Postdoctoral Fellow / PhD Candidate in Epigenetics and Musculoskeletal Biology (Research Institute) - #450679

Do you want to work for a world-renowned research institute that pushes the boundaries of biomedical science and health research? Right here in Montreal! At the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), you can be part of an organization focused on scientific discovery and innovation in patient-centered medicine. Join us today and make a difference!

Job Description

RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF THE MUHC

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) is a world-renowned biomedical and hospital research centre. Located in Montreal, Quebec, the Institute is the research arm of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University. The RI-MUHC is supported in part by the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS).

Introduction

Department / Research Program: Surgery / Surgical and Interventional Sciences (SIS)

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) is a world-renowned biomedical and hospital research centre. Located in Montreal, Quebec, it is affiliated with the Faculty of Medicine at McGill University.

We are inviting applications for a PhD position in Cell, Molecular, and Epigenetic Biology within the Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at the Shriners Hospital under the supervision of Dr. Lisbet Haglund. The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research project investigating epigenetic dysregulation in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) using patient-derived musculoskeletal cells and integrated clinical datasets.

Responsabilities And Objectives

• Perform tissue-specific DNA methylation and gene expression analyses (e.g., bisulfite sequencing, qPCR, RNA-seq) on AIS patient samples,
• Culture and characterize primary chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and myoblasts derived from AIS and control tissues,
• Investigate epigenetic regulation of FGFR2, TNF, NF-κB, and other identified targets,
• Analyze and interpret multi-omics data sets including transcriptomics and epigenomics,
• Apply epigenetic-modifying compounds (e.g., DNMT and HDAC inhibitors) to patient-derived cells and assess phenotypic rescue,
• Correlate molecular findings with clinical spinal parameters using imaging and modeling data,
• Contribute to manuscript preparation and present findings at national and international conferences,
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of orthopaedic surgeons, molecular biologists, and imaging specialist.
  
  

Website of the organization

https://rimuhc.ca/en

Education / Experience

Education: PhD

Field of Study: Cell biology, molecular biology, epigenetics, musculoskeletal biology, developmental biology, translational biomedical sciences, or any other related field.

Work Experience: N/A.

Professional Membership: ☐ Yes ☒ No

Required Skills

• Excellent command of English (written and spoken),
• Experience with primary cell culture, RNA/DNA isolation, qPCR, and immunofluorescence,
• Familiarity with epigenetic techniques (e.g., DNA methylation assays, chromatin modification studies) is an asset,
• Working knowledge of transcriptomic or epigenomic data analysis pipelines,
• Interest or experience in musculoskeletal biology, scoliosis research, or developmental disorders,
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  
  

Additional information

Status: Temporary, full time

Compensation Level: Commensurate with graduate funding policies and experience.

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Site: MGH, 1650 Cedar Ave.

***If you wish to include a cover letter, please attach it with your resume in one PDF document. ***

A Postdoctoral fellow is a full-time student currently enrolled in a Canadian University program. The individual must have recently been awarded (within 5 years) a PhD or equivalent. The Postdoctoral fellow will receive a stipend or a bursary from a professor’s grant for research activities that will be performed on a full-time basis. All benefits are administered by the University under which they are registered.

https://rimuhc.ca/careers

To learn more about our benefits, please visit http://rimuhc.ca/en/compensation-and-benefits

THIS IS NOT A HOSPITAL POSITION.

Equal Opportunity Employment Program

The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity, diversity and inclusion within its community. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates who self-identify as members of racialized groups/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. We also welcome candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may confidentially contact, [email protected]