Reproductive Research Assistant

Wildlife Conservancy; Toronto; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Your Toronto Zoo is seeking a Reproductive Research Assistant to support our Reproductive Sciences Unit. You will participate in ongoing service and research projects and help implement the organization’s Strategic Plan.

The role involves lab maintenance, data collection, and collaboration with Wildlife & Science staff on endocrine research projects, including reproductive technologies. A Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field is required, with at least 3 years’ lab experience.

Qualifications

• Requires Master of Science or Bachelor of Science in biology, zoology, or animal science.
• Minimum 3 years proven experience in a similar role.
• Knowledge of conservation issues and biotechnology.
• Practical lab experience with enzyme immunoassay, cell culture, or genetics.

Responsibilities

• Maintain laboratory equipment and inventory to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Organize data into lab notebooks and files.
• Perform preliminary interpretation of results and descriptive statistics.
• Assist with reproductive technologies including artificial insemination and embryo handling.
• Communicate results to Wildlife & Science staff both verbally and in writing.
• Train interns, students and visiting researchers.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Data interpretation

Communication

Public speaking

Independent researcher

Education

Master of Science

Bachelor of Science

Tools

Enzyme immunoassay

Cell culture

Genetics

Job description

Rate of Pay: Starting $34.24, 520 hours $36.52, 1040 hours $38.04

Category: Full Time (Permanent)

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Number of Positions Open: 1

Looking for a career with a dynamic organization that is committed to protecting wildlife? We are interested in dedicated individuals who are positive, enthusiastic, and passionate about connecting people, animals, conservation science and traditional knowledge to fight extinction.Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well-being a priority in all operations and shows respect for all wildlife.

The Reproductive Research Assistant is responsible for assisting with new and ongoing service and research projects in the Zoo's Reproductive Sciences Unit. This position will assist and provide support in implementing the Strategic Plan.

Core Role Responsibilities:

• Maintain the laboratory and its equipment in proper order to optimize accuracy and efficiency.
• Maintain laboratory inventory and order supplies.
• Organize collected data into laboratory notebooks and computer files.
• Perform preliminary interpretation of experimental results including descriptive statistics.
• Diagnose and solve problems in laboratory systems, including enzyme immunoassays and other analytical procedures.
• Prepare standard operating procedures for routine and experimental laboratory functions.
• Collect, process and analyze samples for reproductive and stress hormone concentrations using enzyme immunoassays for new and ongoing endocrine service and research projects.
• Assist in procedures for reproductive technologies, including artificial insemination, embryo collections and transfer, and oocyte collection and culture.
• Liaise with Wildlife & Science staff to organize ongoing research projects.
• Assist in communicating results and their significance to Wildlife & Science staff using both oral and written means.
• Train and assist interns, graduate students, visiting scientists and post-doctoral fellows to carry out laboratory techniques.
• Communicate with external researchers to develop, employ or learn new techniques for the research program or to initiate collaborative projects.
• Initiate and carry out individual projects of interest in collaboration with curatorial, veterinary and other Wildlife & Science staff, under the guidance and direction of the Science Development Manager and Senior Director of Wildlife & Science.
• Performs literature searches in preparation for publication of research material or for initiation of new projects.
• Deliver education programs and presentations to interested groups.
• Follow all policies and branch instructions.
• Attends appropriate training as required.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

• Must have a Master of Science degree or Bachelor of Science degree in biology, zoology, animal science or the equivalent amount of training and related experience.
• Must have a minimum of 3 years proven experience in the same or similar position.
• Must have a knowledge of conservation issues and the role of biotechnology.
• Must have practical laboratory experience, particularly with enzyme immunoassay, cell culture, or genetics.
• Practical experience with animal care and restraint is an asset.
• Must be able to independently perform routine duties within a service and research laboratory.
• Must possess a demonstrated ability to initiate and carry out research projects with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated ability to publish in peer reviewed journals is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and receive funding from grant applications an asset.
• Public speaking skills and experience is an asset.
• Must ensure all applicable licenses and certificates remain valid and in good standing. Copies of licenses and certificates to be provided at time of hire and upon renewal.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, along with strong communications skills.
• Working knowledge of the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act and WHMIS legislation.
• Must possess an unrestricted Class G driver’s license valid in the Province of Ontario along with a good driving record.
• Must be knowledgeable in the use of computerized programs and systems.
• Must be able to work weekends, shifts and holidays as scheduled.
• Must be able to deal with staff and public in a courteous and efficient manner.
• Capable of meeting the physical requirements of the position.

While we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate may be required to provide a police reference check and/or driver’s abstract, at their own expense as a condition of employment. Candidates may be required to take a written and/or practical examination relevant to the position.

Your Toronto Zoo values the importance of inclusive recruitment practices and strives to create a workplace that reflects and celebrates the rich diversity of our city. Please let us know if you require specific accommodations to be in place before you begin the interview process.

Your Toronto Zoo respects the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion and seeks to model these principles in all that we do. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workforce where all employees feel respected, supported and valued. We strive to create an environment that represents the rich diversity of our guests and our community and encourage applications from all qualified individuals who can contribute to enhancing our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Applications are especially encouraged from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and women.

Your Toronto Zoo makes animal well-being a priority in everything we do, respecting wildlife, caring for our team, guest and community. We are a welcoming place to visit, volunteer, and work, united by a shared commitment to conservation, connection, and reconciliation. We blend science and traditional knowledge to protect species and their habitats, and we invite others to join us as Guardians of Wild, acting together to ensure wildlife and wild spaces thrive.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy within our organization.

Your Toronto Zoo uses artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants.