Job description :
A post-doctoral position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Jennifer Estall, located at the IRCM (Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal), affiliated with the University of Montreal and associated with McGill University. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing an independent research project with focus on the endocrine basis of metabolic differences between men and women and how this affects overall health. The project would involve the use of cutting-edge technologies including “omics” (i.e. proteomics, genomics, metabolomics), BioID, bioenergetics, metabolic phenotyping of animals, and gene editing. Being at the IRCM, we benefit from direct access to clinical collaborators, tissue biobanks, and patient cohorts. Projects in the Estall Lab often have both a clinical and basic scientific focus.
Candidate must be within 0-18 months of completing their PhD degree. Contract position for 3 years, with chance for renewal depending on funding. Salary is competitive and negotiable. The candidate would be affiliated with the IRCM, as well as the University of Montreal or McGill University.
Required qualifications :
- Doctoral degree from an accredited college/university in a discipline related to biomedical research
- Experience in molecular biology and metabolism/biochemistry required
- At least 3 years bench experience using common molecular biology techniques (e.g. qPCR, western blotting, cell culture, cloning)
- Strong computer skills
Preferred qualifications :
- Knowledge of endocrine physiology, genomic regulation (transcription), and bioinformatics an asset
- Experience with animal models (preferably mice/rats)
- Experience with research in metabolic disease (including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, fatty liver)
- High-quality, refereed publications as a demonstration of productivity.
- Evidence of creativity, critical thinking, and independence.
- Strong presentation and written skills.
- Fluent in English; some knowledge of French is an asset
For any questions relating to this role, please contact Dr. Estall at jennifer.estall@ircm.qc.ca.
Only complete applications containing a detailed CV, cover letter (explaining why you are a good fit for our lab), and contact information for references will be considered.
About the Estall Lab
Our research focuses on understanding the pathogenesis of diabetes at the molecular level. This metabolic disease afflicts >450 million people worldwide, yet we still do not know the underlying cause. Diabetes affects many organ systems, including pancreas, liver, muscle, fat, bone, and brain, each playing a distinct role in disease aetiology. Genetics and environmental factors such as poor eating habits, low physical activity, and stress combine to create the ideal setting for diabetes to develop and cause permanent damage (vascular and heart disease). Insulin-producing cells of the pancreas become exhausted and die; the liver produces excess sugar; and, fat is stored in inappropriate locations (i.e. muscle, liver). We know that metabolic abnormalities in one tissue often impact the health of another (organ cross-talk), adding layers of complexity. In our lab, we strive to understand the molecular events in each tissue that trigger disease and identify new ways to prevent, diagnosis, or reverse the metabolic abnormalities associated with diabetes. We are currently investigating how diet and nutrition interacts with genomic regulation to increase the risk of cancer related to obesity.
Our lab is located in the heart of the city of Montreal, near McGill campus. For more information on specific projects, events, lab activities, and research opportunities, please following the links throughout the Estall lab website or on the research unit's website.
About the institute
The IRCM (Institut de recherches cliniques de Montréal) is a renowned biomedical research institute located in the heart of Montréal's university district. Founded in 1967, it is currently comprised of 30 research labs and four specialized clinical research out-patient clinics: diabetes; hypertension; lipids and nutrition; and rare diseases such as cystic fibrosis and familial hyperlipidemia. It is the vision of the IRCM is to support the union of fundamental and clinical scientists, facilitating the advancement of truly translational research. The IRCM employs over 400 people. It is affiliated with the Université de Montréal, and the IRCM Clinic is associated to the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) and maintains a long-standing association with McGill University. The IRCM is funded by the Quebec Ministry of Economy, Science and Innovation (Ministère de l’Économie, de la Science et de l’Innovation).
