A four-month research assistant position is available immediately in the Francis lab. We are a small, diverse, curiosity-driven team that works on the biochemistry of epigenetics and chromatin, with a focus on Polycomb proteins. Methods used in the lab range from in vitro biochemistry to imaging and genomics. The predominant system used in the lab is Drosophila, but this position involves working with mammalian cell lines. We are especially interested in candidates with experience in biochemistry and molecular biology, but we welcome applicants with diverse experience and a willingness to learn. There is a possibility to extend this position, dependent on pending funding.
Summary of responsibilities
You will conduct laboratory experiments, with a level of independence depending on your experience.
- Conduct experiments testing for co-translational assembly of a Polycomb complex in mammalian cells. This project involves making stable cell lines and carrying out immunoprecipitations followed by RNA analysis.
- Protein purification from E. coli and Sf9 insect cells
- Molecular cloning
- Preparation and quality control of key reagents
- Assisting with protocol optimization and development
- Active participation in lab meetings and contribution to a lab culture of excellence
- Training new lab members
- Keeping track of stocks and maintaining lab organization
Required qualifications
We are open to candidates with different experience and to adapting the position to the individual. We encourage you to apply if you have:
- A bachelor in biochemistry or related discipline
- Lab experience in biochemistry, molecular biology or related areas.
- Reliable work ethic, strong organizational skills, attention to detail
- A collaborative nature and ability to work in a team
Working conditions
- Full-time temporary position (35 hours/week) for a 4-month term, with the possibility of extension.
- RREGOP pension plan: Enjoy a generous retirement plan to help secure and plan your future.
- Competitive salary, with salary depending on experience level
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- A chance to work at the IRCM, a diverse internationally recognized research institute affiliated with the University of Montreal
- Bilingual environment—we are a French-speaking institute, but interactions in the Francis lab occur mainly in English
- The chance to work in a lab that values technical skill, intellectual engagement, collaboratoin and curiosity, and is committed to scientific and personal development of all members
About the Francis lab
Our lab is interested in epigenetic mechanisms, with a particular focus on transcription memory and how chromatin-based information is passed through the cell cycle. Some of our recent publications are below, and more information can be found on our website https://www.francis-lab-epigenetics.ca/:
- Gemeinhardt, T.M.* Regy, R.M.*, Phan, T.M.*, Pal, N., Sharma, J., Senkovich, O., Mendiola, A.J., Ledterman, H.J., Henrickson, A., Lopes, D., Kapoor, U., Bihani, A., SIhou, D., Kim, Y.C., Jeruzalmi, D., Demeler, B., Kim, C.A., Mittal, J.# & Francis, N.J.# (2025) A disordered linker in the Polycomb protein Polyhomeotic tunes phase separation and oligomerization. Molecular Cell 85: 2128-2146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcel.2025.05.008
- Seif, E. Kang, J.J., Sasseville, C., Senkovich, O., Kaltashov, A., Boulier, E.L., Kapur, I., Kim, C.A., and Francis, N.J. (2020) Phase separation by the Sterile Alpha Motif of Polyhomeotic compartmentalizes Polycomb Group proteins and enhances their activity. Nat Commun 11, 5609. https://rdcu.be/b9L1P
- Alecki, C., Chiwara, V., Sanz, L. A., Grau, D., Pérez, O. A., Boulier, E. L., Armache, K.-J., Chédin, F., & Francis, N. J. (2020). RNA-DNA strand exchange by the Drosophila Polycomb complex PRC2. Nature Commun., 11(1), 1–14. https://rdcu.be/b3y5P
How to apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to the following email address: RecruteRH@ircm.qc.ca, specifying the position Research Assistant - Biochemistry of Epigenetic Inheritance Research Unit in the subject line.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
