Research Technician – Clinical Sample Processing

About the role

The Clinical Research Unit at the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital is seeking a Research Technician to handle the processing, storage, packaging, and shipment of a wide variety of biological samples collected in human clinical trials. The role involves close collaboration with lab managers, research coordinators, nurses, and external partners such as pharmaceutical companies.

Key responsibilities

• Process, label, sort, and ship blood, tissue, saliva, urine, feces, cerebrospinal fluid, and biopsy samples according to study protocols.
• Perform pregnancy tests and chemistry strip tests (pH, sediment, blood levels, leucocytes, proteins) and record results.
• Maintain individual study shipment records and inventory logs for study kits, including quantity, expiration dates, and locations.
• Operate and calibrate laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, incubators, temperature loggers, and pipettes; arrange equipment calibration and maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with clinical trial protocols, university and sponsor policies, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Health Canada Division 5, and IATA regulations.

Required profile

• Undergraduate degree in Biology or a related science.
• At least two years of experience handling biological samples in a clinical research setting.
• Experience in neuroscience or clinical trials preferred.
• Knowledge of IATA practices for biological sample transport.

Required skills

• Centrifuge, incubator, and temperature logger operation.
• Pipette calibration and equipment maintenance.
• Sample processing techniques for blood, saliva, urine, feces, CSF, and tissue.
• Pregnancy testing and chemistry strip testing.
• Inventory management and documentation for shipments.
• Current certifications in GCP, CRU SOPs, Health Canada Division 5, and IATA.

What we offer

• Competitive benefits package (health, dental, life insurance).
• Defined contribution pension plan with up to 10% employer contribution.
• Group RRSP and TFSA options.
• Generous vacation policy, personal days, floating holidays, and “Summer Fridays.”
• Paid time off during the December holiday period.
• Tuition waiver for employees and dependents.
• Up to two days of remote work per week where permitted.