Research Technician, Department of Oncology

University of Saskatchewan; Saskatoon; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned educational institution in Canada seeks a motivated Research Technician to support cancer genomics research. This entry-level role involves assisting with wet lab experiments and basic bioinformatics tasks. The successful candidate will have a relevant degree and a willingness to learn in a collaborative team environment. Competitive hourly salary offered.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of hands-on laboratory experience is preferred.
• Basic familiarity with bioinformatics tools and data handling is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support ongoing biomedical research projects by performing routine wet lab experiments.
• Assist with basic bioinformatics data processing.
• Collaborate and communicate within the team.

Skills

Ability to follow protocols

Good organizational skills

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Biomedical Sciences

Job description

Research Technician, Department of Oncology

The Vizeacoumar Lab in the Department of Oncology at the University of Saskatchewan is seeking a motivated research technician to support laboratory activities related to cancer genomics and translational therapeutics. This role will assist in daily lab operations and data processing under supervision.

Primary Purpose: Support ongoing biomedical research projects by performing routine wet lab experiments and assisting with basic bioinformatics data processing. The technician will contribute to data generation and help maintain lab workflows but will not be primarily responsible for experimental design or advanced computational analysis.

Nature of Work: This is an entry-level position focused mainly on supporting wet lab procedures with limited dry lab (computational) responsibilities. The successful candidate will follow established protocols, assist senior staff, and contribute to accurate data recording. Collaboration and communication within the team are important, but this role involves limited independent problem-solving or mentoring duties.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

Wet Lab Support

• Maintain mammalian cell cultures (primarily 2D) and assist with sample preparation
• Perform DNA/RNA/protein extraction and basic quantification assays
• Assist with PCR and qPCR under supervision
• Conduct routine immunoassays such as Western blot and immunofluorescence
• Follow biosafety and sterile technique protocols

Computational Support

• Assist with basic data organization and file management
• Perform simple bioinformatics tasks such as running established pipelines with guidance
• Support data visualization using basic tools (e.g., Excel, R scripts provided)
• Report results clearly for review by senior researchers

Education and Experience: Candidates should possess:

• Bachelor’s or Master degree in Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, or related field
• Some hands-on laboratory experience (1-2 years preferred)
• Basic familiarity with bioinformatics tools and data handling is a plus but not required

Skills:

• Ability to accurately follow protocols and maintain detailed lab records
• Good organizational skills and ability to multitask in a team environment
• Willingness to learn both wet lab and basic computational methods

Conditional Verifications:
This position requires the successful candidate to complete a criminal record check and education/credential verification prior to appointment. Candidates may also be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in Canada. Additional verifications, such as a vulnerable sector check, may be requested if the role involves working with sensitive populations or materials. No driver’s license or indigenous membership verification is required for this position.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following in a single PDF document:

• Curriculum Vitae (C.V.)
• One-page cover letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation for the role

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found. Appointment type and salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s education and experience.

Department: Cancer Research Unit
Status: Term 6 months with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: Research Positions - Non-union
Shift: Mon-Fri, 8:00-4:30
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $20.37 - 28.52 per hour. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable):
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 4
Posted Date: 8/14/2025
Closing Date: 8/27/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where 'Yes' is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Yes
Driver's License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Yes
Vulnerable Sector Check: Yes

The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.