The Aghazadeh Laboratory is seeking a full-time Research Assistant to support ongoing
projects. The selected candidate will work closely with Dr. Aghazadeh, laboratory members,
and collaborators across a variety of experimental and operational tasks.
About the Aghazadeh Lab
Our lab focuses on understanding beta cell development and creating stem cell-based therapies for type 1 diabetes (T1D). T1D is a prevalent chronic disease, affecting 1 in 10 Canadians, with increasing incidence. It results from autoimmune destruction of beta cells—insulin-secreting cells located in the pancreatic islets.
Without beta cells, individuals with T1D must manage their blood glucose levels with daily insulin injections or pumps. Over the last two decades, significant efforts have been made to generate beta cells from stem cells for therapeutic transplantation. These cells can produce insulin in vivo and potentially eliminate the need for external insulin administration.
However, beta cells naturally reside in a highly vascularized environment and depend on blood vessels for glucose sensing and insulin release. In our lab, we generate vascularized beta cells either from stem cells or by integrating primary tissues, then assess their function and therapeutic potential in diabetic models. We also investigate how vascular abnormalities contribute to beta cell dysfunction and the onset of T1D.
Our lab is located in the heart of Montreal, near McGill University, Parc Jeanne-Mance, and Place des Arts—easily accessible by public transit.
Summary of responsibilities
Procurement & Inventory Management:
Maintain lab inventory and order supplies in a timely manner to avoid experimental delays. Responsibilities include communicating with suppliers, obtaining quotes, negotiating pricing, managing storage, and aliquoting reagents.
Cell Culture:
Culture and maintain human stem cells and primary cells. Perform large-scale cell production, differentiation protocols, and quality control testing.
Animal Experiments:
Perform tasks related to animal handling, including transplantation, injections, and general animal care.
Assay Support:
Assist students and staff, as needed, with molecular biology techniques such as qPCR, Western blotting, and flow cytometry.
Required qualifications
- Completed B. Sc. or M. Sc. in a related field.
- Minimum 2 years of experience in cell culture, animal handling, and molecular biology techniques.
- Experience with stem cell culture and differentiation is strongly preferred.
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal) in English.
- Ability to learn quickly and follow guidance.
- Team-oriented with a collaborative mindset.
- Must be legally authorized to work in Canada
Knowledge and skills
- Patience, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
- Skill, dexterity, creativity, and methodical approach.
- Objectivity and discernment.
- Autonomy, reliability, and availability.
- Team spirit.
- Analytical and synthetic mind.
- Curiosity and scientific rigor.
- Excellent time management, prioritization, and deadline respect.
Working conditions
- Full-time temporary position (1 year, 35 hours/week) with the possibility of extension.
- Prime location: Offices near Mount Royal Park, Saint-Laurent Boulevard, and the Quartier des Spectacles, just a 10-minute walk from the metro.
- Compensation and benefits: Competitive salary based on experience and skills, aligned with market standards.
- RREGOP pension plan: Enjoy a generous retirement plan to help secure and plan your future.
- Additional benefits: Medical and disability insurance, telemedicine, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Vacation: Annual paid vacation to support a healthy work-life balance.
How to apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to the following email address: RecruteRH@ircm.qc.ca, specifying the position Research Assistant – Aghazadeh Lab in the subject line.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Our Values
Our mission is translational—to improve lives through innovative diabetes research. We
approach every project with passion, ethics, and precision, guided by best practices in
research integrity and animal care.
We believe in:
- Scientific rigor and reproducibility
- Open collaboration and knowledge exchange
- Continuous innovation and learning
We are committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). Our lab is a safe, respectful, and discrimination-free environment that welcomes individuals of all genders, sexual orientations, and racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
