Research Assistant in Kuzmin and Benoit-Gelber Labs
Classification: Research Assistant under the CARE union at Concordia University
Salary: $27.03/hr - $46.79/hr
Weekly Hours: 35
Duration: The position is available for 7 months to replace an employee on a parental leave.
Start Date: Immediately
Principal Investigator or Immediate Supervisor: Dr. Elena Kuzmin and Dr. Isabelle Benoit-Gelber
Location: 7141 Sherbrooke St West, GE building, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6
Unit: Department of Biology at Concordia University
The Kuzmin and Benoit-Gelber labs at Concordia University are inviting applications for a Research Assistant position. Under the direction of the Principal Investigators, the candidate is going to be responsible for generating mammalian mutant cell lines using CRISPR-Cas9, will perform vector construction and lentivirus preparation, will perform routine tissue culture and cell line maintenance, preparing and maintaining filamentous fungal cultures, generating fungal DNA preparation and fungal mutants. The candidate will assist with other ongoing projects in the labs, such as CRISPR screens in mammalian cells and genetic screens in the filamentous fungi and budding yeast, maintenance of mutant libraries, as well as stock solution preparation. The candidate will also contribute to the methodological development, training and performance of cellular and molecular biology techniques in the field of cancer and yeast functional genomics, fungal genomics and synthetic biology and will provide training in basic techniques for new laboratory members. The selected candidate will be in charge of laboratory management, ordering as well as other administrative tasks. The selected candidate will conduct experiments, compile research results, assist lab members in the analysis of results and the preparation of manuscripts for publication. The candidate will be exposed to a wide variety of technologies in functional genomics and synthetic biology in filamentous fungi, yeast and human cells, including human mutant cell line construction using CRISPR, CRISPR genetic screens, PCR, molecular cloning, proliferation assays, microscopy, western blotting, immunoprecipitation, DNA/RNA purification and enzyme assays.
Applicants must have a BSc/MSc/PhD in Molecular Genetics, Molecular Biology, Functional Genomics, Synthetic Biology or related life science fields. Strong technical expertise in molecular biology and a demonstration of publications directly related to filamentous fungi, yeast or cancer functional genomics or synthetic biology of research is highly preferred. Laboratory management experience is an asset.
This position is based on 40 hours/week 9:00 am –5:00 pm – Monday to Friday and is available immediately. Depending upon the experimental workflow, incumbent may be required to work on statutory holidays, evenings and weekends at short notice. The position is available in the winter 2026 for 7 months to replace an employee on a parental leave.
Application Instructions
Applicants should send (by e-mail: casb@concordia.ca) their curriculum vitae, a concise statement of research interests and the names of three referees to the address below. Only those candidates selected to interview will be contacted.
Elena Kuzmin, Assistant Professor
Isabelle Benoit-Gelber, Associate Professor
Department of Biology, Concordia University
Perks & Benefits
The Kuzmin and Benoit-Gelber labs are part of the Concordia Centre for Applied Synthetic Biology (CASB). The CASB is Canada’s first research centre focused on Synthetic Biology. The Centre houses the Genome Foundry for Synthetic Biology, a unique CFI- and NRC-funded technology platform that aspires to accelerate the design-build-test cycle of biological engineering.
Equal opportunity
Concordia University hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents.