Laboratory Technician

Public Health Ontario; Toronto; On-site; CAD 43,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Public Health Ontario is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to provide technical support for real-time PCR testing within the Virology department and to support the Covid response. The role involves manual or semi-automated setup, nucleic acid extraction on high-throughput platforms, and data analysis using vendor software.

The candidate will work under supervision, handling respiratory and other specimens, prioritizing urgent tasks, and adhering to SOPs and PHO lab standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree.
• Minimum 6 months of real-time PCR experience, preferably in clinical genetics/m molecular genetics.
• Familiarity with PCR setup, sequencing and nucleic acid extraction.
• Strong understanding of molecular theory and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Set up real-time PCR manually or semi-automated under supervision.
• Extract nucleic acids on high throughput platforms as assigned.
• Operate real-time thermal cycler and sequencing platforms.
• Analyze real-time PCR data with vendor software.
• Provide technical support for validation/evaluation studies.

Skills

PCR theory

Molecular workflows

Lab safety

Documentation

Communication

Automation familiarity

Time management

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor of Science

Tools

Real-time PCR equipment

Sanger sequencing platform

Nucleic acid extraction

Automated liquid handling

Pipetting and basic lab

Job description

Location: PHO Corporate Office & Toronto Laboratory, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, ON

Department: COVID Genomics

This posting is to fill a current vacancy.

The Role

To provide technical support for real-time PCR testing within the Virology department and to support the overall Covid response within laboratory operations manual set up of real time PCR to the molecular laboratory and to support laboratory operations for Covid PCR.

Key Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of a Medical Laboratory Technologist or Molecular Specialist, manual or partially-automated set up of real-time PCR, including preparation of primer and probe stocks, and Sanger sequencing.
• Manual or automated extraction of nucleic acids on high throughput platforms as assigned.
• Operation of real-time thermalcycler, extraction platforms, Sanger sequencing platform, and automated liquid handling platforms.
• Real-time PCR data analysis using vendor thermalcycling software.
• Technical support for validation or evaluation studies under the direction of the manager, team lead, MLT or molecular specialist.
• Handling or processing of human specimens including respiratory specimens, blood, urine is advantageous.
• Prioritizes work and responds to urgent or unpredictable demands.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge And Skills

• Strong understanding molecular theory and best practices including real-time PCR, nucleic acid extraction, molecular workflows, primer and probe dilution calculation and preparation is a strong asset.
• Experience with standard molecular lab applications and instrumentation (e.g. DNA extraction, pipetting, PCR set up, sequencing) an asset.
• Familiarity with general laboratory equipment including centrifuges, incubators, pipettors, automated liquid handlers, incubators, biological safety cabinets.
• Good working understanding of and experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, Access.
• Time management and ability to prioritize.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High degree of comfort with automation.
• Adaptability to changing demands and willingness to learn.
• Understanding of Sanger sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing theory is an asset.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor of Science.
• Minimum of 6 months of real-time PCR, preferably in a clinical genetics or molecular genetics laboratory.

Attributes and Competencies

• Works within established procedures for a Medical Laboratory Assistant and within PHO Lab standards and protocols.
• Follows technical instructions (SOP) for testing of samples and preparation of reagents.
• Solves basic problems (e.g., mismatched samples, issues with prepared media such as incorrect pH).
• Seeks advice and direction in solving more complex problems.
• Determines which organisms can/cannot be handled due to safety/risk.
• May be required to lift up to 10 kg..
• May be required to work within a biological safety cabinet/fumehood.
• Physical coordination and manual dexterity in the use of keyboard, operate and maintain laboratory equipment, and perform testing of specimens.
• May be required to perform repetitive tasks such as pipetting.
• May be required to stand or sit for the period of one shift.
• Requires physical activity such as walking, lifting, stretching and bending.
• May be required to work shifts as scheduled.
• Works within a Laboratory environment which contains hazardous and infectious materials, odors, noise generated from automated analyzers, some temperature extremes, such as walk in fridges and freezers.
• Required to adhere to Laboratory safety including proper use of biological safety cabinets, autoclaves and personal protective equipment.
• Works shifts as assigned.

Duration: Contract (Fixed Term), 3 month(s)

Hours of Work: Full time, 36.25 hours per week

Compensation Group: Ontario Public Service Employees Union

Compensation Range :$31.09 - $35.49

Posting Date: 11-9-2026

Closing Date: 11-20-2026

Please note: applications will be received no later than 11:59pm on the date preceding the closing date as indicated on the Job Requisition.

Note: Internal candidates will be considered first.

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose.

PHO is committed to ensuring equity in employment. Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to ensure our services and communications are accessible to all individuals. Any candidate who requires a job posting in an alternative format may email a request to [e-mail]. Once an applicant has been selected for an interview, they can inform PHO about any accommodations they may require at any stage of the interview process.