Join Us

Updated on April 16, 2026

We have fully funded openings for 1 post-doctoral fellow and 1 PhD student in genetic epidemiology and multi-omics for drug target discovery. Positions are filled on a rolling basis — early inquiries are encouraged.

Post-Doctoral Fellow (1 Position)

Start date: As discussed (flexible on a case-by-case basis; ideally before end of July 2026)

We are seeking a post-doctoral fellow with hands-on experience in computational/quantitative genomics and individual-level biobank data (e.g., UK Biobank, All of Us). The successful candidate will lead projects in cardiometabolic drug target discovery using large-scale human genetics, proteomics, and multi-omics.

Requirements:

• PhD or MD in a relevant field (e.g., genetics, bioinformatics, biostatistics, epidemiology, computer science, medicine, or related area)
• Prior experience in computational/quantitative analyses
• Experience with analyzing individual-level genetic data (e.g., genotyping, whole-genome/exome sequencing)
• Experience with genetic epidemiology methods (GWAS, Mendelian randomization, colocalization, fine-mapping, or polygenic risk scores)
• Strong quantitative skills (R, Python, Bash)
• At least one first-author peer-reviewed paper in a relevant field
• Strong English communication skills (spoken and written)
• Willingness to learn genetic epidemiology methods (e.g., GWAS, MR), biology of human diseases, and large-scale quantitative analyses using high-performance computing

Expectations:

• Willingness to apply for external fellowships (e.g., federal: Canada Postdoctoral Research Award; provincial: FRQS Postdoctoral Training Scholarship)

Assets:

• Experience with individual-level genetic data from the UK Biobank and/or All of Us
• Experience with workflow languages (e.g., Nextflow) and containerized environments (e.g., Docker, Singularity)
• Experience with high-performance computing (e.g., institutional HPC, Digital Research Alliance of Canada) and/or cloud computing platforms (e.g., Google Cloud, AWS, DNAnexus)

PhD Position (1 Position)

Start date: Fall 2027 or Winter 2027, depending on the applicant’s status and McGill deadlines

We welcome motivated candidates with strong quantitative skills and a background in life sciences or a related quantitative field. No prior experience in genetic epidemiology is required — a willingness to learn is what matters.

Requirements:

• Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Bachelor’s or Master’s in a relevant field (e.g., genetics, biology, medicine, bioinformatics, biostatistics, computer science, or related area)
• cGPA ≥ 3.2 (preferably ≥ 3.5); exceptions possible on a case-by-case basis
• Intermediate/working proficiency in R or Python
• Basic familiarity with Linux
• Basic understanding of biology and/or medicine
• Strong English communication skills (spoken and written)
• Strong teamwork and ability to work independently
• Willingness to learn genetic epidemiology methods (e.g., GWAS, MR), biology of human diseases, and large-scale quantitative analyses using high-performance computing

Assets:

• Peer-reviewed publication
• Experience in genetic epidemiology, bioinformatics, or biostatistics
• Experience with high-performance computing

About McGill

McGill University in Montreal, Canada, ranks among the top 30 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Montreal ranks #1 among the QS Best Student Cities in North America and #10 globally.

About the Lab

Our lab investigates the biology of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other complex traits to identify new drug targets and advance precision medicine. We use large-scale human genetics, multi-omics, and genetic epidemiology/statistical approaches (GWAS, Mendelian randomization, fine-mapping, polygenic risk scores).
Representative publications include: Yoshiji et al. Nature Genetics 2025, Bocher*, Arruda*, Yoshiji* et al. Nature Metabolism 2026, Su et al. medRxiv 2024, Yoshiji et al. Nature Metabolism 2023

Our team currently includes one PI, five PhD students, one MSc student, one Visiting Professor, and one visiting international PhD student. The lab is located in the McGill Victor Philip Dahdaleh Institute of Genomic Medicine on the downtown campus (740 Dr Penfield Ave, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2T8). We are one of the five labs in the McGill Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Genomic Medicine. As a growing lab, your success is our success. We are deeply committed to supporting and advancing your academic career development.

Your Project

You will lead and publish projects in cardiometabolic diseases across multiple axes:

1. Large-scale human genetics, proteomics, and multi-omics for drug target discovery:
   We combine genomics, proteomics, and other omics with genetic epidemiology to understand cardiometabolic diseases and discover therapeutic targets. You will have access to multi-omics data from more than 1 million individuals across the UK Biobank, NIH All of Us, Canadian Longitudinal Study of Aging (CLSA), CARTaGENE, and our McGill-based BioPortal.

2. Disentangling the heterogeneity of cardiometabolic diseases for precision risk stratification:
   Using genomics and proteomics, we dissect the genetic heterogeneity of diabetes and complex traits to identify distinct biological pathways, therapeutic targets, and opportunities for precision medicine.

