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Hiring Unit:
Department of Physics - Prof. B. Vachon
Position Summary:
The McGill Subatomic Physics Instrumentation Group is seeking a Research Assistant 2 to support the development of cutting-edge scientific instruments for subatomic physics research undertaken at McGill University and other institutions across Canada.
The successful candidate will possess a versatile skill set or demonstrate the potential to acquire expertise in advanced firmware design for state-of-the-art FPGA architectures. The role involves working with industry-standard tools (e.g., Intel Quartus or AMD Vivado, Modelsim/Questa), implementing high-speed digital communication protocols, and applying advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Machine Learning algorithms on embedded systems.
The Research Assistant 2 will report to the McGill Principal Investigator and project leads from different institutions, contributing to multiple research initiatives simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities: Collaborate with faculty, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students across Canada to design, implement, simulate, and test RTL designs for scientific instrumentation. Responsibilities include:

• Managing multiple projects simultaneously using established engineering processes with minimal supervision.
• Overseeing and assisting with experiment development, data collection, laboratory work, and research documentation.
• Recommending and implementing improvements to existing methods of analysis or research.
• Analyzing and interpreting research data, disseminating results, and contributing to research publications.
• Ensuring the quality and reliability of developed firmware and systems.
• Providing technical guidance and training to team members, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and technicians, at McGill and partner institutions.
• Performing administrative tasks such as coordinating the purchasing and procurement of specialized equipment for research projects.
• Staying informed on emerging industry practices and technologies relevant to the field.

Qualifications:

• Experience in conceptualizing, designing, implementing, and testing complex firmware projects on state-of-the-art FPGA architectures. (minimum 1 year experience)
• Experience with HDL simulation (e.g., Quartus/xcelium/verilator). (minimum 1 year experience)
• Strong troubleshooting skills with the ability to resolve real-time operational issues independently.
• Proven problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to adapt to a fast-paced and evolving work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new tools and applications quickly and independently.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to work on multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated with a track record (or potential) of functioning as an independent developer.
• Strong organizational, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree (or higher) in Engineering or a related field with relevant professional experience. (minimum 1 year experience)

Position Details:
The successful candidate will be based full-time at McGill University, Montreal, Canada in the Rutherford Physics Building, 3600 University Ave. The position may involve occasional short-term travel for professional purposes.
This is a renewable, full-time, year-round position. The initial appointment will be for 3 years.

The person will be eligible to benefits as defined in the (AMURE) collective agreement that include

• Pension Plan
• Supplemental Health Plan
• Dental Plan
• Group Life Insurance Plan
• Long-Term Disability Plan
• Short term disability Policy

Application Process:

Interested applicants are invited to submit the following materials:

• A cover letter
• A curriculum vitae detailing relevant experience.
• A list of at least three references.

All materials will be treated confidentially.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
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:
$39.28
Hours per Week:
35 (Full time)
Location:
Rutherford Physics
Supervisor:
Professor
Position Start Date:
2025-02-26
Position End Date:
2029-05-01
Deadline to Apply:
2025-09-10
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

• Managing multiple projects simultaneously using established engineering processes with minimal supervision.
• Overseeing and assisting with experiment development, data collection, laboratory work, and research documentation.
• Recommending and implementing improvements to existing methods of analysis or research.
• Analyzing and interpreting research data, disseminating results, and contributing to research publications.
• Ensuring the quality and reliability of developed firmware and systems.
• Providing technical guidance and training to team members, including undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and technicians, at McGill and partner institutions.
• Performing administrative tasks such as coordinating the purchasing and procurement of specialized equipment for research projects.
• Staying informed on emerging industry practices and technologies relevant to the field