Research Assistant – Astrocytes and Synaptic Plasticity

RI-MUHC | Research Institute of the MUHC | #rimuhc; Montreal (administrative region); On-site; CAD 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4‑week vacation

12 personal/sick days

13 statutory holidays

Telemedicine

Job summary

RI‑MUHC in Montreal invites applications for a Research Assistant in the Sjöström Laboratory to study astrocyte development and spike‑timing‑dependent plasticity in visual cortex. You will perform patch‑clamp recordings and two‑photon imaging in acute mouse brain slices, analyze data with Igor Pro and MATLAB, and contribute to manuscripts.

Funding is temporary, full‑time (35 hours/week) with on‑site work at Montreal General Hospital.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Neuroscience, neurophysiology, physiology or related field.
• Experience in cellular neurophysiology using patch‑clamp and two‑photon imaging in acute mouse brain slices.
• Doctorate degree considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct patch‑clamp experiments on acute mouse brain slices to study astrocyte roles in synaptic plasticity.
• Perform two‑photon imaging alongside electrophysiology.
• Analyze data and prepare statistics and figures with Igor Pro and MATLAB.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and collaborative mapping of cortical circuits.
• Train and mentor junior lab members.

Skills

Patch‑clamp electrophysiology

Two‑photon imaging

Igor Pro

MATLAB

Manuscript preparation

Analytical skills

Independent & collaborative work

French language

Education

Master's degree

Doctorate degree (asset)

Tools

Igor Pro

MATLAB

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: Centre for Research in Neuroscience / BRaIN Program, RI-MUHC

The Sjöström Laboratory at RI-MUHC seeks a Research Assistant for a project on astrocyte development in visual cortex and the role of astrocytes in spike‑timing‑dependent plasticity in layer 5 pyramidal neurons. Reporting to Dr. P. Jesper Sjöström, the incumbent will design and conduct patch‑clamp electrophysiology and two‑photon imaging experiments in acute mouse brain slices. The incumbent will analyze data and contribute to manuscript preparation. The role also includes collaborative studies of cortical circuits and support for trainee development.

General Duties

• Design and conduct patch‑clamp experiments in acute mouse brain slices to study the role of astrocytes in synaptic plasticity.
• Perform two‑photon imaging alongside electrophysiological recordings.
• Analyse data using Igor Pro and MATLAB, interpret results and prepare statistics and figures.
• Contribute to collaborative optogenetic mapping of cortical connections.
• Prepare, revise and submit scientific manuscripts.
• Assist with training junior laboratory members.

Website of the organization

https://rimuhc.ca/en

Education / Experience

Education: Master's Degree

Field of Study: Neuroscience, neurophysiology, physiology or a closely related field

Other education considered an asset: Doctorate Degree

Work Experience: Research experience in cellular neurophysiology using patch‑clamp electrophysiology and two‑photon imaging in acute mouse brain slices.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of French is required.
• An advanced knowledge of oral and written English is required, as the position requires regular and complex contact with researchers or international students who are exclusively proficient in English. The position also requires complex writing or in-depth analysis of documents in English related to a research project.
• Expertise in patch‑clamp electrophysiology in acute mouse brain slices.
• Experience with two‑photon imaging.
• Knowledge of Igor Pro and MATLAB for quantitative data analysis.
• Experience preparing scientific manuscripts for peer‑reviewed publication.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Additional information

Status: Temporary, full time (35-hour workweek)

Pay Scale: Commensurate with education and experience

Work Shift: 35 hours per week, daily schedule to be agreed with the supervisor.

Work Site: MGH, 1650 Cedar Ave.

Additional specifications: Approximately six months, starting as soon as possible following the posting and hiring process. On‑site at Montreal General Hospital. Advanced written English is required to analyze scientific literature and prepare research manuscripts, intermediary oral English supports discussion of project information.

THIS IS NOT A HOSPITAL POSITION.

Why work with us?

• 4-week vacation, 5th week after 5 years,
• Bank of 12 paid days (personal days and days for sickness or family obligations),
• 13 paid statutory holidays,
• Modular group insurance plan (including gender affirmation coverage),
• Telemedicine,
• RREGOP (defined benefit government pension plan),
• Training and professional development opportunities,
• Child Care Centres,
• Corporate Discounts (OPUS + Perkopolis),
• Competitive monthly parking rate,
• Employee Assistance Program,
• Recognition Program,
• Flex work options and much more!

https://rimuhc.ca/careers

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

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 racialised 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]