Regular Research Assistant

Primary Duties

• Participates in the execution of laboratory projects and experiments, as well as the planning and designing of experimental protocols according to the overall research plan and objectives set by the Principal Investigator. The RA will be part of a new Technology Development Group based at the McGill Genome Centre whose primary focus is on applying and developing a variety of molecular biology methods for next generation sequencing based transcriptomic and genomic studies. Validations technologies will also be applied.
• Be able to work autonomously and independently on research projects and objectives set by the Principal Investigator, and be able to adapt to changes in experimental methodologies/design and unanticipated deadlines. An RA with previous M.Sc. experience possesses not only the technical abilities, but the intellectual skills to assess any changes that may arise. Since the project deals with next-generation technologies that are rapidly advancing, the experience and independence gained from a M.Sc. is essential. The RA will be working closely with the PI and will be expected to provide critical input as to how these large-scale experiments should be carried out.  Prior knowledge and experience with protein expression and purification, plasmid preparation, cell and tissue culture, RNA and DNA extraction and expression profiling is very important.
• Will be responsible for being continually updated on experimental methodologies used in the research projects by periodic scanning of recent literature and awareness of new technologies directly related to the research. The technical development project makes use of evolving next generation technologies and generates considerable data, and the RA shall be responsible for making themselves aware of them through literature and seminars. Since the epigenomics project will also deal with technical development of these new methodologies, poster presentations at meetings as well as publications describing these newly developed methods will need to be drawn up, for which the RA may be required to provide assistance in their preparation.
• Will be responsible for laboratory management, tissue culture and the maintenance, storage, and handling of samples derived from primary and immortalized cell lines. This requires detailed planning and organization of tissue culture schedules.
• Performs a variety of standard molecular and cell biology techniques such as mammalian cell culture, bacterial cell culture, protein expression and purification, RNA and DNA extraction, expression profiling.  Also performs more advanced, level techniques and protocols related to  protein expression and high-throughput next-generation technologies RNA-seq /DNA-seq, MALDI-TOF and TaqMan assays. Will also be depended on to provide technical and intellectual contribution on the application of new next generation technologies. The ability to troubleshoot the development of these new applications and techniques is a critical asset.
• Aid in general lab organization, including ordering equipment and supplies, re-stocking common consumable reagents and solutions, and maintaining lab databases and inventories.
• Demonstrates the operation of apparatus and techniques and provide supervision and assistance/training to other lab personnel when required.
• Uses a variety of equipment such as, tissue culture hoods, microscopes, incubators, Agilent BioAnalyzer and NanoDrop machines for assessing RNA quality and quantity, ABI 7900 instrument for real-time PCR, pH meters, spectrophotometers, centrifuges, electrophoresis equipment, balances, pipettors, and computers.

The list of duties and responsibilities outlined above is representative and not a complete and detailed list of tasks that may be performed by an employee whose position has been matched to this job description.

Education/Experience

M. Sc in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology or related field and laboratory experience in Genomics or Molecular Genetics.

At least two (2) years' experience in protein expression systems, automation (liquid handling) is desired, and previous experience in genome-wide approaches for transcriptomics as well as high-throughput genotyping and/or sequencing will be beneficial.

Other Qualifying Skills & Abilities

Familiarity with computers and standard bioinformatics and statistics tools for primary and secondary analysis of nucleic acids. Excellent attention to detail, strong organizational skills and the ability to work in a highly interactive environment are necessary.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit a cover letter explaining their qualifications and their interest in this position, a curriculum vita and the names and contact information for three individuals who could provide letters of recommendation. Applications and all inquiries should be sent to ioannis [dot] ragoussis [at] mcgill [dot] ca.

Applications must be received no later than October 15, 2013 at 5:00 PM.

McGill University is committed to equity in employment and diversity. It welcomes applications from indigenous peoples, visible minorities, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, women, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others who may contribute to further diversification.