Advanced Technician, Genetics

Cencora | Pharma solutions; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the healthcare sector seeks an Advanced Technician for the Diagnostic Medical Genetics team at Mount Sinai Hospital. The role involves utilizing advanced molecular techniques and contributing to patient care through cutting-edge diagnostic testing. Ideal candidates will hold a Master's degree with substantial experience in genetics and a passion for innovative laboratory work. Join a collaborative environment focused on improving patient outcomes while deepening your expertise in a fast-evolving field.

Qualifications

• Significant Molecular Genetics content required.
• Minimum of 4 years laboratory experience in molecular/genetics techniques.
• Experience in clinical/diagnostic laboratory setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular and cytogenetics laboratory techniques.
• Conduct Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparations.
• Assist with inventory control and quality control procedures.

Skills

DNA/RNA extraction

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

Master’s degree in Biological Sciences

Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics

Job description

You’ve built your expertise in molecular genetics—now apply it where it directly supports patient care. As an Advanced Technician on the Diagnostic Medical Genetics (DMG) team, you’ll contribute to high-quality testing that informs real clinical decisions. At Mount Sinai Hospital, you’ll work within a collaborative structure alongside leaders in genetics and related clinical disciplines. The lab itself is bright, modern, and purpose-built to support efficient workflows—complete with skyline views from our downtown location. This position is well-suited to those looking to deepen their clinical experience.

Is this you?
If you’re drawn to the fast-paced evolution of the genetics field, this role offers the ideal environment to feed your curiosity, while providing learning opportunities. You’re someone who actively seeks out opportunities to deepen your understanding, and you’re excited by the chance to work alongside recognized experts in diagnostic genetics in a hospital environment. Whether it’s learning new technologies or engaging in complex case discussions, you’re motivated by the constant growth this space offers in your career.

Are you someone who thrives by working on complex problems? In this lab, you’ll work with advanced testing workflows that span both constitutional and cancer genetics—bringing a level of technical challenge that keeps things engaging. You enjoy untangling the details, managing intricate testing processes, and contributing to solutions in a high-stakes environment where precision matters. This isn’t routine work—it’s diagnostic complexity with real clinical impact.

Innovation isn’t just something you adapt to—it’s something you actively seek out. Our lab is helping define ‘what’s next’ in clinical genetics. You’ll be part of testing pipelines that range from small, targeted panels to large-scale biomarker and whole genome sequencing. We're also advancing techniques like low-pass whole genome sequencing for fetal CNV detection, offering exposure to work rarely found elsewhere. If you’re excited by progress and ready to contribute in a setting that values forward-thinking practice, this is where you’ll thrive.

About the Diagnostic Medical Genetics team
The Diagnostic Medical Genetics Laboratory at Mount Sinai Hospital is a hub for cutting-edge diagnostic testing and innovative method and test development. We are dedicated to improving patient care through a deeper understanding of genetics. Equipped with advanced technologies, the lab offers a wide range of genetic and genomic testing, supporting diverse clinical needs across various specialties. A collaborative spirit thrives within the lab, bringing together a team of skilled professionals, including geneticists, genetic counselors, variant analysts, bioinformaticians, medical laboratory technologists (MLT) and technicians. This team is united by a shared passion for unraveling the complexities of genetic disorders, pioneering new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, and ultimately, making a tangible difference in the lives of patients and their families.

In this role you will:

• Perform molecular and cytogenetics laboratory techniques under the supervision of an MLT to aid in diagnosis and management of patients
• Rotate through the assigned laboratory testing benches, becoming thoroughly familiar with theory and techniques relating to each bench area
• Perform Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) library preparations (automated and manual), Quantitative Fluorescent Polymerase Chain Reaction (QF-PCR) setups, manual PCR setups with several primer sets at a time, and Sanger sequencing setups
• Load analyzer instruments following standard operating procedures
• Review quality control runs with MLTs
• Perform select cell culture tasks including cell harvesting, transfer of cells to slides for Karyotyping, staining of chromosomes, feeding and maintaining cell cultures
• Perform manual extraction of nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, cfDNA), including quality assessment of DNA, RNA and cfDNA
• Prepare reagents and solutions applicable to tests performed in the laboratory
• Support new test development and test validation workups
• Assist with inventory control of reagents and supplies: receiving, documentation and tracking of inventory
• Use database or the laboratory information system to track specimen testing
• Perform quality control and preventative maintenance procedures in accordance with standard operating procedures, including basic troubleshooting
• Prioritize work to meet departmental targets while responding promptly to urgent or unexpected processing or testing demands
• Assist in the training and orientation of new technicians, students, and others in the lab

Job Requirements

Job Requirements:

Mandatory

• Completion of Master’s degree in Biological Sciences with significant Molecular Genetics content or alternatively a Master’s degree in Molecular Genetics
• Minimum four (4) years of related laboratory experience in molecular/genetics techniques

Preferred

• Three (3) years related work experience in a clinical/diagnostic laboratory setting with high throughput automation
• Demonstrated experience in NGS, complex PCR setups and Sanger Sequencing techniques

Skills and Knowledge

• Demonstrated experience in manual and automated DNA/RNA extraction and quantification methods
• Demonstrated knowledge of molecular laboratory equipment operation and maintenance
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated organizational, time management and prioritization skills
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Procedures in a laboratory
• Demonstrated knowledge of spreadsheet and database applications and efficient in using Microsoft Excel, Word and Windows based applications.
• Ability to work accurately under stressful conditions, following standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Demonstrated satisfactory work performance and attendance record

If this sounds like you and you feel ready to build your medical laboratory career within genetics, apply now and let us know why you’d be a great addition to our team.