Student Research Assistant

McGill University; Campbell River; On-site; CAD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

McGill University invites applications for a Student Research Assistant to support research on the legal, ethical, social, and policy aspects of genomics, precision medicine, and open science. You will work with Prof. Ma’n H.

Zawati and the Centre for Genomics and Policy, contributing to literature reviews, policy drafting, and manuscript support. The role suits students in health law, bioethics, or related fields, offering in-person work at Penfield 740 with flexible 14 hours/week during the

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Law degree with strong academic standing; or
• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in sociology, anthropology, political science, psychology, public health, counselling psychology, ethics, bioethics, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated interest in health law and policy, health research regulation, regulation of health professionals, emerging technologies, and/or privacy law.
• Strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Fluency in English and working knowledge of French.

Responsibilities

• Conduct literature reviews on legal, social, ethical, and policy issues related to genomic research, precision medicine, and health data sharing.
• Analyze and compare provincial, national, and international legal and policy frameworks.
• Assist in the development and drafting of policy documents and recommendations for various stakeholders.
• Support research, drafting, copy-editing, citation verification, and source-checking of manuscripts for law, bioethics, and science journals.
• Participate in project meetings and contribute to team discussions.
• Support teaching-related activities, as appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Centre of Genomics and Policy and other research partners.
• Perform additional research-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Skills

Strong research

Analytical thinking

Written communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

English fluency

French knowledge

Education

Pursuing Law degree

Undergrad/grad in social sciences or related

Interest in health law and policy

Job description

Hiring Unit:

Centre for Genomics and Policy, Department of Human Genetics

Supervisor:

Prof. Ma’n H. Zawati

Position Summary

The Human Genetics research team is seeking a highly motivated Student Research Assistant to support research activities related to the legal, ethical, social, and policy dimensions of genomic research, precision medicine, and open science initiatives. The successful candidate will work closely with Professor Ma’n H. Zawati and collaborate with researchers at the Centre of Genomics and Policy.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for students interested in health law, health policy, bioethics, genomics, privacy regulation, and interdisciplinary research.

Key Responsibilities

The Student Research Assistant will:

• Conduct literature reviews on legal, social, ethical, and policy issues related to genomic research, precision medicine, and health data sharing.


• Analyze and compare provincial, national, and international legal and policy frameworks.


• Assist in the development and drafting of policy documents and recommendations for a variety of stakeholders, including researchers, healthcare institutions, ethics boards, professionals, and the public.


• Support the research, drafting, copy-editing, citation verification, and source-checking of manuscripts submitted to peer-reviewed journals in law, bioethics, and science.


• Participate in project meetings and contribute to team discussions.


• Support teaching-related activities, as appropriate.


• Collaborate with members of the Centre of Genomics and Policy and other research partners.


• Perform additional research-related duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Law degree with strong academic standing; or


• Currently pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in sociology, anthropology, political science, psychology, public health, counselling psychology, ethics, bioethics, or a related discipline.


• Demonstrated interest in health law and policy, health research regulation, regulation of health professionals, emerging technologies, and/or privacy law.


• Strong research, analytical, and written communication skills.


• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.


• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.


• Fluency in English and working knowledge of French.

Assets

• Familiarity with comparative law methodologies.


• Experience with copy-editing, reference management, and legal source-checking.


• Background or coursework in biology, genomics, bioinformatics, health data science, or bioethics.

Work Schedule

• Minimum commitment of 14 hours per week during the academic year.


• Flexible work schedule based on student availability and project requirements.


• Opportunity for increased hours, including full-time work, during the summer period.


• This is an in-person position based at McGill University.

Language requirement

• 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. _

Hourly Salary

$25.00

Hours per Week

14 (Part time)

Location

Penfield 740

Supervisor

Associate Professor

Position Start Date

2026-09-07

Position End Date

2027-08-31

Deadline to Apply

2026-10-21

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].