Research Technician

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Position Summary:

Under the direction of the immediate supervisor and/or taking scientific direction of the Mass Spectometry (MS) principal, plans and executes laboratory projects and experiments.

Major duties and responsibilities:

• Performs technical tasks in Metabolomics using LC-MS technologies
• Collects, analyses and interprets data.
• Acts as resource person, resolves problems and instructs others.
• Participates in manuscript preparation.
• Maintains and monitor highly sophisticated instruments; and learns about new equipment and instruments.
• Sample Preparation: extract and derivatize (when necessary) biological samples as per standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Extract, derivatize, collect Gas chromatography-Mass Spectometry (GC/MS) and Liquid chromatography-Mass spectometry (LC/MS) data, and analyze customer samples according to established facility standard operating procedures (SOP).
• Collect and analyse both LC/MS and GC/MS data as per SOPS;
• Record all work in electronic lab notebook (ELN) as per SOP;
• Ensure that all collected data is properly backed up to Electronic Content Management system (ECM), Back up all data to and Link all spreadsheets and results generated to appropriate ELN experiment;
• Submit analyzed data for review to MS Principal (or Group Leader);
• Maintain stocks of reagents for researchers/trainees running GC and LC/MS;
• Monitor instruments for proper function (quality of peaks, Mass spectra and tuning);
• Perform routine maintenance on GC and LC/MS systems (liner, septum changes, cut column, relocking of methods) and other instruments;
• Help maintain SOPS for data collection and analysis methods;
• Help maintain data collection directory structure and data back up;
• Help researchers during working hours should questions on instrument use or analysis arise;
• With guidance from MS Principal or Group Leader, help develop new methods, protocols and sample extraction methodologies;
• Assist Group Leader in monthly billing /cost recovery;
• May be asked to perform accounting functions such as monitoring expenditures, verifying ledgers and resolving discrepancies. May be asked to forecasts costs of supplies, materials and equipment; Help maintain other laboratory equipment and keep a clean uncluttered lab;
• Keeps abreast of new developments in the field and instrumentation to update skills and knowledge

The list of duties and responsibilities outlined above is representative and not a complete and detailed list of tasks which may be performed by an employee whose position has been matched to this generic job description.

Other qualifying skills and/or abilities:

• Two (2) years of direct experience in HPLC, LC/MS and/or GC/MS (more than 2 years of direct experience preferred).
• Experience with lipid profiling is an asset.
• Undergraduate degree in Life Sciences, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related science;
• Ability to work independently and as an active member of an integrated team.
• Ability to take direction from group leader.
• Demonstrated high work ethic with strong attention to detail and excellent interpersonal skills as well as a demonstrated willingness to advance research projects.
• Ability to write basic SOPs and proven ability to follow them.
• Avid learner: keeps abreast of new developments in Mass Spectrometry to update skills and knowledge.
• Ability to support and interact with multiple varied stakeholders (students, researchers, and other facility users).
• Excellent communication and writing skills in English. French proficiency is an asset.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

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.

Knowledge of 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.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage 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 engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

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