Technologist I - Cell Biology Program

The Hospital for Sick Children; Toronto; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 48,000; Part time

Job summary

The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto is seeking a Lab Technologist I to support a pediatric intestinal disease research program. You will assist with routine wet lab tasks, process patient samples, and help generate and maintain cells for biobanking under supervision.

You will work closely with the PI, Lab Manager, and Lab Coordinator, perform data entry, prepare reagents, and help with audits and study documentation, with occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience with DNA/RNA extraction and PBMCs.
• Knowledge of laboratory procedures, instruments and techniques.
• Bachelor of Science degree; MSc preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process patient samples and assist in wet lab tasks.
• Maintain organoids and cell lines; assist in biobanking.
• Data entry and study documentation; assist with audits and site visits.

Skills

DNA extraction

RNA extraction

PBMCs isolation

wet lab tasks

data entry

communication in English

Education

Bachelor of Science

MSc in anatomy or physiology preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Access

REDCap

Job description

Dedicated exclusively to children and their families, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is one of the largest and most respected paediatric healthcare centres in the world. As innovators in child health, we lead and partner to improve the health of children through the integration of healthcare, leading-edge research and education. Our reputation would not have been built - nor could it be maintained - without the skills, knowledge and experience of the extraordinary people who come to work here every day. SickKids is committed to ongoing learning and development, and features a caring and supportive work environment that combines exceptionally high standards of practice.

When you join SickKids, you become part of our community. We share a commitment and determination to fulfill our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to work alongside the world's best in paediatric healthcare.

Technologist I

We are seeking an enthusiastic, hard-working, and detail-oriented Lab Technologist I to join our dynamic team. You will have the exciting opportunity to contribute to a research program dedicated to investigating paediatric intestinal diseases. The Technologist I will work closely with the Principal Investigator, Lab Manager, and Lab Coordinator to assist in study operations. This position includes many of the basic tasks of the wet lab research process, such as applying straightforward technical knowledge and skills to perform well-defined, routine and/or repetitive tests, experiments, or procedures. The Technologist I will also assist in generating and maintaining cells derived from patient samples for biobanking and research purposes.

This Position Includes Three Primary Responsibilities

• Basic & wet lab tasks;
• Handling various types of human samples;
• Data entry and administrative tasks.

Schedule

This is a part-time position at 0.6 FTE (21 hours/week). The regular, designated schedule is Wednesday to Friday, 11am to 7pm (including 1 hour break each day). The role also requires schedule flexibility. To accommodate patient visits and clinical/lab schedules, you will occasionally be required to work at different times including early mornings, other evenings, and/or weekends. When this happens, we will arrange time off in lieu.

Duration

This is a one (1) year contract starting as soon as possible. There may be an opportunity to increase weekly hours and/or extend the contract based on performance and available funding.

Here’s What You’ll Get To Do

• Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, you will work closely with the research team to process patient samples, such as extracting DNA, RNA, isolating PBMCs; maintain organoids and cell lines; and freeze stocks for biobanking.
• Perform routine physical, chemical, and biological lab procedures.
• Duties may include preparing media, solutions, reagents, sections and slides. You may also be asked to perform routine assays following prescribed methods. You will be responsible for accuracy of technique.
• Provide technical assistance to other lab members as needed.
• Maintain and modify the standard protocols under supervision of the Lab Coordinator.
• Prepare sample kits and ship study materials as requested. Create shipping manifests and documentation. Closely track packages during travel to and from the lab. Proactively assist with courier/customs questions to expedite delivery.
• Pick-up biospecimens within SickKids' hospital and/or research tower in a timely manner and deliver to lab or designated location/person.
• Aliquot, label, and prepare samples for banking and/or shipment.
• Register samples on study database and assign IDs; create, track, and file sample records.
• Review data for accuracy and completeness; perform data cleaning.
• Assist in administrative tasks related to the study.
• Maintain inventories and supplies, perform general lab tasks.
• Share in general lab duties.
• Assist with advance preparation for audits and site visits. This may include occasional work in early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends.
• Assist with cross-coverage for colleagues, including other studies in our research program.
• Work will be reviewed to ensure conformity to established standards and to ensure conformity to research objectives.

Here’s What You’ll Need

• Required: Minimum 3 years recent experience and proficiency with DNA extraction, RNA extraction, isolating PBMCs, and basic wet lab tasks.
• Required: Demonstrated knowledge of theory and practice of laboratory procedures, instruments, equipment, and special techniques.
• Required: Bachelor of Science degree (MSc in anatomy or physiology preferred).
• Preferred: GI background or experience, basic familiarity of medical terminology.
• Preferred: Previous experience with organoid and cell culture, especially intestinal and liver tissues.
• Asset: Certification as a Registered Technologist.
• Asset: Certification in Health Care Administration.

Special Skills/Aptitudes Required

• High energy, self-motivated, and an ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement and decision-making to carry out tasks and troubleshoot when necessary.
• Exceptional problem recognition and problem-solving skills. Able to independently problem solve as appropriate.
• Strong English communication (written and verbal skills).
• Excellent organization skills, work ethic, and diligence.
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop effective working relationships.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong computer skills (Microsoft Office, internet). Prior experience with database systems, including Microsoft Access and REDCap, is an asset.
• Excellent numeracy and literacy skills to maintain and sort records accurately and identify filing errors.
• Attention to detail and organization skills; ability to focus for long periods of time.
• Willingness to learn and accept responsibility.
• Flexibility to meet schedule demands, including occasional early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends. Clinical procedures may be scheduled with limited advance notice and/or run overtime. The Technologist I will need to remain for these procedures to process the fresh samples after collection.

Relationships and Responsibility

Reports to Principal Investigator and Lab Manager; supports the Lab Coordinator.

Contact with Hospital Employees

Considerable. Must develop good working relationships with research and clinical teams.

Contact with Public

Minimal to none.

SickKids is committed to championing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do, fostering an intentionally inclusive and culturally safe environment that reflects the diversity of the patients, families and communities we serve. Learn more about workplace inclusion.

If you require accommodation during the application process, please reach out to our aSKHR team. SickKids can provide access and inclusion supports to eligible candidates to support their full engagement during the interview and selection process as well as to ensure candidates are able to perform their duties once successfully hired. If you are invited for an interview and require accommodation, please let us know at the time of your invitation to interview. Information received related to access, inclusion or accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

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