Research Assistant 2

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Hiring Unit:

Prof. Natasha Chang's Lab - The Department of Biochemistry

Supervisor:

Prof. Natasha Chang

Position Summary:

The laboratory of Prof. Natasha Chang in the Department of Biochemistry at McGill University is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to support translational research in RNA therapeutics, skeletal muscle biology, and regenerative medicine. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to collaborative research programs focused on developing novel therapeutic approaches for muscle diseases.

The successful candidate will:

• Participate in the design and execution of experiments supporting the laboratory's research programs in RNA therapeutics, skeletal muscle biology, and regenerative medicine.

• Perform molecular and cellular biology techniques, including cell culture, nucleic acid analysis, protein analysis, and functional assays.

• Collect, analyze, interpret, and present experimental data.

• Optimize, adapt, and implement experimental protocols to advance the laboratory's research objectives.

• Maintain accurate experimental records and prepare research reports, presentations, and manuscripts.

• Assist with project planning, milestone tracking, and collaborations with research partners.

• Assist in the preparation of grant applications, progress reports, and knowledge dissemination activities.

• Provide technical guidance and training to students and junior laboratory personnel as required.

• Support general laboratory operations and administrative activities, including inventory management, purchasing, and budget tracking. 

Educational Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Physiology, or a related discipline.

• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant laboratory research experience in academia or industry.

• Demonstrated expertise in RNA biology, nucleic acid therapeutics, skeletal muscle biology, or related fields.

• Experience in designing, troubleshooting, and executing research experiments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience in skeletal muscle biology, muscle stem cell biology, RNA therapeutics, or nucleic acid delivery is strongly preferred.

• Hands-on experience with primary mammalian cell culture.

• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including siRNA transfection/delivery, RT-qPCR, digital PCR, Western blotting, and Simple Western.

• Experience with flow cytometry and/or cell sorting is an asset.

• Experience handling laboratory mice and performing routine procedures, including injections and tissue collection.

• Strong scientific writing, data analysis, and presentation skills.

• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and record keeping.

• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment.

• Interest in translational research and industry-academic collaborations. 

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.

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