Junior Assistant

About the organization

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) is a leading biomedical and hospital research centre in Montreal, Quebec. It serves as the research branch of the McGill University Health Centre and is affiliated with McGill University’s Faculty of Medicine. The institute is partially funded by the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS) and is dedicated to advancing scientific discovery and patient-focused medical innovation.

Role overview

The Nguyen Laboratory in the Translational Research in Respiratory Diseases (RESP) Program is looking for a Junior Assistant to contribute to research work related to respiratory infections, host-pathogen interactions, antimicrobial resistance, and antimicrobial drug discovery. This role supports day-to-day laboratory operations and helps keep research activities organized and running smoothly.

What you will do

• Support routine microbiology work, including preparing culture media, maintaining bacterial cultures, processing samples, and carrying out basic molecular biology tasks.
• Help prepare lab supplies, reagents, and equipment for experiments, while keeping stock levels organized and replenished.
• Enter, arrange, and preserve experimental records, inventory lists, and research files according to lab procedures.
• Carry out assigned cleaning, basic equipment upkeep, and quality control checks.
• Follow biosafety rules, laboratory safety standards, and research ethics expectations at all times.
• Take on other lab-related or administrative duties requested by the direct supervisor.

What is needed

• A Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a closely related life sciences discipline.
• Experience of 0 to 6 months in a relevant field.
• Ability to communicate in French is mandatory.
• Strong spoken and written English is required because the role involves frequent and detailed interaction with researchers or international students who work only in English.
• Prior exposure to microbiology, bacteriology, cell culture, molecular biology, or similar lab methods is an advantage.
• Comfort with aseptic practices, bacterial culture workflows, and laboratory safety procedures.
• Proven attention to detail when maintaining records and following established protocols.

Working conditions

This is a temporary full-time position with a 35-hour workweek. The schedule runs from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The role is based at the Glen Site, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Montreal. This is not a hospital position. If you choose to add a cover letter, it should be combined with your resume in one file.

Compensation and benefits

Salary is commensurate with education and experience. The institute offers a strong benefits package that includes vacation time, paid personal/sick/family obligation days, statutory holidays, insurance coverage, telemedicine, a pension plan, training opportunities, childcare centres, corporate discounts, parking, employee assistance, recognition programs, and flexible work options.

Equal opportunity statement

The RI-MUHC uses a merit-based hiring process and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Applications are encouraged from candidates from racialized groups or visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Applicants who may need accommodation during the hiring process can confidentially reach out to the provided recruitment contact.