Research Assistant 2
McGill University
Apply to this jobPlease 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).
The Zandee lab is seeking a skilled and motivated Research Assistant to support data analysis and pipeline development for cutting-edge research in neuroinflammation, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegeneration. The RA will work closely with Dr. Stephanie Zande, lab members, and external collaborators to process, analyze, and interpret large-scale transcriptomic, single-cell, and spatial omics datasets.
Key Responsibilities
1- Data Processing & Analysis
- Perform quality control, alignment, and quantification of bulk and single-nucleus RNA-seq datasets.
- Conduct differential expression, clustering, trajectory inference, cell type annotation, and pathway enrichment analyses.
2- Pipeline Development & Maintenance
- Develop and maintain reproducible and scalable pipelines (e.g., using Snakemake, Nextflow, or custom scripts).
- Automate common data processing workflows in bash, R, or Python.
- Maintain version control using GitHub and contribute to internal documentation.
3- Collaboration & Communication
- Work closely with lab members to provide analytical support and interpret results.
- Generate figures and summaries for presentations, publications, and grant applications.
4- Data Management & Infrastructure
- Organize and back up sequencing data and analysis results using lab-approved systems.
- Ensure adherence to data security and compliance protocols.
Preferred Qualifications
- MSc or PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Strong programming skills in R and/or Python; experience with shell scripting.
- Hands-on experience with sc/snRNA-seq analysis tools (e.g., Seurat, Scanpy, Cell Ranger).
- Familiarity with high-performance computing environments and job scheduling systems.
- Knowledge of Git/GitHub, version control, and reproducible research practices.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills; ability to work independently and in teams.
- Interest in neuroscience, immunology, or multi-omics data integration is a plus.
Work Environment & Opportunities
- The position is embedded in an interdisciplinary research team with projects spanning neuroinflammation, machine learning, and single-cell biology.
- Opportunities for co-authorship on high-impact publications and involvement in grant writing and collaborations.
- Flexible work arrangements (e.g., hybrid or remote-friendly) can be discussed depending on project needs.
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. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 3 on a scale of 0-4.
Hourly Salary:
Hours per Week:
Location:
Supervisor:
Position Start Date:
Position End Date:
Deadline to Apply:
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.
Summary
Support data analysis, pipeline development, and collaboration in neurogenomics research
Job title
Research Assistant 2
Experience level
MSc or PhD
Industry
research in neurobiology and bioinformatics
Location requirements
Montreal Neuro; hybrid/remote work possible
Salary
$32.15 per hour, 21 hours/week, part time
Management role
No
Required skills
Preferred skills
Specializations
Structured locations inferred from the posting.
Unknown location