Research Technician I

University Health Network; Toronto; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare research organization in Toronto seeks a Research Technician I for its neuroimmunology lab. The candidate will assist in various research activities, from specimen analysis to lab maintenance, contributing to significant discoveries in brain pathology. This temporary full-time role offers ongoing development opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive offer packages

Government organization pension plan

Close access to Transit and shuttle service

Flexible work environment

Development opportunities within the organization

Corporate discounts on various services

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of related experience; 1 year is an asset.
• Experience in animal handling and tissue sample collection.
• Ability to work independently and under stress.

Responsibilities

• Assist with budgeting and maintaining lab supplies.
• Assist in specimen processing and data analysis.
• Maintain lab equipment and ensure compliance with safety standards.

Skills

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Communication

Education

Bachelors Degree

Tools

Prism

Job description

UHN is Canada’s #1 hospital and the world’s #1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.

UHN’s vision is to build A Healthier World and it’s only because of the talented and dedicated people who work here that we are continually bringing that vision closer to reality.

Union: Non-Union
Number of vacancies: 1
Site: Krembil Discovery Tower
Department: Krembil Brain Institute
Reports to: Dr.ValeriaRamaglia
Hours: 35 hours per week
Shifts: Monday-Friday
Status: Temporary Full-time
Closing Date: July 18, 2025

Position Summary
Working under the direction of the Principal Investigator and senior members of the lab, the Research Technician I will be responsible for setting up and supporting research activities in a new neuroimmunology laboratory. The team will include undergraduate students, Masters students, PhD students and Postdoctoral Researchers. The approach of the research includes but it is not limited to the analyses of post-mortem human brain tissue, biofluids from living patients, and functional studies in animal models, using genetic tools alongside multi-parameter flow cytometry, Imaging Mass Cytometry, proteomics, and single-cell RNA sequencing to understand mechanisms of immune-mediated brain pathology.

Duties

• Assist with budgeting and budget monitoring
• Assist in maintaining the animal colony
• Responsible for placing orders and maintaining an up-to-date inventory of laboratory supplies for efficient use
• Assist in setting up and maintaining laboratory equipment
• Will help with optimizing, maintaining and updating protocols (including SOPs, AUPs, REBs etc)
• Assist with processing specimens and analyzing data to support research projects
• Will participate in communication activities with Health & Safety Inspectors to ensure the laboratory is in compliance
• Assist with preparing, handling and dispensing reagents, media and solutions, as required
• Will participate in communication activities with PI and trainees to maintain and continually enhance the co-operation and coordination of services within the laboratory
• Assist with providing detailed explanation and demonstrating procedures to students/employees on lab techniques, experimental procedures and protocols
• Assist with maintaining quality control and Health & Safety standards in assigned areas

Qualifications

• Completion of a Bachelors Degree is required
• At minimum, 6 months of related experience is required, 1 year relevant research experience would be considered an asset
• Experience in animal handling
• Experience in tissue sample collection, processing, nucleic acid extraction, genotyping, immunofluorescence and microscopy
• Excellent problem recognition and problem-solving skills
• Effective organizational, time management and prioritization skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and accurately under stressful conditions
• Ability to work effectively as a team member andunder the direction of more senior staff
• Basic knowledge of Prism for the representation and statistical analysis of data
• Experience in using the cryostat and the microtome is considered an asset
• Experience with cell cultures is an asset

Additional Information

Why join UHN?
In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/ )
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.