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Position Summary:
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.
Major Duties and 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
The list of duties and responsibilities outlined above is representative and not a complete and detailed list of tasks which may be performed by an employee whose position has been matched to this generic job description.
Two (2) positions are available for this posting.
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:
- Strong understanding of metabolomics workflows and mass spectrometry (LC/MS and GC/MS), including data acquisition, processing, and interpretation
- Experience with data analysis tools and spectral databases (e.g., XCMS, MetaboAnalyst, MassHunter, HMDB, NIST) is an asset
- 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
- 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)
As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:
- 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
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Bachelor's Degree - Biology 2 Years Related Experience /
(MUNACA Level H) $33.05 - $40.97
35 (Full time)
Academic Associate
Position End Date (If applicable):
2027-07-30
2026-07-09
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.
