01/04/2021

Postdoctoral position in cell-based immunotherapy – industrial consortium

The Stem Cell Bioprocessing Lab led by Prof. Corinne Hoesli at McGill University is seeking outstanding postdoctoral fellows to work on an industrial contract with a multinational firm and a start-up company with activities in cellular therapy. The objective of the project is to understand the effects of a cell culture system on dendritic cells in defined media for immunotherapy applications. The candidate will differentiate monocytes towards dendritic cells, characterize cell phenotype and functions during the differentiation process and contribute to clinical scale-up. The project is part of a collaborative effort including the two companies as well as research laboratories in the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Centre. Although the project is conducted in partnership with industry, the project is expected to result in significant publication and dissemination opportunities.

Candidates should be specialized immunology, preferably with prior experience in monocyte cell biology and culture. Candidates should be familiar with techniques such as magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS), flow cytometry, Western blotting, qPCR, immunocytochemistry and live cell imaging. Clinical experience (cGMP cell manufacturing) is an asset. The candidates should be versatile in order to work in a highly multidisciplinary environment that encompasses industrial partners, clinicians, engineers and cell biologists. Project management experience is desirable. Candidates must have completed their PhD less than 3 years ago.

The Stem Cell Bioprocessing Lab focuses on applying engineering approaches to produce cells for regenerative medicine. The lab works on designing and optimizing scalable methods to produce cellular therapy products using stem cells and progenitor cells. Other projects in the lab include islet encapsulation to treat type 1 diabetes and the development of biomimetic vascular biomaterials.

McGill University is the leading medical research university in Canada. McGill is located in Montréal, a vibrant and culturally rich city in the heart of Canada’s mainly francophone province of Québec. Montréal is a francophone but largely bilingual city while the workplace language at McGill is English. Effective communication in English with knowledge of French or a willingness to learn French are valued.

To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, copies of recent publications as well as the name and contact information of 3 referees and submit your full application dossier in a single .pdf on this website: https://www.hoeslilab.com/join-the-lab

Commitment to equity and diversity

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage 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 engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry. McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures (www.mcgill.ca/hr/benefits/disabilities). Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, by e-mail (accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca) or phone at 514-398-2477.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Posting period: December 22nd until the position has been filled
Gross salary: between $40,000 and $50,000 according to the level of experience. The candidate is encouraged to also apply to
external funding. Union agreement: www.mcgill.ca/hr/employee-relations/assocs-unions
Work hours: 40 hours/week. Most of the work will be performed between 7 AM and 7 PM from Monday to Friday, but some experiments will require work outside these normal work hours.
Work place: Department of Chemical Engineering, McGill University, Wong building.
Contract duration: January 2021 or at the candidate’s earliest convenience to March 31st, 2022 with possible renewal. Due to the COVID-19 global health emergency, a 2-week quarantine period will be required for those residing outside Canada prior to the start date.