Research Technician

McGill University•Hamilton, ON

2d•CA$33 - CA$41•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the immediate supervisor, plans and executes laboratory projects and experiments. Performs technical tasks in the field of biology, chemistry, physiology, etc. Selects and modifies methodology. Analyses and interprets data. Acts as resource person, resolves problems and instructs others. Participates in manuscript preparation. Maintains equipment. Two (2) positions are available for this posting.

Requirements

Strong understanding of metabolomics workflows and mass spectrometry (LC/MS and GC/MS), including data acquisition, processing, and interpretation
Knowledge of quality control, method development, and instrumentation troubleshooting for complex biological samples
Familiarity with laboratory best practices, including SOPs, GLP, and operation in a shared/core facility environment
Experience with electronic lab notebooks (ELN) and data management systems, with a strong focus on data integrity, traceability, and reproducibility
Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain organized workflows, and ensure proper sample, data, and reagent tracking
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively
Proven ability to train and support users on instrumentation and data analysis
Excellent communication skills and attention to detail
Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and staying current with advances in instrumentation and metabolomics
Bachelor's Degree - Biology
2 Years Related Experience
Knowledge of English: Level #4 on a scale of 0-4

Nice To Haves

Experience with data analysis tools and spectral databases (e.g., XCMS, MetaboAnalyst, MassHunter, HMDB, NIST) is an asset
Experience in biomedical, clinical, or omics research environments
Familiarity with basic scripting or statistical tools (R, Python)
Prior involvement in method development or scientific publications
Bilingualism (English/French)

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

Benefits

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