Research Technician II

Ontario Institute for Cancer Research; Toronto; On-site; CAD 57,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits plan

Defined benefit pension (HOOPP)

Job summary

Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is seeking a Research Technician II to apply advanced molecular biology skills to run the latest sequencing technologies, with a primary focus on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) platforms at the MaRS Centre in Toronto.

You will support validations, library prep, high-throughput sequencing operations, instrument QC, data handling in LIMS, and coordination with the Genomics Production team to ensure timely delivery of high-quality sequencing data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience with NGS library prep or sequencing instruments (Illumina or others).
• Experience with nucleic acid quantification and qPCR setup.

Responsibilities

• Perform automated and manual library construction and sequencing across NGS platforms.
• Prepare sample pools for sequencing QC and full-depth sequencing on Illumina and Ultima UG100 systems.
• Enter data into LIMS and track sequencing runs.
• Support senior staff to monitor QC tasks at steps in NGS workflows.
• Provide guidance and training for junior staff.
• Coordinate and prioritize sample processing with Genomics Production team.
• Document and communicate experimental results; contribute to SOP writing.
• Monitor and maintain lab equipment per accreditation guidance.
• Assist QA with quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

NGS library prep

QC tasks

Training junior staff

Data management in LIMS

Instrumentation troubleshooting

Documentation & SOPs

Team collaboration

Sample coordination

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology or related field

Tools

Illumina sequencing platforms (MiSeq/NextSeq/NovaSeq X)

Ultima UG100 sequencer

LIMS software

Job description

About OICR

OICR is Ontario’s cancer research institute. We bring together people from across the province and around the world to improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer. We take on the biggest challenges in cancer research and deliver real-world solutions to find cancer earlier and treat it more effectively. We are committed to helping people living with cancer, as well as future generations, live longer and healthier lives.

Launched in December 2005, OICR is an independent institute funded by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.

Job Details

Position: Research Technician II

Location: MaRS Centre, Toronto

Department: Genomics

Reports To: Manager, Genomics Production

Hiring Range: $56,560 - $63,327 per annum, commensurate with level of experience; total compensation includes a competitive benefits plan, plus a defined benefit pension plan (HOOPP)

Hours: 35 hours/week

Job Type: On-site

Status: Full-time, Permanent

Position Summary

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is seeking a Research Technician II to apply advanced technical knowledge and skills to run the most recent technologies in the field of human genetics, with a primary focus on Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) platforms.

The Research Technician II will play a key role in supporting validations, library prep and high-throughput genomic sequencing operations, with a primary focus on the preparation, loading, maintenance, and operation of next-generation sequencing (NGS) instruments. This individual will ensure sequencing platforms run efficiently and reliably, perform routine instrument QC and troubleshooting, and assist in the coordination of sequencing runs for both clinical and research projects. Working closely with the laboratory team, the technician will contribute to maintaining high-quality standards, optimizing workflows, and supporting the timely delivery of sequencing data.

Position Responsibilities

• Perform automated and manual library construction and subsequent sequencing across various next-generation sequencing platforms.
• Prepare sample pools for sequencing QC and full-depth sequencing using Illumina (MiSeq, NextSeq, NovaSeq X) and Ultima UG100 sequencers.
• Data entry into LIMS.
• Supporting senior staff to monitor and perform QC tasks at various steps in NGS protocols.
• Provide guidance and training support for junior staff.
• Work with the Genomics management team to coordinate and prioritize sample processing and sequencing activities.
• Documentation and communication of experimental results
• Optimization of protocols and writing SOPs.
• Monitor and maintenance of lab equipment according to accreditation guidance
• Assisting QA with Quality Improvement projects.

Position Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology or related specialty, or recognized equivalent
• Experience with standard molecular biology laboratory techniques such as:
  • Knowledge and hands-on experience with Next Generation Sequencing library preparation or operation of Next Generation Sequencing instrument (Illumina or others)
  • Experience with other routine molecular techniques, such as nucleic acid quantification and qPCR reaction setup.
• Exposure in an accredited laboratory operation (CAP, ISO15189 or CLIA)
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and accurately under deadlines
• Meticulous and detail-oriented
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in a team environment
• Familiarity with data or statistical analysis

For more information about OICR, please visit the website at www.oicr.on.ca.

To learn more about working at OICR, visit our career page.

POSTED DATE: October 9, 2026

CLOSING DATE: October 15, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

OICR is committed to fostering a climate of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This commitment is central to, and mutually supportive of, our research excellence mandate. We welcome and respect the diversity of all members of our community and we support an inclusive culture for all. We welcome all applicants, and encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to furthering a diversity of ideas within our community. OICR is committed to fair assessment of a candidate’s abilities, and consideration for diversity of thought, method, and experience. Providing an accessible workplace and recruitment process is important to us, as described in our Accessibility Plan https://oicr.on.ca/accessibility/. Should you require accommodation during any stage in the recruitment process, please complete the form at the bottom of page https://oicr.on.ca/careers/. Information received related to accommodation will be handled confidentially.

OICR hiring managers may use approved Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist with an initial screening or assessment of applications, and selection of applicants in accordance with OICR’s privacy policies. Personal information associated with any job application will not be shared with or retained by any third party for the purpose of training an AI model. Hiring managers shall determine which applications proceed through the recruitment process.

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research thanks all applicants. However, only those under consideration will be contacted.