McGill University

Please refer to the How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply.

If you are an active McGill employee (ie: currently in an active contract or position at McGill University), do not apply through this Career Site. Login to your McGill Workday account and apply to this posting using the Find Jobs report (type Find Jobs in the search bar).

Preclinical Facility for Studying Viral Infections in Mouse Models (PreViMo) at the Department of Human Genetics, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Research Associate to support its growing portfolio of in vivo and in vitro infectious disease research.

Position Summary:

The successful candidate will play a central role in designing, executing, and analyzing mouse model studies and viral assays, while also contributing to training and operational support in Containment Level 2 and 3 (CL2 and CL3) environments.

The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise and demonstrated knowledge in infectious disease models, molecular virology, and CL3 practices. The Research Associate will also support CL3 operations in the absence of the Platform Manager and act as a key point of contact for CL3-related matters, helping to ensure continuity in day-to-day activities and compliance.

Responsibilities

Experimental Design & Execution

• Participate in planning meetings with platform users and the Manager to define study objectives, assess feasibility, and finalize experimental protocols.
• Conduct in vivo infectious disease studies in mouse models under CL2 and CL3 conditions, including infection, clinical monitoring, treatment administration, and necropsy.
• Perform in vitro viral infection assays using primary and immortalized cell lines to support drug screening and viral inactivation testing.
• Accurately collect and document experimental data; meet regularly with users and the platform team to share interim results and support real-time decisions.
• Analyze experimental results using appropriate statistical and graphical tools.
• Prepare comprehensive study reports and present findings in end-of-project meetings, assisting in data interpretation and planning future research phases.
• Training & Support
• Train students and postdoctoral fellows (platform users) when necessary, in CL2 laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and experimental design.
• Assist in delivering CL3 training modules for new users seeking independent access.
• Provide technical guidance and support to users conducting research in CL2 and CL3 environments.
• Facility Operations
• Serve as the designated point of contact for CL3 operations in the absence of the Platform Manager.
• Support routine oversight of CL3 activities, including compliance, safety monitoring, equipment usage, and maintenance coordination.
• Contribute to monthly CL3 steering committee meetings and user feedback processes to improve facility operations and user experience.

Education/Experience

• Ph.D. in Virology, Immunology, Microbiology, or a related discipline, with relevant hands-on research experience.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience with in vivo mouse model studies and in vitro viral assays.
• Certified training and experience in CL3 environments are highly preferred.
• Expertise in Canadian Biosafety Standards and experience with Risk Group 2 and 3 pathogens.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, including experience training and mentoring students.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot experiments, adapt protocols, and prepare clear scientific reports.

Other Qualifications:

• Prior experience in CL3 environments and with Risk Group 2 or 3 viral pathogens.
• Experience working with biocontainment housing systems for mice, including individually ventilated cages and home cage monitoring technologies.
• Familiarity with platforms such as flexiVent for lung function testing, flow cytometry for immune profiling, qPCR for viral quantification, and viral assays including plaque assays and antibody-based binding or neutralization assays.

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:

$33.96

Hours per Week:

40 (Full time)

Location:

Life Sciences Bldg .

Supervisor:

Professor

Position Start Date:

2025-06-09

Position End Date:

2026-08-31

Deadline to Apply:

2025-07-10

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, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.