Technical Assistant, Research

University Health Network; Toronto; On-site; CAD 31,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

HOOPP pension plan

Transit and UHN shuttle access

Flexible work environment

Development opportunities

Job summary

University Health Network (UHN) is seeking an entry-level Research Technical Assistant for the Histology and Immunohistochemistry team at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. The role involves processing and staining tissue specimens, supporting clinical trials and translational studies in a quality-driven environment.

The ideal candidate has a college diploma in a health-related discipline and at least 3 months of hands-on lab experience, with strong organizational and communication skills and

Qualifications

• Completion of a college diploma in a health-related discipline or equivalent.
• At minimum, 3 months of relevant hands-on laboratory techniques experience.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine histological techniques including tissue collection, processing, embedding, sectioning and staining.
• Process FFPE and frozen tissue for histology.
• Perform tissue sectioning using microtome and cryostat.
• Conduct routine and special stains (H&E and others).
• Perform IHC and IF staining and optimize antibodies.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and report results clearly to the team.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and sample tracking.
• Keep the workspace clean and equipment well-maintained.
• Collaborate with team and meet project deadlines.

Skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Independent working

Attention to quality

Histology experience

Microscopy

Education

College diploma in a health-related discipline

Tools

Brightfield microscopy

Fluorescence microscopy

Digital imaging

SOP documentation

Job description

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 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. www.uhn.ca

Job Description

Union: Non-Union

Number of vacancies: 1

New or Replacement Position: New

Site: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Department: Research

Reports to: Head, Centre for Integrative Immune Analysis

Salary Range: $22.60 - $28.25 per hour

Hours: 37.5 per week

Shifts: Monday - Friday

Status: Temporary Full-time (1 year)

Closing Date: September 18, 2026

Position Summary

The Centre for Integrative Immune Analysis (CIIA) is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented entry-level Research Technical Assistant to join our Histology and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) team. The Research Technician will support a diverse portfolio of clinical trials and translational research studies, contributing to the processing and staining of tissue specimens.

The ideal candidate is organized and reliable, with a genuine interest in developing their technical skills in a collaborative, quality-focused research environment. The candidate should be comfortable working with multiple tissue samples and projects simultaneously and should take pride in producing consistent, high-quality histology results.

Duties

• Perform routine histological techniques, including tissue collection, fixation, processing, embedding, sectioning, and staining. Small animal dissection may be required.
• Process tissue specimens for both formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) and frozen tissue preparation.
• Perform tissue sectioning of FFPE and OCT-embedded specimens using microtome and cryostat techniques.
• Perform routine and special histological stains, including Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E), and other stains as required.
• Perform IHC and immunofluorescence (IF) staining, and antibody optimization and troubleshooting, using chromogenic and fluorescent detection methods.
• Assist with troubleshooting technical issues and communicate problems or unexpected results clearly and promptly to the research team.
• Maintain accurate and complete laboratory records, including experimental notes, sample tracking, staining records, and results, in accordance with established quality requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-functioning laboratory workspace and ensure equipment and supplies are appropriately maintained.
• Work closely with members of the research team and contribute to a collaborative, team-oriented laboratory environment.
• Complete assigned work in accordance with established timelines and project deadlines.

Qualifications

• Completion of a college diploma in a health-related discipline (or equivalent).
• At minimum, 3 months of relevant hands-on experience related laboratory techniques required.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet established deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others in a collaborative and team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work independently while recognizing when to seek guidance or elevate issues appropriately.
• Strong commitment to laboratory quality, reproducibility, and good research practices.
• Hands-on experience in histology and tissue processing (FFPE and OCT) is an asset.
• Experience with brightfield and fluorescence microscopy, and digital imaging is an asset.
• Experience working in a quality-managed laboratory environment and familiarity with laboratory quality systems, SOPs, and documentation requirements 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. At University Health Network (UHN), artificial intelligence technologies may be used to assist in the screening, assessment, and selection of candidates for this position.

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.