Research Technician II/III

UHN Research; Toronto; On-site; CAD 43,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HOOPP (pension)

Transit access

Flexible work environment

Development opportunities

Employee discounts

Job summary

UHN’s Princess Margaret Cancer Centre seeks a Research Technician to drive cancer epigenomics and 3D genome biology projects. The role focuses on chromatin conformation assays, sequencing library prep, and patient-derived model systems within a collaborative lab.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years in wet-lab genomics, hands-on experience with Hi-C/HiChIP and related methods, and a strong biology background. This temporary full-time position spans 37.5 hours weekly in a translational setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in molecular or cancer biology or related field.
• Master's degree is an asset.
• Minimum of 3 years of wet-lab research experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform and optimize molecular biology and functional genomics experiments related to cancer epigenomics.
• Carry out chromatin and sequencing-based assays, including Hi-C, HiChIP, ATAC-seq, CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag.
• Prepare next-generation sequencing libraries across multiple assay types.
• Work with patient-derived cancer models, including organoids.
• Maintain accurate experimental records and assist with data interpretation.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Genomics techniques

Next-generation sequencing

Epigenomics assays

Cancer biology knowledge

Organoid culture experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or related field

Master's degree an asset

Tools

Hi-C

HiChIP

CUT&RUN

CUT&Tag

ATAC-seq

Job description

• Compensation: CAD 31.03 - CAD 46.84 - hourly

Company 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
New or Replacement Position: New
Site: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Department: Research
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Salary Range: $31.03 - $46.84 hourly
Hours: 37.5 hours a week
Shifts: Monday - Friday
Status: Temporary Full-Time (1 year contract)
Closing Date: September 16, 2026 (repost)

Position Summary

Our lab is a multidisciplinary research program based at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, and closely integrated with the Structural Genomics Consortium. We operate at the intersection of clinical oncology, experimental biology, and functional genomics, with a focus on understanding chromatin architecture, epigenetic regulation, and tumor heterogeneity in cancer.

The lab uses 3D genome mapping, chromatin profiling, next-generation sequencing, patient-derived models, and multi-omic approaches to identify regulatory mechanisms that may inform precision oncology strategies, biomarker discovery, and epigenome-informed therapeutic approaches.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Technician with strong wet-lab experience to support and execute experimental projects in cancer epigenomics and 3D genome biology. The successful candidate will contribute to projects involving chromatin conformation assays, functional epigenomics, next-generation sequencing library preparation, and patient-derived model systems.

This position is ideal for a candidate with hands‑on experience in molecular biology, genomics, epigenomics, and cancer biology who is interested in working in a collaborative, translational research environment.

Duties

• Perform and optimize molecular biology and functional genomics experiments related to cancer epigenomics.
• Carry out chromatin and sequencing-based assays, including Hi-C, HiChIP, ATAC-seq, CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, and related methods, as applicable.
• Prepare next-generation sequencing libraries across multiple assay types.
• Work with patient-derived cancer models, including organoids or related culture systems.
• Support sample processing, quality control, library preparation, and coordination of sequencing submissions.
• Maintain accurate experimental records, protocols, sample inventories, and laboratory documentation.
• Assist with troubleshooting and optimization of complex wet-lab protocols.
• Coordinate with computational scientists and other team members to support data generation, interpretation, and project progress.
• Contribute to the generation of figures, summaries, and experimental documentation for manuscripts, grants, presentations, and reports.
• Assist with ordering, reagent preparation, equipment maintenance, and general laboratory organization.
• Support training of junior lab members or students in established protocols, as appropriate.
• Contribute to a collaborative, rigorous, and well-organized lab environment.

Qualifications

• At minimum, Bachelor'sdegree in Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, or a related field required
  • Master's degree an asset
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant wet-lab research experience required
• Strong hands‑on experience with molecular biology and genomics techniques.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing library preparation.
• Experience with chromatin-based or epigenomics assays, such as ATAC-seq, CUT&RUN, CUT&Tag, Hi-C, HiChIP, Capture-C, or related methods.
• Experience with patient‑derived organoid culture or other cancer model systems.
• Ability to follow, optimize, and troubleshoot complex experimental protocols.
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain clear and accurate experimental records.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English, written and spoken.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary research environment.
• Ability to manage multiple experimental tasks and timelines.
• Direct experience with 3D genome assays, such as Hi‑C, HiCHIP, Capture‑C, Micro‑C, or related methods an asset
• Experience with single‑cell or spatial genomics workflows an asset
• Experience with low‑input or challenging clinical/research samples an asset
• Basic familiarity with genomic data analysis concepts and tools, including R, Python, command-line environments, or sequencing QC metrics an asset
• Experience working in a translational cancer research environment an asset
• Prior experience contributing to manuscripts, reports, or grant‑related experimental summaries an asset

Additional Information

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.At University Health Network (UHN), artificial intelligence technologies may be used to assist in the screening, assessment, and selection of candidates for this position.

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.

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