The Zandee lab is seeking a skilled and motivated Research Assistant to support data analysis and pipeline development for cutting-edge research in neuroinflammation, multiple sclerosis, and neurodegeneration. The RA will work closely with Dr. Stephanie Zande, lab members, and external collaborators to process, analyze, and interpret large-scale transcriptomic, single-cell, and spatial omics datasets.

Key Responsibilities

- Data Processing & Analysis
- Perform quality control, alignment, and quantification of bulk and single-nucleus RNA-seq datasets.
- Conduct differential expression, clustering, trajectory inference, cell type annotation, and pathway enrichment analyses.

- Pipeline Development & Maintenance

- Develop and maintain reproducible and scalable pipelines (e.g., using Snakemake, Nextflow, or custom scripts).
- Automate common data processing workflows in bash, R, or Python.
- Maintain version control using GitHub and contribute to internal documentation.

- Collaboration & Communication

- Work closely with lab members to provide analytical support and interpret results.
- Generate figures and summaries for presentations, publications, and grant applications.

- Data Management & Infrastructure

- Organize and back up sequencing data and analysis results using lab-approved systems.
- Ensure adherence to data security and compliance protocols.

Preferred Qualifications

- MSc or PhD in Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Computer Science, or a related field.
- Strong programming skills in R and/or Python; experience with shell scripting.
- Hands-on experience with sc/snRNA-seq analysis tools (e.g., Seurat, Scanpy,



Cell Ranger).
- Familiarity with high-performance computing environments and job scheduling systems.
- Knowledge of Git/GitHub, version control, and reproducible research practices.
- Excellent organizational and communication skills; ability to work independently and in teams.
- Interest in neuroscience, immunology, or multi-omics data integration is a plus.

Work Environment & Opportunities

The position is embedded in an interdisciplinary research team with projects spanning neuroinflammation, machine learning, and single-cell biology.

Opportunities for co-authorship on high-impact publications and involvement in grant writing and collaborations.

Flexible work arrangements (e.g., hybrid or remote-friendly) can be discussed depending on project needs.

This position is covered by the AMURE collective agreement: http://www.aerum-amure.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AMURE-2023-2027.pdf

This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement.

Hourly Salary: $32.15

Hours per Week: 21 (Part time)

Monday, Thursday, Friday

Location: Montreal Neuro.

Supervisor: Assistant Professor (Research)

Position Start Date: 2026-08-31

Position End Date: 2027-08-30

Deadline to Apply:



2026-08-16

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, [email protected].

Located in one of the world’s excellent multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research.

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📌 Research Assistant 2 (Montreal)
🏢 McGill University
📍 Montreal