Montreal | On-site

Part-time

About the IRCM The Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM) is a world-class biomedical research center that puts science to work for health. The work of our teams contributes to major advances in research. We provide an environment where scientific rigor and collaboration drive the advancement of knowledge.

What you’ll love

- Contribute to work that has a tangible impact on health and research.
- Thrive in a rigorous, collaborative, and supportive environment.
- Take part in challenging projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Job Overview 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. This project to be tackled in this position is to establish OligoPaint based Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) (DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9674-2_11) in our lab and use it to analyze genetically modified Drosophila tissue culture cells. We are therefore looking for someone with relevant experience and expertise.

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/:

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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

Responsibilities

- Establish the OligoPaint method.
- Analyze multiple cell lines using it (prepare the samples, carry out imaging and analyze the images).
- Active participation in lab meetings and contribution to a lab culture of excellence.

What You Bring to the Table Essential Requirements

- A degree in biochemistry or related discipline (MSc level).
- Lab experience in biochemistry, molecular biology, imaging and FISH.

Desired Skills

- Ability to work autonomously and manage priorities effectively.
- Reliable work ethic, strong organizational skills, attention to detail.
- A collaborative nature and ability to work in a team.

Key Information





- Schedule: Full-time (35 hours/week)
- Position type: Temporary

Benefits

- 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 for your future.
- Competitive salary, based on level of experience.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- On-site gym, lounge, cafeteria, bicycle facilities, and showers.
- The opportunity to work at the IRCM, a diverse and internationally recognized research institute affiliated with the Université de Montréal.
- Bilingual environment: the IRCM is a French-speaking institute, but interactions within the Francis lab are primarily in English.
- The opportunity to work in a laboratory that values technical skills, intellectual engagement, collaboration, and curiosity, and is committed to supporting the scientific and personal development of all its members.

Submit Your Application We are open to candidates with different experience, although at least some of the needed skills must be in place.

Submit your application (resume) by clicking “Apply”.

To learn more about the IRCM: https://www.ircm.qc.ca

Selection Process

Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Background checks may be conducted depending on the nature of the position.

The IRCM values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

Accommodations may be provided upon request at any stage of the recruitment process. To request accommodations, please indicate this in the “Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about yourself?” section of the application form.

📌 Research Assistant (Montreal)
🏢 I R C M
📍 Montreal