Research Assistant 1

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Working in the laboratory of Professor De Villers-Sidani, the research assistant 1 will conduct research projects using established protocols, processes and procedures, under the supervision of the Research Supervisor and under the technical guidance of the Research Assistant 2.

The Research Assistant supports clinical research studies of cognitive and motor function in people living with neurodegenerative disorders (e.g., Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis) and in healthy control participants. The role is divided primarily between in-person participant testing and the compilation, quality control and analysis of the resulting research data.

Main responsibilities

Participant testing (approx. 60%)

• Administer tablet-based eye-tracking assessments according to standardized study protocols, ensuring correct setup, calibration and recording quality.

• Collect voice and speech samples using standardized recording procedures.

• Administer and score psychometric and cognitive tests and questionnaires (e.g., MoCA, SDMT and related instruments) under the supervision of the principal investigator.

• Schedule and coordinate study visits with participants, caregivers and clinic staff; obtain and document informed consent; maintain source documents and case report forms in accordance with REB requirements and Good Clinical Practice.

• Adapt testing sessions to participants with reduced autonomy, fatigue, sensory or communication difficulties, while preserving protocol fidelity.

Data compilation and analysis (approx. 40%)

• Compile, organize and verify study data (eye-tracking, voice, psychometric and clinical variables) in secure research databases; perform data quality control and resolve discrepancies.

• Conduct descriptive and inferential statistical analyses (R, MATLAB or equivalent) and prepare tables and figures.

• Contribute to literature reviews, study reports, conference abstracts and manuscripts.

• Participate in lab meetings and maintain confidentiality of all participant information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (Honours preferred) in psychology, neuroscience or a related field.

• Experience with human-participant research, experimental software and statistical analysis (e.g., R, MATLAB, JASP, PsychoPy).

• Excellent interpersonal skills; patient, empathetic and at ease working with older adults and individuals living with loss of autonomy due to neurodegenerative disorders, as well as with their caregivers.

• Rigour, organization and attention to detail; ability to manage several studies and deadlines concurrently.

• Fluency in English and French, spoken and written.

• Training in research ethics (TCPS 2 CORE) and Good Clinical Practice, or willingness to complete it upon hire.

This position is covered by the AMURE Collective agreement. http://www.aerum-amure.ca/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AMURE-2023-2027.pdf

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. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 on a scale of 0-4.

Hourly Salary:

$30.54

Hours per Week:

35 (Full time)

Location:

Montreal Neuro.

Supervisor:

Associate Professor

Position Start Date:

2026-11-23

Position End Date:

2027-11-22

Deadline to Apply:

2026-11-18

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.