Research Associate

Position Summary:

The Inflammation Genomics Laboratory and the CONNECT platforms at the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Associate to contribute to a multidisciplinary research program focused on inflammation genomics, clinical genomics, and single-cell and spatial omics. Reporting to Professor David Langlais, the successful candidate will contribute to the development and implementation of research initiatives and technology-platform teams. The Research Associate will play a key role in planning, coordination, execution, analysis of research activities within the Inflammation Genomics Laboratory and associated CONNECT research platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

•            Develop and contribute to large-scale collaborative genomics and clinical research projects in accordance with established research objectives, protocols, and procedures;

•            Contribute to the scientific design and development of research projects, including selection of appropriate technologies, experimental design, study organization, data-generation strategies, and analytical approaches;

•            Develop and implement research methodologies and workflows involving single-cell genomics, spatial omics, flow cytometry, sequencing, biobanking, and related genomic technologies;

•            Lead or contribute to the analysis and interpretation of research findings and disseminate results through scientific presentations, reports, manuscripts, grant applications, and other research outputs;

•            Coordinate troubleshooting related to sample preparation, sequencing, flow cytometry, data generation, quality control, and data analysis;

•            Develop, review, and maintain standard operating procedures and research protocols related to laboratory projects and CONNECT research activities;

•            Oversee research biobank organization, sample tracking, and associated documentation to ensure the integrity and traceability of research samples and data;

•            Provide scientific and technical expertise related to flow cytometry, single-cell genomics, sequencing, and CONNECT technologies, including support for the implementation and optimization of research workflows;

•            Oversee the appropriate use of designated research instruments and contribute to instrument-related quality control, workflow optimization, and research documentation;

•            Organize research and collaboration meetings, prepare relevant scientific documentation, record project decisions, and coordinate follow-up activities;

•            Coordinate collaborations and communications with researchers, clinical partners, institutional partners, and other stakeholders to advance research objectives;

•            Monitor research-related reagent and consumable requirements and contribute to resource planning for single-cell genomics and CONNECT research projects;

•            Remain informed of emerging technologies and methodological developments relevant to genomics, single-cell and spatial omics, flow cytometry, bioinformatics, and inflammation research

Qualifications and Experience:

Education: PhD or equivalent doctoral degree in genomics, immunology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, or a closely related field.

Experience and Skills:

•            Postdoctoral research experience of at least five (5) years involving inflammation, immunology, clinical genomics, single-cell genomics, spatial omics, or related technologies;

•            Demonstrated expertise in the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of genomics and/or immunology research studies;

•            Experience with single-cell genomics, flow cytometry, biobanking, sequencing technologies, research platforms, and bioinformatics;

•            Experience developing, implementing, and optimizing experimental protocols and research workflows;

•            Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot complex experimental, technical, and analytical challenges;

•            Strong scientific writing skills, with demonstrated experience preparing scientific publications, progress reports, or other research documents;

•            Strong organizational and project-coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple research projects, priorities, timelines, and deliverables;

•            Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with researchers, laboratory personnel, bioinformaticians, clinical collaborators, research platform personnel, and external partners;

•            Demonstrated ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative multidisciplinary research environment.

Language requirement:

• 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.

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

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.