Research Assistant

I R C M; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life and health insurance

Vacation and paid time off

Holiday and sick days

Employee Assistance Program

Telemedicine services

Job summary

The Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Noncoding RNA Biology & Therapeutics Unit. You will participate in innovative projects focused on noncoding RNA structure-function and RNA-based therapeutics, while supporting the Research Director in organizing and running laboratory activities.

With a Master’s degree and at least 3 years of hands-on lab experience, you will work under supervision to perform experiments, analyze data, and contribute to

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required with a minimum of 3 years hands-on lab experience.
• Strong expertise in mammalian cell culture and RNA/molecular biology techniques.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and manage experiments involving mammalian cell culture, RNA/protein extraction, and molecular biology assays.
• Analyze experimental data and maintain detailed records.
• Contribute to data interpretation and project advancement.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory standards and protocols.
• Assist in preparing scientific manuscripts, presentations, and reports.
• Support lab operations including reagent prep, supply orders, and equipment maintenance.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Time management

Independent and collaborative work

Analytical and problem-solving

English communication

Education

Master’s degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or related life sciences

Tools

RNA sequencing

Job description

The Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) is a world-class biomedical research center that puts science to work for health. The work of our teams contributes to major advances in research. We provide an environment where scientific rigor and collaboration drive the advancement of knowledge.

What you’ll love

• Contribute to work that has a tangible impact on health and research.
• Thrive in a rigorous, collaborative, and supportive environment.
• Take part in challenging projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Job Overview

Under the supervision of Dr. Martin Sauvageau, the incumbent works as a Research Assistant within the Noncoding RNA Biology & Therapeutics Unit at the Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM).

The role involves active participation in innovative research projects focused on noncoding RNA structure-function, as well as the development of RNA-based therapeutics (ASO, siRNA, mRNA-LNP). The incumbent will also be responsible to assist the Research Director in the organisation and and smooth operation of laboratory activities and uphold the highest scientific standards.

• Conduct and manage experiments involving mammalian cell culture (transfections, fonctional assays), RNA and protein extraction, molecular biology and biochemical assays to study RNA and its interactions with proteins, third-generation RNA sequencing.
• Analyze experimental data accurately and maintain detailed records.
• Contribute to data interpretation and research project advancement.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory standards and protocols.
• Assist in the preparation of scientific manuscripts, presentations, and reports.
• Support laboratory operations (reagent preparation, manage supply orders, equipment maintenance, help with supervision and teaching techniques to other lab members).

What You Bring to the Table

• Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related life sciences field.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands‑on laboratory experience.
• Strong expertise in mammalian cell culture, molecular and biochemical techniques to study RNA, and RNA sequencing.

Desired Skills

• Experience with RNA-protein interaction assays (asset).
• Experience with coding and RNA sequencing data analysis (asset).
• Experience with RNA structure characterisation (asset).
• Strong attention to detail and scientific rigor.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Key Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Position type: Permanent
• Life and health insurance plans.
• 12 paid holidays and 10 sick or personal days per year.
• 20 vacation days after one full reference year.
• Employee Assistance Program and telemedicine services.

Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Background checks may be conducted depending on the nature of the position.

The IRCM values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

Accommodations may be provided upon request at any stage of the recruitment process. To request accommodations, please indicate this in the “Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about yourself?” section of the application form.