Research Assistant
The Strength of a Mission of “The king of cloning”
NB: This series of encounters highlights the diversity of the members of the IRCM community, the variety of their expertise and the depth of their commitment to their respective roles
Behind major scientific achievements stand discreet pillars without whom nothing would be possible in the laboratory. Jean François Michaud is one of those exceptional scientists. For the past 11 years, he has worked with palpable enthusiasm in Dr. Frédéric Charron’s laboratory, embodying a role that is technical, human, and deeply structuring, with rigour and generosity.
Like many of his fellow research assistants, Jean François often serves as the researcher’s right hand—a true laboratory manager in the fullest sense of the term; A kind of conductor at the heart of the complex score that is scientific research. He ensures that everything runs with precision: equipment in working order, reagents available, inventories up to date, and spaces well organized.
“I take care of all the lab operations to make sure everything runs smoothly, so that students find it easy to work in our lab.”
Behind every successful experiment lies this meticulous orchestration, allowing the entire team to focus fully on science.
A Mentor in a Supportive Team Environment
But his role goes far beyond logistics. Jean François is also a steady presence—the person colleagues turn to when an experiment fails, when questions arise, or when confidence needs to be boosted.
“I’m a go-to person… when something doesn’t work, I’m often the one people come to.”
Affectionately nicknamed by his friends “The king of cloning’’, he trains and supports others with the patience and consistency that define great mentors. In this laboratory known for its strong sense of camaraderie and its blend of local and international talent, he is both a technical pillar and a reassuring presence.
His path reflects strong expertise and remarkable adaptability. Trained in microbiology at Université Laval and later specializing in virology and immunology at the Institut Armand Frappier, he spent nearly fifteen years in the private sector before joining the IRCM. It was a rich journey yet marked by instability:
“I worked for four companies. There were often layoffs, closures.”
In this context, he discovered something valuable at the IRCM: stability, but also a renewed sense of purpose.
“Here, we’re working to cure diseases… it’s a very different mission.”
That mission gives deeper meaning to his daily work. At the IRCM, research goes beyond product-driven goals. It is rooted in a pursuit of knowledge and a tangible impact on human health. This conviction informs every aspect of his contribution, in every action, every form of support he offers his team.
At the heart of his role is also the training of the next generation. Jean François sees cohorts of students come and go, guiding them through their learning and sharing his expertise.
“It’s really something to see their progress. They arrive, they learn, and in the end, it’s an incredible source of pride.”
He watches them grow in independence and confidence, and takes genuine joy in their success.
“Sometimes they almost surpass me… they become so good.”
Behind every thesis defence, every publication, every career path that unfolds, there is a part of his contribution.
At the IRCM, research assistants like Jean François often work behind the scenes.
“We work a lot, but people don’t always see what we do.”
Yet their role is essential. They are the guarantors of continuity, quality, and efficiency.
“If everything runs smoothly, it’s because everything is working in the background.”
They enable teams to aim higher, go further, and transform ideas into discoveries.
If one had to sum up what drives Jean François, it would be this: the rigour of a job well done, a passion for science, and the deep satisfaction of helping others succeed.
“I love the research, but also the human side just as much.”
Thank you, Jean François, for your invaluable contribution to science.
