiments**:
Perform tasks related to animal handling, including transplantation, injections, and

general animal care.

**Assay Support**:
Assist students and staff, as needed, with molecular biology techniques such as

qPCR, Western blotting, and flow cytometry.

**Required qualifications**:

- Completed B. Sc. or M. Sc. in a related field.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in cell culture, animal handling, and molecular biology
- techniques.
- Experience with stem cell culture and differentiation is strongly preferred.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal) in English.
- Ability to learn quickly and follow guidance.
- Team-oriented with a collaborative mindset.
- Must be legally authorized to work in Canada

**Knowledge and skills**:

- Patience, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
- Skill, dexterity, creativity, and methodical approach.
- Objectivity and discernment.
- Autonomy, reliability, and availability.
- Team spirit.
- Analytical and synthetic mind.
- Curiosity and scientific rigor.
- Excellent time management, prioritization, and deadline respect.

**WORKING CONDITIONS**
- Full-time temporary position (1 year, 35 hours/week) with the possibility of extension.
- Prime location**: Offices near Mount Royal Park, Saint-Laurent Boulevard, and the Quartier des Spectacles, just a 10-minute walk from the metro.
- Compensation and benefits: Competitive salary based on experience and skills, aligned with market standards.
- RREGOP pension plan: Enjoy a generous retirement plan to help secure and plan your future.
- Additional benefits: Medical and disability insurance, telemedicine, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Vacation: Annual paid vacation to support a healthy work-life balance.

**How to apply**

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

**Our Values**:
Our mission is translational—to improve lives through innovative diabetes research. We approach every project with passion, ethics, and precision, guided by best practices in research integrity and animal care.

We believe in:

- Scientific rigor and reproducibility
- Open collaboration and knowledge exchange
- Continuous innovation and learning

We are committed to **Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)**. Our lab is a safe, respectful,

and discrimination-free environment that welcomes individuals of all genders, sexual

orientations, and racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.

Type d'emploi : Temps plein, Contrat à durée déterminée
La durée du contrat : 12 mois

Avantages:

- Assurance Maladie Complémentaire
- Assurance Vie
- Congés payés
- Programme d'Aide aux Employés
- Régime de retraite

Lieu du poste : En présentiel