Postdoctoral Researcher (Dr Brown's Lab)

McGill Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

McGill University’s Brown lab is seeking an experienced researcher to advance live-cell imaging technologies for paxillin phosphorylation studies and nanoscale imaging of cell-matrix adhesions. You will develop lattice lightsheet and STED imaging protocols, plus expansion microscopy workflows, and collaborate with ABIF scientists in a highly interdisciplinary setting.

The role includes supervising undergraduates and graduates, staying current with literature, pursuing fellowship funding, and

Qualifications

• PhD in Biophysics, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology or Bioengineering.
• Experience with widefield and confocal microscopy.
• Image analysis experience.
• Cell culture, molecular biology and live cell imaging.
• Ability to manage multiple obligations daily with shifting priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork.
• Independent work ethic and collaboration.
• Strong English verbal and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop resources and protocols for sample prep, live cell lattice lightsheet and STED imaging, and expansion microscopy with STED for nanoscale imaging.
• Keep up with current literature related to the project.
• Apply for fellowship funding opportunities.
• Write and publish research papers, present at conferences, and publish detailed protocols.
• Support grant writing to secure additional project funding.
• Co-supervise undergraduate and graduate students in the Brown Lab; assist teaching activities.

Skills

Widefield microscopy

Confocal microscopy

Image analysis

Live cell imaging

Cell culture

Molecular biology

English communication

Education

PhD in Biophysics/Cell Biology/Bioengineering

Tools

FIJI/ImageJ

Imaris

LASAF

ZEN

OMERO

Job description

Position Summary

The Brown lab is focused on developing and applying advanced bioimaging techniques including live imaging methods to diverse biological problems. The project will involve studies to understand the role of paxillin phosphorylation in regulating cell migration. The focus will be on developing advanced bioimaging technologies in collaboration with graduate students in the laboratory for these studies including: 1) development of live imaging protocols for lattice lightsheet microscopy and 3D image analysis to understand how membrane dynamics and cell shape are regulated by paxillin phosphorylation, 2) development of live cell imaging protocols for Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy including halo-tagged plasmid development and 3) support for expansion microscopy methods combined with STED microscopy of fixed samples to explore the nanoscale organization of cell matrix adhesions. With a strong focus on interdisciplinary work, the position will involve working on independent research projects and providing supervision support for undergraduate and graduate students working in the Brown lab. McGill is ranked among the finest research-intensive universities in the world. The position will involve collaboration with the Advanced BioImaging Facility (ABIF) of McGill University and their expert imaging scientists. The technical capabilities include widefield and confocal microscopy as well as advanced imaging such as live cell imaging, total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy, FLIM, STED, lattice lightsheet microscopy, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), image processing and analysis and spectral imaging. More information about the ABIF can be found at: http://www.mcgill.ca/abif

The primary duties will include

1. 1. Advanced Microscopy: Work with a collaborative team to develop resources and protocols for sample preparation, live cell lattice lightsheet and STED imaging, combined expansion microscopy and STED microscopy for nanoscale imaging of fixed samples, image analysis pipelines and data management and sharing strategies.
2. 2. Keep up on the literature relevant to the project.
3. 3. Apply for fellowship funding opportunities.
4. 4. Write and publish research papers, present work at conferences and publish detailed protocols.
5. 5. Support grant writing to secure additional project funding.
6. 6. Co-supervise undergraduate and graduate students in the Brown Lab. Support teaching activities in Physiology 560 - Light Microscopy for the Life

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE Required

• 1. PhD in preferred areas including Biophysics, Cell Biology, Cancer Biology, Bioengineering.
• 2. Microscopy Experience with widefield and confocal laser scanning microscopy.
• 3. Image analysis experience.
• 4. Cell culture, molecular biology, live cell imaging.
• 5. Ability to manage a diverse set of obligations on a daily basis with rapidly changing demands and priorities.
• 6. Strong interpersonal skills.
• 7. Ability to work independently and efficiently but also work well as a part of a team.
• 8. Strong verbal and written communication in English.

Would be an Asset

• 1. Some microscopy experience with lattice lightsheet microscopy, STED and ExM.
• 2. Immunofluorescence labelling techniques.
• 3. Familiarity with imaging software: FIJI/ImageJ, Imaris, LASAF, ZEN, OMERO.
• 4. Experience working in a dynamic environment.
• 5. Strong verbal and written communication in French would be an asset.

Compensation & Logistics

Annual Salary: $60,000

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.

Annual Salary: $60,000.00

Hours per Week: 35 (Full time)

Location: Life Sciences Bldg . Supervisor: Professor (Research)

Position Start Date: 2026-12-15

Position End Date: 2027-12-14

Deadline to Apply: 2026-10-30

Equality & Diversity

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future.

McGill received a Platinum STARS rating in sustainability, is among Canada’s greenest employers, and is a top Montreal Employer.

Grandescunt Aucta Labore.

By work, all things increase and grow.

Find a sense of purpose.

Develop your future.

Join us today.