Research Associate

Do you want to work for a world-renowned research institute that pushes the boundaries of biomedical science and health research? Right here in Montreal At the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), you can be part of an organization focused on scientific discovery and innovation in patient-centered medicine. Join us today and make a difference

Job Description
RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF THE MUHC
The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) is a world-renowned biomedical and hospital research centre. Located in Montreal, Quebec, the Institute is the research arm of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. The RI-MUHC is supported in part by the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS).

Position Summary
Reporting to the Principal Investigator, the Research Associate will execute experiments using different types of biological assays, analyze, and present experimental data. The incumbent will also work with animals and potentially hazardous substances, while maintaining equipment and disposing of biological/hazardous wastes as required by environmental health and safety and applicable guidelines. The incumbent will ensure the proper maintenance of lab equipment and perform preventative maintenance as required. The incumbent will also manage the laboratory on a daily basis and train students in the required techniques, if necessary.

General Duties

• Use scientific methods to prepare and conduct experiments and observe and record results.
• Follow proper protocol, ensure materials are available, set up lab equipment, check usage schedules, tabulate and record results.
• Prepare and analyze samples and solutions, which may require the use of a variety of machines and instruments, including a microscope, centrifuge and PCR machine, Flexivent, and flow cytometers.
• Perform data processing, including data entry, plotting and output as needed.
• Maintain a log book. Use statistical and scientific computer programs and databases to analyze and organize information.
• Report results of experiments in written reports and verbally at meetings with the principal investigator and lab team as required.
• Participate in meetings with the principal investigator and research staff and evaluate/interpret the validity of data as needed.
• Maintain lab equipment and perform preventive maintenance procedures.
• Correct operational problems where possible. Encourage safety in lab and perform basic safety procedures, including proper hazardous waste and sharps disposal. Guide other users of lab with respect to the safe operation of equipment and materials. Maintain inventory and replenish supplies as necessary.
• Perform basic administrative services in support of the lab, including, scheduling appointments, word processing, and ordering materials as required. Assist in application for animal and biohazard protocol approvals.
• Train and supervise students on the methods performed in the laboratory.
• Provide guidance to undergraduate and graduate students on use of equipment and safe laboratory practice.
• Contact with hazardous materials as listed in the principal investigator's biohazard protocol will be required and include but are not restricted to, virus, human tissue, mouse tissue, and various chemicals required for assay work.
• Assist with the preparation of grant and/or contract proposals for submission, for both individual research and research teams. This includes setting timelines, participating in meetings for the purposes of proposal development, and reviewing drafts and proposal submissions. Provide assistance as required with editing, reviewing and formatting proposals.
• Respond to requests for information and provide consultation to others regarding the organization and methodology of the program. Provide advice on experimental procedures and techniques to other researchers.
• Assist with the design, construction, and evaluation of data collection instruments.
• Undertake other duties as required in support of the research lab.

Special Skills

• Prior experience as a post-doctoral researcher, research assistant, or research associate,
• Experience in project coordination and management,
• Experience in data analysis and statistics,
• Solid experience in scientific writing (peer-review publications and grant applications),
• Excellent competencies in oral and written communication skills,
• Team player, excellent organizational skills, rigor,
• Autonomy, ability to work with minimum supervision,
• Problem-solving skills.
• Organizational skills with the ability to coordinate workflow and use personal judgement in applying scientific techniques to obtain accurate and relevant experimental results.
• Problem-solving, troubleshooting and decision-making with minimal direction.
• Ability to handle dangerous materials, safely operate equipment and prepare solutions safely.
• Ability to work with computers and to perform mathematical calculations.
• Attention to detail and an ability to perform careful measurements and interpret basic experimental results, for example, reading pH meters, balances, and counters.
• Technical/scientific writing skills.
• Strong communication both verbal and written
• Ability to plan, organize and execute different types of assays, with different types of tissues.
• Careful and critical observational skills.
• Organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Judgement in choosing best protocol or adapting procedures to meet changing needs.
• Foresight in predicting problems and altering procedures as required to minimize risks.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member and complete tasks with little or no supervision.
• Ability to prepare data for use in publications and grant applications.

Decision Making

• Decide on optimal protocol and equipment to use in running an experiment and decide on steps to take when assigned a new project.
• Decide how to appropriately respond to equipment breakdown: resolve minor or routine problems personally, contact manufacturer or senior staff to resolve more complex problems.
• Determine the best way to correct minor methodological deviations.
• Determine when it is necessary to seek advice or direction from supervisor with respect to experimental procedure, operation of equipment, etc.
• Direct research inquiries to the proper person or supply the answer if appropriate.
• Decide priorities of various tasks and schedule time for everything required, often dealing with conflicts and the strict deadlines that are common to experiments.
• Plan ahead for own and team's experiments in terms of ordering and scheduling.

Website of the organization

Education / Experience

Education: Post doctoral Studies

Field of Study: Immunology

Work Experience: 2-5

Required Skills

• Excellent French and English, spoken and written,
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills,
• Ability to work independently or with teams with minimum supervision.

Additional information

Status:
Temporary, part-time (25 hours/week)

Pay Scale:
$ $56.82/hour. Commensurate with education and experience

Work Shift:
Variable Schedule

Work Site:
GLEN Site, 1001 boul. Decarie

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If you wish to include a cover letter, please attach it with your resume in one PDF document.
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Why work with us?

• 6 days of paid sick leave per year, which includes a maximum of 3 personal day,
• Vacation calculated on a pro-rata basis based on a percentage of your salary,
• Modular group insurance plan (including gender affirmation coverage),
• RREGOP government pension plan (defined benefit plan),
• 5.3% of your gross earnings will be added to your paycheque in lieu of statutory holidays.

To learn more about our benefits, please visit

THIS IS NOT A HOSPITAL POSITION.
Equal Opportunity Employment Program

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity, diversity and inclusion within its community. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates who self-identify as members of racialized groups/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. We also welcome candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may confidentially contact,