Research Technician II

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

Union: NON-UNION

Number of Vacancies: 1

Site: MaRS

Department: Research

Reports to: Scientist

Hours: 37.5 Hours Per Week

Shifts: Mon-Fri Day Shifts

Status: Temporary Full Time

Closing Date: June 30, 2025

About The Lab:

Our research seeks to ambitiously lead the next technology driven innovation cycle of engineered cell therapies against genitourinary cancers. To accomplish this, we systematically apply high-content, multi-gene targeting CRISPR screens to patient-derived humanized models of cancer to identify strategies for improving response to therapy. We have a particular focus on employing locoregional or “surgically” delivered cell-based therapies against localized aggressive cancers, with the goal of developing minimally invasive, organ sparing, curative alternatives to currently existing ineffective radical (e.g. surgery) treatments. Our work resides within the intersection of surgery, engineering, immunology and genetics, providing a highly collaborative, stimulating and multidisciplinary ecosystem to conduct research within.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly motivated and accomplished MSc-level Research Technician to contribute to our dynamic team focused on functional genomic strategies for improving surgically delivered cell therapies targeting genitourinary malignancies. The successful candidate will not only assist research efforts but also play a crucial role in supervising and mentoring graduate students and post-doctoral researchers. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries that have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of genitourinary cancers.

Duties:

• Assist a team of graduate students and post-docs engaged in functional genomics research, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to ensure project success.
• Design and execute experiments leveraging high-content single-cell genomic and spatial CRISPR screens for engineering of novel cell-based therapies (e.g. CAR-T cells) against genitourinary cancers.
• Establish standard operating procedures for the generation and characterization of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell derived humanized mice bearing patient derived orthotopic xenografts (in collaboration with animal facility).
• Collaborate closely with our interdisciplinary teams of surgeons, oncologists, pathologists and scientists across academia and industry.
• Contribute to the development of novel methodologies and technologies for functional genomics research, with a focus on optimizing workflows for cell-based therapy applications.
• Assist preparation of research findings for publication in peer-reviewed journals and present results at scientific conferences and internal meetings.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, data analysis, and research outcomes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.
• Monitors and maintains lab chemical/cell stocks and/or equipment.
• Orders and maintains inventories of supplies, animals, and/or equipment.

• MSc in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Cell Biology, or a related field, with significant experience demonstrating expertise in functional genomics research.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, cloning, CRISPR-Cas based gene editing, single-cell genomics.
• Demonstrated expertise in cell culture techniques, preferably with experience working with primary cells or stem cells.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to critically evaluate complex genomic datasets and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proven leadership and mentoring abilities, with experience supervising and managing graduate students

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.