Postdoctoral Researcher - ADVANCED BIOIMAGING FACILITY (ABIF)

McGill University • Hamilton, ON

58d • $50,000 • Onsite

About The Position

With a strong focus on interdisciplinary research, the Postdoctoral Fellow will contribute to the scientific, technical, and operational excellence of the Advanced BioImaging Facility (ABIF). The successful candidate will work closely with ABIF imaging scientists to advance facility capabilities, support users through training and consultation, and lead innovative technical development projects. More information about the ABIF can be found at: http://www.mcgill.ca/abif.

Requirements

• PhD in a relevant field, including Biophysics, Cell Biology, Neuroscience, Cancer Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioengineering, or related disciplines.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with light microscopy, including widefield and confocal laser scanning microscopy, with some theoretical understanding of imaging principles.
• Experience in quantitative imaging, quality control, benchmarking, and/or protocol development.
• Ability to manage diverse, rapidly changing responsibilities in fast‑paced, collaborative research environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to users with varying levels of expertise.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently, while also contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing or implementing quality control programs or long-term performance monitoring.
• Familiarity with computational image analysis, scripting (Python, MATLAB), or machine learning–based image workflows.
• Experience with method development, imaging assay optimization, or pipeline standardization in a core facility or collaborative research environment.
• Background in advanced microscopy techniques such as super resolution, spectral, lightsheet, FLIM, or STED imaging.
• Experience with immunofluorescence labeling techniques.
• Experience with cell culture, molecular biology, or live cell imaging.
• Familiarity with major imaging software platforms, including FIJI/ImageJ, Imaris, LAS X, ZEN, OMERO, or similar tools.
• Prior involvement in training, teaching, or curriculum development for microscopy.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in French.
• Experience working in a dynamic, fast paced research environment.

Responsibilities

• Technical Development & Innovation Lead and document quality control (QC) workflows for ABIF imaging systems, including performance monitoring, calibration, and instrument benchmarking.
• Develop, optimize, and standardize experimental and imaging protocols, contributing to improved reproducibility and methodological rigor across the facility.
• Evaluate new imaging technologies, software tools, and analysis pipelines, providing recommendations for facility upgrades or procedural improvements.
• User Support & Training Support consultations with ABIF users and provide advice on experimental design, imaging strategies, and data workflows.
• Deliver one-on-one training for a range of imaging modalities, including widefield, confocal laser scanning, and advanced fluorescence microscopy.
• Be available to help users with troubleshooting support.
• Facility Operations & Maintenance Contribute to routine facility operations, including coordination of shared resources and oversight of instrument scheduling and uptime.
• Perform and document regular maintenance of imaging systems; troubleshoot technical issues and liaise with vendors as needed.
• Support safety and compliance procedures, including hazardous waste handling and proper use of facility equipment.
• Education & Outreach Stay current with the scientific literature in microscopy, imaging technologies, and computational analysis.
• Assist with the planning and delivery of ABIF courses, workshops, and community events.
• Participate in seminars, conferences, and training opportunities to maintain cutting-edge knowledge.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree