Research Assistant 1
About the role
Please refer to the How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply. If you are an active McGill employee (ie: currently in an active contract or position at McGill University), do not apply through this Career Site. Login to your McGill Workday account and apply to this posting using the Find Jobs report (type Find Jobs in the search bar). Position Summary: This research-assistant position primarily entails supporting an ongoing experimental cross-over trial aiming to characterize the comparative hemodynamic effects of brief music- and mindfulness-based interventions in healthy participants, as well as assisting with the day-to-day functioning and development of experimental protocols for recently acquired functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) equipment. Qualifications: • A Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or a related field. • At least two years of academic or occupational experience in human-subject research Duties & Responsibilities: • Assisting with human-subject experiment project (a non-therapeutic trial comparing blood pressure effects of music versus mindfulness interventions): facilitating participant recruitment, providing information to potential participants, supporting experimental sessions including data collection using an automated sphygmomanometer, three-lead electrocardiogram, and a Finapres finger-cuff continuous blood pressure monitor. • Assisting with day-to-day operation of functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) equipment. This will entail basic device setup and organization of its components (caps, optodes, light sources), assisting with refining data-collection protocols, and facilitating piloting of human-subject experiments in dyads. • As time permits, additional activities involve helping to maintain a shared digital calendar, organizing the storage of research-related documents such as completed informed consent forms, and digitizing Other Qualifying Skills & Abilities : • Advanced written and spoken academic English and French • Organized and professional • Proficiency in Excel and R • Knowledge of basic cardiovascular measures • Knowledge of music and mindfulness, preferably in research or clinical contexts • Basic skills in SharePoint and shared-calendar management Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located. McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing. Hourly Salary: $30.54 Hours per Week: 30 (Part time) Location: JGH - Jewish General Hosp. Supervisor: Assistant Professor (Clinical) Position Start Date: 2026-07-20 Position End Date: 2027-01-19 Deadline to Apply: 2026-07-13 This position is covered by the Association of McGill University Research Employees (AMURE) collective agreement. McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome 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 productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca. Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future. McGill received a Platinum STARS rating in sustainability, is among Canada’s greenest employers, and is a top Montreal Employer. Grandescunt Aucta Labore. By work, all things increase and grow. Find a sense of purpose. Develop your future. Join us today.