Laboratory Technician

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Toronto seeks a detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to support biological research in their lab. Responsibilities include rearing insect colonies, maintaining lab operations, and assisting in experiments. Candidates must have a College Certificate in Biological Sciences and experience in laboratory settings. This full-time position offers a competitive salary with opportunities for growth. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply, as the university is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Benefits

Full-time position

Professional development opportunities

Networking opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of experience in laboratory research.
• Experience rearing large laboratory populations of insects.
• Experience managing laboratory operations and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Support rearing of germ-free and non-sterile cockroach colonies.
• Assist in maintaining lab supplies and operations.
• Perform routine experiments with microbiological techniques.

Skills

Service-oriented

Attention to detail

Organization skills

Ability to work independently

Diligent

Efficient

Education

College Certificate in Biological Sciences or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Sterile technique

Job description

Job Posting Information

Date Posted: 01/07/2026

Req ID: 46545

Faculty/Division: UofT Scarborough

Department: UTSC:Dept-Biological Sciences

Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)

Position Number: 00059031

Existing Vacancy: Yes

About us

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by our Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.

The department of Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) pursues detailed knowledge of the natural world, effective management of natural resources, novel technologies and medical techniques. The department of Biological Sciences is comprised of faculty who are innovative researchers and engaging teachers that make important contributions to society. The Department fosters research and teaching partnerships, along with Co‑op programs to create exciting opportunities for hands‑on learning and outstanding scholarship at the vibrant, diverse and expanding campus that is UTSC.

The research‑intensive Sabree lab group is housed in the Department of Biological Sciences and was established in 2025. This lab is investigating the ecological and evolutionary consequences of animal‑microbe interactions. Additionally, the Sabree lab generates germ‑free insect models for basic and applied research.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

Your opportunity

The Laboratory Technician will report directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Zakee Sabree, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, and will provide research and administrative support to the Sabree lab. They will be the first point of contact for the lab, with a central role to ensure smooth lab operations. The Laboratory Technician will maintain germ‑free and non‑sterile‑reared insect colonies, order and maintain lab supplies, and follow established lab rules, processes and standards when carrying out assigned responsibilities. This position will provide technical assistance to other lab members to accelerate their research by performing routine experiments with cell and virus culture and molecular biology techniques.

Your responsibilities will include

• Supporting the rearing of large laboratory populations germ‑free and non‑sterile‑reared cockroach colonies
• Supporting the rearing of large laboratory populations of spiders, crickets, flies, and cockroach colonies
• Constructing proof of concept experiments to test different elements of the process
• Applying established standards when determining priorities for lab deadlines based on timetables
• Paying close attention to occupational safety precautions
• Providing orientation to others on lab equipment, working procedures and practices
• Setting up, calibrating, and troubleshooting lab equipment for operation and routine maintenance

Essential Qualifications

• College Certificate in Biological Sciences or equivalent or acceptable combination of equivalent experience
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in preparing routine samples for research projects/experiments and preparing equipment for routine laboratory experiments/assays
• Minimum one (1) year of work experience rearing large laboratory populations of spiders, crickets, flies, and cockroach colonies
• Must be service‑oriented, have strong attention to detail, have excellent organization skills and be able to work independently
• Experience supporting research lab activities, including training staff and students in animal care and quality control procedures, ordering supplies, sending samples to commercial labs, identifying, and storing samples, maintaining a safe lab environment, maintaining lab records, and scheduling husbandry tasks for lab assistants
• Experience supporting laboratory operations by setting up, calibrating, and troubleshooting lab equipment for operation and routine maintenance
• Must have advanced Microsoft Office skills in order to maintain meticulous documentation in spreadsheet and word processor formats for data analyses and reporting
• Experience using microbiological and molecular approaches to perform quality control procedures that ensure no contamination of germ‑free animals
• Experience using sterile technique to generate animals
• Experience managing the production of germ‑free cockroaches for lab‑wide experimental use, which includes coordinating with lab personnel and collaborators
• Applicants are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment

To be successful in this role you will be

• Cooperative
• Diligent
• Efficient
• Meticulous
• Organized

Notes

• Term position until April 2027

Closing Date

01/16/2026, 11:59PM ET

Additional Information

Employee Group: USW

Appointment Type: Grant – Term

Schedule: Full‑Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: USW Pay Band 04 – $50,314, with an annual step progression to a maximum of $64,345. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.

Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching

Recruiter: William Guevarra

Lived Experience Statement

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialised and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity‑deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialised persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities.

If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

Job Segment

Microbiology, Lab Technician, QC, Laboratory, Administrative Assistant, Science, Healthcare, Quality, Administrative