Research Associate

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Dr. Guy Rouleau’s lab. of The Neuro at McGill University is seeking for a Research Associate to assist in the developing RNA drugs for Oculopharyngeal Muscular Dystrophy (OPMD) therapy. The successful candidate will work with Dr. Guy Rouleau’s research team in the Ludmer Building, McGill. In collaboration with research assistants and external collaborators including from industry, the candidate will ensure the timely execution of experimental work to generate an effective and safe therapy for OPMD.

Responsibilities

The research associate will be responsible for designing and performing experimental procedures related to (1) CRISPR-based RNA editing, and (2) microRNAs for silencing the mutant PABPN1. She/he will be evaluating the use of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encapsulating CRISPR RNA-editing components and miRNAs in OPMD iPSCs-derived muscle cells and in a mouse model of OPMD. The series of preclinical experiments will include developing and optimizing different RNA cargos, differentiating iPSCs into muscle cells and thawing the cryopreserve of our OPMD mouse cells and colony establishment. She /he will be first performing functional analysis to measure the effects of CRISPR-RNA editing/miRNAs at the RNA and protein levels (QPCR and Western blot), immunocytochemistry, and cell viability assays in OPMD iPSCs-muscle cells. Then, the RA will evaluate the efficacy and safety of the best RNA cargo(s) in vivo. The RA will independently refine and optimize experimental design and methods, based on pilot testing of the novel tasks. She/he will further analyze the data, write drafts of manuscripts, and contribute to the writing of grants. She/He will also assist in writing grants to secure funding for this translational R&D program leading to IND-enabling studies and participate in the supervision of -time technicians.

Requirements:

• PhD in molecular biology or relevant biomedical Sciences.
• A strong background in iPSCs- muscle derived cells.
• In vivo experience with mice handling, maintenance, and experimental procedures.
• A strong experience in molecular and cell biology techniques, cell culture, immunocytochemistry, microscopy, and RNA analysis.
• Experience with flow cytometry.
• Preferred experience in coding and AI for miRNA design, and bioinformatics.
• Preferred experience in muscle dystrophy diseases/ muscle biology/ muscle stem regeneration and RNA interference.

Application Process:

Interested applicants should submit a CV and cover letter that details their experience and contact details for 3 references.

This position is covered by the AMURE collective agreement: http://www.aerum-amure.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AMURE-2023-2027.pdf

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. Knwledge 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 # 3 on a scale of 0-4.

Hourly Salary:

$33.96

Hours per Week:

35 (Full time)

Location:

Montreal Neuro.

Supervisor:

Professor

Position Start Date:

2025-07-01

Position End Date:

2026-06-30

Deadline to Apply:

2025-06-28

This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.

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, [email protected].

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