Job description :
The Aghazadeh laboratory has an open position for Research Assistant. The selected candidate will have the responsibility to work closely with Dr. Aghazadeh and graduate students to conduct experiment, report and analyze data, and manage the supply chain of the lab (inventory, ordering, receiving, stocking, etc) independently, but with guidance from the Unit Director.
Main tasks:
Their main responsibilities will be to learn, practice and train students in stem cell and primary cell culture, stem cell differentiation to pancreatic and vascular cell fates, perform quality control at various stages and keep detailed notes. In addition, the individual will be working independently with mice and rat models of diabetes, which require injections, blood collection and animal surgery. The selected individual will also perform RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, microscopy and further assays. Individuals with experience in stem cell work, animal work and wet lab assays will be prioritized.
Required qualifications:
- Minimum 3 years of experience with cell culture, animal work, molecular biology assays (individuals with experience in stem cell culture and differentiation will be prioritized).
- Strong communication skills (written and oral) in English, and sufficient knowledge in French for supply ordering.
- Ability to learn fast and take guidance.
- Ability to train students and assist them in experiments.
Individuals with a M.Sc. degree in biomedical sciences, experience with stem cell culture and animal models, and knowledge of English and French will be prioritized.
Conditions and benefits:
- 1 year contract, renewable
- Full-time position (35h/week)
- Salary based on the level of experience and in accordance with the IRCM payscale
- Participation to the government and public employees’ pension plan (RREGOP)
- Group insurance plans
- Work-life balance
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
Start date: June 2023
How to apply: Please send your resume, cover letter (indicating why you are a good fit for the lab, and a brief description of your previous experience), and contact information of two referees to : yasaman.aghazadeh@ircm.qc.ca
About the Aghazadeh Lab
Our research: Our research focuses on understanding beta cell development and developing therapies for type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is one of the most chronic diseases that affects 1 of 10 Canadians, with its prevalence on a steep rise. T1D is caused by the autoimmune destruction of beta cells located in the pancreatic islets of Langerhans. The beta cells secrete insulin and regulate blood glucose, therefore in their absence, the individuals living with T1D require daily administration of insulin through injections or pumps which is burdensome. Therefore, in over the past two decades, significant efforts have been made to generate beta cells from stem cells and transplant them in individuals living with T1D. These cells can secrete insulin in the human body. Therefore, beta cell replacement therapy has the potential to eliminate the need for insulin injections and treat T1D long-term. However, in the human pancreas, the beta cells are highly vascularized and rely on the vessels to receive glucose and secrete insulin in the blood. Therefore, we generate vascularized beta cells from the differentiation of stem cells, or by combining primary tissues, and study the role of the vessels in beta cell development, and function, and assess their potential in normalizing blood glucose in diabetic animals. We are also interested in studying vascular abnormalities that can lead to beta cell dysfunction and cause T1D. Our lab is located in the heart of the city of Montreal, near McGill campus, Parc Jeanne-Mance, and Places des arts, and is easily accessible with Montreal public transit.
Our values: Our research has the potential for clinical translation and to improve the quality of life for many living with type 1 diabetes around the globe. We do not take this responsibility lightly and work at every step of the way with passion, ethics, and precision. We utilize Best Practices guidelines for research, animal welfare and safety. We believe in discovery and innovation, reproducibility of our data, scientific exchange, and contributing to our research community at home and abroad. We strongly believe that Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles make our team and research stronger and therefore practice them daily. Our lab is an environment without discrimination, and we welcome individuals from all genders, sexual orientations, and racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds.
About the Institute
The IRCM (Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal) is a renowned biomedical research institute located in the heart of Montréal's university district. Founded in 1967, it is currently comprised of 34 research labs and four specialized clinical research out-patient clinics: diabetes; hypertension; lipids and nutrition; and rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis and familial hyperlipidemia. It is the vision of the IRCM is to support the union of fundamental and clinical scientists, facilitating the advancement of truly translational research. The IRCM employs over 400 people. It is affiliated with the Université de Montréal, and the IRCM Clinic is associated to the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and maintains a long-standing association with McGill University. The IRCM is funded by the Quebec Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Energy (Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie).
