Research Associate

McGill University•Montreal, QC

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Associate will play a central role in the scientific and operational life of the laboratory. This is a senior research position that combines laboratory management responsibilities with the opportunity to pursue an independent line of inquiry. The successful candidate will ensure the smooth day-to-day functioning of the lab, overseeing finances, procurement, regulatory compliance, and personnel onboarding. They will also contribute intellectually as a researcher, mentor, and co-investigator. The role is well suited to an experienced scientist who enjoys both hands-on research and the coordination that keeps a productive lab running.

Requirements

PhD in neuroscience, biology, or a closely related field.
Postdoctoral research experience.
Demonstrated record of research productivity (peer-reviewed publications).
Hands-on expertise in systems neuroscience methods, in particular in vivo electrophysiology and/or optogenetic or chemogenetic manipulation of neuronal activity in rodents.
Experience with rodent surgical and experimental procedures.
Strong quantitative and programming skills for neural data analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
Experience with laboratory management, including budgets, procurement, and regulatory protocols.
Familiarity with animal care and use protocols and associated regulatory frameworks.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with epilepsy models or the study of pathological network activity.
Prior experience preparing and maintaining animal care and/or ethics protocols.
Experience mentoring or co-supervising students.
Track record of contributing to successful grant applications.

Responsibilities

Design and conduct experiments to record and manipulate neuronal activity in mouse models of epilepsy, using techniques such as in vivo electrophysiology (e.g., silicon-probe and multi-electrode recordings), optogenetics and/or chemogenetics, and behavioral assays.
Perform relevant surgical and experimental procedures (e.g., electrode/optical-fiber implantation, viral injections), and establish and refine the associated protocols.
Analyze large-scale neural datasets, developing or adapting computational and statistical methods for spike sorting, signal processing, and quantification of network and seizure dynamics.
Pursue an independent line of inquiry that complements the laboratory's interests and resources, taking scientific ownership of one or more projects.
Co-supervise graduate and undergraduate students and mentor junior trainees in experimental design, data acquisition, and analysis.
Contribute to grant applications as a co-applicant or collaborator with the lab PI, and lead or contribute to manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and dissemination of results.
Prepare, submit, and maintain animal care protocols and other regulatory approvals (e.g., biosafety, ethics), and ensure ongoing compliance with McGill, CCAC, and applicable regulatory standards.
Develop, document, and update standard operating procedures for laboratory and animal procedures.
Serve as the lab's point of contact for compliance and safety matters.
Oversee the purchase of equipment, reagents, and consumables, ensuring purchases follow McGill procurement policies and best value.
Manage laboratory budgets and research funds, including tracking expenditures, reconciling accounts, and reporting to the PI on financial status.
Maintain and manage the lab's inventory of supplies, coordinating reordering and vendor relationships.
Establish and maintain systematic archiving of documents, data, protocols, and records in line with institutional and grant requirements.
Coordinate the onboarding of new lab members, including training on protocols, safety, equipment, and lab procedures.
Support a well-organized, collegial, and safe working environment for students, trainees, and staff.