The Rafei Lab at the Université de Montréal is seeking an outstanding MSc candidate for a research project focused on high-throughput screening to identify novel endosomal escape enhancers, supporting the development of cell-based cancer vaccines. The position is based in the Department of Pharmacology & Physiology and will leverage the resources of IRIC’s High-Throughput Screening Core Facility, providing access to a large chemical compound library (~120,900 compounds) and advanced screening technologies.

The research will involve developing and miniaturizing a quantitative endosomal escape assay suitable for automation, running a primary screen, performing confirmation and specificity triage, and validating prioritized hits in biologically relevant assays. The project sits at the intersection of immunology, cancer biology, and screening science, with a strong emphasis on experimental rigor and reproducibility.

Applicants should demonstrate academic excellence, motivation for biomedical research, and the ability to work in a high-throughput environment. Preferred qualifications include prior lab experience in mammalian cell culture and exposure to flow cytometry and quantitative data analysis. The application requires a single PDF with a CV, unofficial transcripts, a one-page cover letter, and contact details for two references. Applications should be sent to [email protected] with the subject 'MSc HTS - Endosomal Escape'.

The Université de Montréal is a leading research institution in Canada, and this opportunity provides hands-on experience in advanced screening and cancer vaccine development. The selection process is competitive, with shortlisting based on academic excellence, experimental maturity, and fit with the project’s needs.