Job Opportunity: Help Build the Neuromuscular Biobanking Framework in Canada
The NMD4C is excited to share a job opportunity for a Research Software Developer at McGill University! This is an opportunity for a developer to join our biobanking working group lead Dr. Jason Karamchandani and his team at the C-BIG repository to work on neuromuscular biobanking projects including the NMD4C’s virtual biobanking catalogue.
Position Summary:
The goal for this position is to develop software to aggregate and harmonize disparate data collection from sites across Canada who are collaborating with the MNI. This role will also involve tailoring the internal processing and storage of a digital consent process for participants willing to share data and materials for research purposes. This will involve working with several units at the Montreal Neurological Institute, including the core neuroinformatic group, the clinical research unit, the Tannenbaum Open Science Institute team including the Open Science Biorepository Team (C-BIG) and specific units all involved in patient recruitment. The deliverables will be the synthesis of data from multiple site collections and the development of key technical functionalities for the optimization of patient recruitment. Most of this work will include development and maintenance of web-based technologies, as well as documentation and testing of various tools and software.
Primary Responsibilities:
Create tools to aggregate meta-data from several bio-repositories across the country. Create a complete user experience that adapts existing workflows around proper ethical standards, technical requirements, and e-learning functionalities in a way that helps with the recruitment of subjects for research purposes. Execute unit integration and acceptance testing. Deploy, secure, maintain and ensure continual monitoring of platform services for the scientific community. Contribute to the development of a web-based tool used for the recruitment of patients (Javascript is important, PHP is an asset). Develop interoperability to existing database systems. Test and debug various software applications. Participate in team code reviews. Revise and update technical documentation that relates to the existing workflows of the various units and departments involved. Maintain and monitor various systems and applications used as part of this initiative. Design specific interfaces that mould to the user experience. Discuss and interface with a variety of researchers and developers within a team environment towards the goal of patient recruitment. Participate in design meetings.
- Read more about the opportunity here.
- Apply here!
Read next...
New Publication from the NMD4C Clinical Trial Network Strengthens Trial Capacity in Canada
We are pleased to share a new publication from the NMD4C Clinical Trial Network led by Kerri Lynn Schellenberg, Homira Osman, Maria Masnata, Rhiannon Hicks, Corinne Kagan, Ana Stosic, Stacey Lintern, Erin Beattie, Drs. Hanns Lochmüller, Craig Campbell, and Jean K Mah. This work focuses on the implementation of a coordinated Canadian neuromuscular clinical trial network to enhance trial readiness, capacity, and access in rare disease research.
Canadian-Led Phase II Studies Advance Vamorolone Evidence in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
NMD4C investigators contributed to two phase II studies evaluating vamorolone in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy across early childhood and adolescence, demonstrating safety, favorable pharmacokinetics, and potential efficacy. Led by Dr. Jean Mah and conducted across Canadian clinical trial sites with national and industry collaborators, the findings supported Health Canada approval of vamorolone as the first treatment for DMD in Canada. Leaders from both the clinical and patient advocacy communities, including Defeat Duchenne Canada, highlighted the impact of collaboration among patients, families, clinicians, and researchers in advancing care and improving access to new therapies.
Advancing AFC in Neuromuscular Medicine: Program Launch & September Workshop
The Royal College has approved National Training Standards for the AFC in Neuromuscular Medicine, creating a formal pathway to recognize enhanced competence with the DRCPSC credential. This designation establishes a national training standard, supports portable certification, and strengthens clinical capacity across Canada. PGME offices can now apply to offer accredited AFC programs, with a goal of five programs submitting applications by the end of 2026.