3. Analyzing a new biobank — McGill-based BioPortal:
   We are creating a multi-ancestry, multi-omics biobank of 12,500 individuals in Montreal to advance drug development and precision medicine. You will analyze clinical-grade (CLIA) genomic data, proteomics (Olink HT), and electronic health records.

Your Key Roles

• Lead your project, write and publish manuscripts under the PI’s supervision
• Collaborate with lab members, other CERC members, and national/international collaborators
• Stay current on relevant studies and methods; actively discuss them with the PI and the team
• Present your work at national and international conferences
• Attend lab meetings, seminars, journal clubs, and lab events; foster a welcoming and inclusive environment
• Work with a goal-oriented mindset and respect deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Work in the lab on weekdays with a work-from-home option as needed (Monday is reserved for lab meetings and seminars); flexible arrangements are possible for classes, health, or severe weather

How to Apply

Interested?
We encourage you to read the abstracts of the following papers to see if your interests align with ours: Yoshiji et al. Nature Genetics 2025, Su et al. medRxiv 2024, Yoshiji et al. Nature Metabolism 2023

Please complete the Google Form.
Note: We do not track the Gmail address you use to complete the form.

In the form, we request a combined PDF of the following:

1. A cover letter (11-point or larger, one page maximum) describing your research interests, motivation to join our lab, and relevant experience.
2. A CV detailing your academic background, publications (if applicable), and experience with quantitative analyses and programming.
3. Academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts acceptable).

Stipend/Salaries and Benefits

• For PhD positions, stipend information is outlined here:
  https://www.mcgill.ca/ipn/finance-current-students/stipend-funding-2025-2026

• For Post-doctoral positions, salary information is outlined here:
  https://www.mcgill.ca/gps/staff/postdocs/financial-support

• Top-up will be arranged as per CERC’s policy.
• Compensations follow McGill FHMS guidelines.
• For leave of absence and vacation policy, please see:
  https://www.mcgill.ca/gps/students/registration/progress/leave-vacation

Scholarship Opportunities

We provide full tuition and stipend support for graduate students and salary support for post-doctoral fellows. Graduate students and post-doctoral fellows are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships for career development (with a top-up for FRQS awardees).

Representative scholarship information (for reference only; please check original sources for details):

Federal: Tri-Agency Awards (Canada Research Training Awards Suite)

• Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral (CGRS-D): Canadian citizens/PR holders and international students are eligible
  https://nserc-crsng.canada.ca/en/funding-opportunity/canada-graduate-research-scholarship-doctoral-program
  • $40,000/year for three years
• Canada Postdoctoral Research Award (CPRA): Canadian citizens/PR holders and international applicants are eligible
  https://nserc-crsng.canada.ca/en/funding-opportunity/canada-postdoctoral-research-award-program
  • $70,000/year for two years

Top-up will be arranged as per CERC’s policy.

Provincial: Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ)

• FRQS Doctoral Training Scholarship (both international and Canadian citizens/PR holders are eligible):
  https://frq.gouv.qc.ca/en/program/frq-doctoral-training-scholarships/
  • $25,000/year (up to 12 semesters)
    Source: https://www.mcgill.ca/gps/funding/intl/provincial-agency-awards
• FRQS Postdoctoral Training Scholarship (both international and Canadian citizens/PR holders are eligible):
  https://frq.gouv.qc.ca/en/program/postdoctoral-training-scholarship-program/
  • $45,000/year (up to 2 years)

Top-up will be arranged as per CERC policy (as of January 2025: an additional $15,000 CAD top-up for FRQS awardees).

Tuition Waiver for International Students

• Applying is encouraged as it strengthens your CV; even if you do not obtain an award, we will support your tuition. Details:
  https://www.mcgill.ca/gps/funding/intl/dfw

Life in Montreal

Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada and the #1 QS Best Student City in the Americas, with rich diversity, quality of life, and affordability. Our lab is located on the downtown campus, in the heart of Montreal. Montreal is a cosmopolitan city with diverse backgrounds; you will have no difficulty studying and living in English (as the PI and lab members do), if you are wondering about practical French proficiency.

“In terms of affordability, Montreal stands out compared to major global cities like London or New York. It offers reasonable living expenses with affordable housing options, lower tuition fees, and various student discounts, making it an appealing choice for those seeking to manage their finances without compromising on their educational and living standards.”
Source: https://www.mcgill.ca/desautels/article/bcom-program-master-management-finance-mmf-program-master-management-retailing-mmr-program-master/montreal-ranked-best-student-city-americas-and-10th-world

Cost of living comparison (including rent):
Montreal is 15.5% lower than Toronto, 20.5% lower than Vancouver, 44.6% lower than Boston, 56.1% lower than New York, 47.9% lower than San Francisco, and 37.6% lower than Los Angeles.
Source: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/comparison.jsp (as of Jan 25, 2025)