Research Technician

The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is the research arm of The Ottawa Hospital– one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals. We are proudly affiliated with the University of Ottawa and supported by The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. With more than 2200 scientists, clinician investigators, trainees and staff, and total revenues of more than $120 million, we are one of the foremost Canadian hospital-based research institutes. Our research spans more than a hundred different diseases, conditions, and specialties with an overall focus on translating discoveries and knowledge into better health.

Job Description
We are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented Research Technician to join our team in supporting groundbreaking research on the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, particularly in Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as clinical studies focused on the microbiome during transplant procedures. The successful candidate will assist in laboratory experiments, data collection, and analysis, contributing to critical research aimed at improving clinical outcomes in transplant patients and addressing challenges in antibiotic resistance.

Key Responsibilities:
•Conduct laboratory experiments investigating the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other relevant pathogens.
•Assist in clinical research studies on the role of the microbiome during transplant procedures, including sample processing, preparation, and analysis.
•Perform microbiological techniques such as culturing, isolating, and characterizing bacterial strains.
•Support molecular biology techniques such as PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, and sequencing.
•Prepare and manage laboratory reagents, culture media, and bacterial cultures.
•Analyze and interpret experimental data, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.
•Maintain detailed and accurate records of experimental procedures, observations, and results.
•Collaborate with other researchers to troubleshoot experiments and optimize laboratory protocols.
•Maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring proper calibration, cleaning, and sterilization.
•Ensure compliance with safety regulations and institutional protocols in all laboratory activities.
•Provide laboratory orientation and training to new laboratory members

Basic Requirements (Education/Experience):
•Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry with at least 2 years of lab-based research experience.
•1-5 years of hands-on laboratory experience in microbiology, molecular biology, or clinical research.
•Proficiency in common microbiological techniques, such as bacterial culturing, DNA/RNA extraction, and PCR.
•Strong understanding of antibiotic resistance mechanisms and microbiome-related research is a plus.
•Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
•Ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate across multidisciplinary research projects.
•Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for reporting and documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:
•Master’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or a related field
•Experience with clinical or translational research, especially in transplant medicine or microbiome studies.
•Familiarity with next generation sequencing technologies including long read (Nanopore) and short read (Illumina) is desired.
•Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and data analysis software is advantageous.

Compensation Pay Range:
Min: $56,537- Max: $75,383 per annum

Comments to Applicant:
Please provide your CV and a cover letter to clearly demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the position listed

Contact Info:
Name: Dr. Andrew Purssell
Title: Associate Scientist
Program: Inflammation and Chronic Disease
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Address: The Ottawa Hospital General Campus 501 Smyth Rd. Room G12, Ottawa, ON, K1H8L6
Email: apurssell@ohri.ca

The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is committed to building and sustaining a welcoming and supportive culture that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion for trainees, researchers, and staff. We are devoted to identifying and removing barriers that limit equitable access to opportunities within our organization. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute strongly supports initiatives that encourage the participation of all groups, in particular the four groups defined in the Employment Equity Act (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities).

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those invited for an interview will be contacted. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is an equal-opportunity employer. Upon request, accommodations due to a disability are available throughout the selection process.