Postdoctoral Research Fellow : Montreal, Canada

We are inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in integrative biology or related fields with an interest in immune mediated diseases.

By using cellular & molecular immunology, genomics and integrative biology approaches this program aims to understand the biology that underlies the susceptibility to immune-mediated diseases, with a particular focus on Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). With over 200 known genetic risk factors for CD and UC, the current challenge is to define which are the causal genes and variants and to determine their role in health and disease. We have generated large-scale functional (ORF and RNAi) datasets of hundreds of disease genes in multiple different cell types, RNA-SEQ profiling of human primary immune cells, whole-exome sequencing data, etc. We have developed retrospective and prospective CD/UC/control cohorts with genetic, metabolomic, proteomic, immune, histologic and microbiome profiling. We have also developed unique research platforms (e.g. fully automated platform for high throughput- and high content screens) and dedicated state-of-the-art research tools (e.g. next generation FACS sorter). Candidate would be joining an excellent team of MSc/PhD-level scientists with expertise in genetics, genomics, molecular & cellular biology, virology, cellular immunology, biostatistics, bioinformatics and automation.

The successful candidate will be supervised directly by Dr. John D. Rioux. He or she will have the opportunity to work with a large portfolio of data sets and scientific platforms (briefly described above) in order to establish causality of genes and variants in CD and UC, both at the mechanistic level and translating to clinical samples. Candidates will be encouraged to develop their own research projects, and to participate in large-scale national and international collaborations.

The ideal candidate has a PhD or equivalent doctorate, a strong background in human immunology and has demonstrated scientific productivity. S/he will be familiar with approaches to integrate biological information from a wide-range of data resources. Research experience in cellular and/or molecular immunology, molecular biology, or genomics (metabolomics, proteomics, transcriptomics) is a strong advantage.

The Laboratory for Genetic and Genomic Medicine is funded via grants from the NIH, CIHR, Genome Canada, Genome Quebec, and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. Université de Montréal/Montreal Heart Institute hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply. Montreal is a vibrant urban environment that offers year round cultural events and festivals, outdoor recreational activities and excellent restaurants. Fluency in English and/or French is essential.