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Position Summary:

Exploring mRNA Metabolism through Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy.

The environment

Advances in cutting-edge technologies have underscored the pivotal role of mRNA regulation in gene expression. However, critical questions remain unanswered: how do cells orchestrate mRNA localization, translation, and decay to ensure survival and function when exposed to environmental or pathological stressors?

Our research addresses these fundamental challenges by employing single-molecule fluorescence microscopy to visualize mRNAs in their cellular context. Coupling these techniques with genetic and molecular biology approaches, our overarching goal is to tackle two urgent and timely issues:

1. Survival under Heat Stress: Investigating how different organisms man age mRNA regulation to adapt and survive in the face of increasing heat wave frequency and intensity due to climate change.

2. Protein Homeostasis in Neurodegeneration: Exploring how mutations linked to neurodegenerative diseases disrupt protein homeostasis, focusing on strategies to ameliorate disease progression.

Central to our work are mRNAs encoding molecular chaperones, essential for maintaining a healthy proteome under these stress conditions, as shown in our recent publications in Nucleic Acids Research and Nature Communications. By advancing our understanding of these processes, we aim to contribute to global efforts in combating the dual challenges of climate change and neurodegenerative diseases.

The role

I seek a candidate with experience in quantitative fluorescence microscopy acquisition and analysis and a background in biology. The candidate will work under the supervision of Dr Maria Vera Ugalde. They will apply high-resolution imaging combined to study the spatiotemporal regulation of mRNAs.

Responsibilities

You will,

Conduct independent research focusing on mRNA imaging techniques.

Foster and coordinate collaborations connected to your research project.

Support the laboratory’s operations and assist team members when needed.

Evaluate and explore emerging technologies applicable to the research area.

Play a role in guiding and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

Assist in drafting project proposals, grant applications, and scientific manuscripts tied to your research.

Keep detailed and organized records of experiments, protocols, and both raw and analyzed data per lab standards.

Ensure the workspace is organized, clean, and compliant with safety and laboratory protocols.

Participate in outreach initiatives aimed at promoting scientific understanding.

Stay informed about Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), health and safety policies, and other relevant regulations.

Complete required training mandated by the University, Division, and Department.

Selection criteria

Essential

Possess a Ph.D. in biophysics, quantitative life sciences, or a closely related field.

Established track record of publications or evidence of scientific achievement appropriate for the career stage.

Strong experience with Python and/or MATLAB for analyzing high-throughput imaging data and sequencing datasets (DNA/RNA).

Expertise in fluorescence microscopy techniques.

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills (in English), with the ability to effectively communicate findings, provide constructive feedback and engage in scientific discussions within the team.

Meticulous organizational skills, ensuring precise record-keeping and a detail-oriented approach to tasks.

Proven ability to manage projects efficiently and handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

Demonstrated capacity to work independently, showing initiative and adaptability in dynamic, deadline-driven settings.

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.

Desirable

Experience in cell and molecular biology

Experience in tissue culture and mouse work

Experience working with RNA.

The Vera Ugalde lab has a deep commitment to promoting an inclusive and respectful environment.

Please send a motivation letter CV, and names of two support references by March 31st, 2025.

Qualifications:
Ph.D

Annual Salary:

$48,000

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.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

Annual Salary:

(AMURE Post-Doctoral Fellow Researcher) $45,000.00

Hours per Week:

35 (Full time)

Location:

McIntyre Medical

Supervisor:

Assistant Professor

Position Start Date:

2025-06-01

Position End Date:

2026-05-31

Deadline to Apply:

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.