Laboratory Technician

RI-MUHC | Research Institute of the MUHC | #rimuhc; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 32,000 - 42,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Pro-rata vacation

Group insurance

Pension plan

Holidays pay

Job summary

Research Institute of the MUHC (RI-MUHC) in Montreal seeks a Laboratory Technician to support Bartonella quintana research. You will handle DNA extraction, molecular diagnostics, and serology while maintaining rigorous records and quality control.

The role involves teamwork with clinicians and researchers, processing human and louse specimens, and contributing to assay development and validation under a one-year, 50% FTE contract. Fluency in French and strong English are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in medical laboratory science, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry or related field.
• Graduate-level training (MSc or equivalent) in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology or biomedical sciences is an asset.
• Experience with DNA extraction and PCR/qPCR is required; serology experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Participates in laboratory research on Bartonella quintana and related infections.
• Processes human and specimen samples; performs DNA extraction using established protocols.
• Performs molecular diagnostics including conventional PCR and real-time PCR (qPCR).
• Conducts serological tests such as immunofluorescence assays (IFA).
• Assists with assay development, validation, quality control, and documentation.
• Maintains inventory, organizes samples, and records results and protocols.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and supports data management.

Skills

French language proficiency

English reading/writing

PCR/qPCR experience

DNA extraction

Immunofluorescence assays (IFA)

Lab documentation/records

Independent and collaborative work

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science or related field

Graduate-level training (MSc or equivalent) in microbiology or biomedical sciences

Job description

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

Department / Research Program:

Dr. Carl Boodman’s research program at the RI-MUHC focuses on Bartonella quintana and other neglected infections affecting underserved populations. The program integrates molecular diagnostics, serology, louse-based surveillance, and genomics to improve diagnosis and understand transmission. Current projects include the development and validation of diagnostic assays and testing of human and louse specimens, in collaboration with shelters, community organizations, and clinical, laboratory, and public health partners across Canada and internationally.

The Laboratory Technician will join Dr. Carl Boodman’s research program at the RI-MUHC, focused on Bartonella quintana and other neglected infections (Bartonella North). The incumbent will support the development, validation, and application of diagnostic assays for B. quintana. Key activities will include DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, immunofluorescence assays (IFA), processing of human and louse specimens, and assay optimization. The incumbent will also contribute to quality control, laboratory organization, data management, and documentation, while collaborating with research and laboratory partners.

General Duties

• Participates in laboratory research projects involving Bartonella quintana and other neglected infections,
• Processes human, louse, and other research specimens and performs DNA extraction using established laboratory protocols,
• Performs molecular diagnostic techniques, including conventional PCR and real-time PCR (qPCR), and contributes to optimization and troubleshooting of assays,
• Performs serological testing, including immunofluorescence assays (IFA),
• Participates in the development, validation, and quality control of molecular and serological assays,
• Prepares reagents, controls, specimens, and laboratory materials and operates relevant laboratory equipment,
• Records, analyzes, and organizes experimental results and maintains accurate laboratory records, protocols, and research databases,
• Supports specimen inventory, storage, tracking, and laboratory organization,
• Maintains equipment and ensures a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in accordance with institutional procedures,
• Collaborates with research team members and laboratory partners and contributes to the implementation of new methods and protocols,
• Performs other related duties as required by the Principal Investigator.

Standards of performance

• Performs laboratory procedures accurately and reproducibly, with appropriate quality control and documentation.
• Contributes effectively to the validation, optimization, and troubleshooting of molecular and serological assays.
• Demonstrates strong attention to detail, organization, and ability to identify and resolve technical problems.

Website of the organization

https://rimuhc.ca/en

Education / Experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree

Field of Study: medical laboratory science, microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, biomedical sciences, or a related field.

Other education considered an asset for this position: Graduate-level training (MSc or equivalent) in microbiology, molecular biology, immunology, biomedical sciences, or a related field, additional training in molecular diagnostics, serology, or laboratory assay development and validation.

Work Experience: Previous laboratory experience in molecular biology, microbiology, immunology, or a related field. Experience with PCR/qPCR and DNA extraction is required, experience with serological techniques, particularly immunofluorescence assays (IFA), is an asset.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of French is required.
• An intermediate knowledge of oral and written English is required, as the position requires regular contact, as well as processing specific information, with researchers or international students who are exclusively proficient in English.
• Experience with or demonstrated ability to perform assay validation, optimization, and troubleshooting,
• Strong laboratory organization, documentation, and attention to detail,
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Additional information

Status: Temporary, part-time: 18.75 hours/week (50% FTE), Contract duration: One-year contract, with the possibility of renewal subject to funding and research needs.

Pay Scale: Commensurate with education and experience

Work Shift: Other or part-time

Other: The distribution of hours throughout the week is flexible and can be discussed with the successful candidate based on their availability and the needs of the research program.

Work Site: Glen Site, 1001 Decarie Blvd.

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.

https://rimuhc.ca/careers

To learn more about our benefits, please visit http://rimuhc.ca/en/compensation-and-benefits

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, [e-mail]