Research Technician II

The University Health Network, where "above all else the needs of patients come first", encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute of Education. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of ground breaking firsts and a purpose of "Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning", the University Health Network (UHN), Canada's largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

Union: Non-Union
Site: Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Department: Research, Notta Lab
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Work Model: On-Site
Grade: B5
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: $30.12 - $37.65 per hour (To commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN compensation policy)
Shifts: Monday - Friday
Status: Temporary Full-Time (1 year contract)
Closing Date: November 15, 2024

Lab Description:
The Notta laboratory is located at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (Toronto, Canada) and is associated with the Medical Biophysics program at the University of Toronto. Our research program is focussed on pancreatic cancer, one of the most aggressive tumour types in oncology. Broadly, our laboratory is interested in several aspects of the disease such as its cellular origins, mechanisms of drug resistance, and tumour evolution. Our laboratory is also part of the Pancreatic Cancer Translational Initiative (PanCuRx) at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research. The PanCuRx Program is a translational research initiative that aims to significantly improve the lives of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma by generating new knowledge about genetic and biologic subsets of disease, mechanisms of tumorigenesis, and unique treatment options. Our laboratory is split between wet and dry components. On the wet-lab side, our work focuses on patient derived organoids (PDO), CRISPR, xenografting, molecular profiling, genomics, transcriptomics, and drug screening. On the dry lab side, we perform molecular subtyping of RNA-seq data (both bulk and single cell), whole genome sequencing (both bulk and single cell), statistical analysis of large datasets, data integration, tumour evolution analysis, genomic workflows for patients on clinical trial.

We are seeking a detail-oriented Research Technician II with strong experience in producing and validating lentiviral libraries to join our laboratory. The main responsibility is custom lentiviral library design, generation and validation, lentiviral particle production and viral titer determination. The candidate will also be responsible for conducting next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, including plasma RNA isolation and RNA sequencing library preparation. The successful applicant will assist research staff with the execution of experiments and perform duties in a reliable and reproducible manner. Strong project and time management skills are required for this position.

Additional information about the Notta Lab can be found at:
Website: https://www.nottalab.com/
Twitter: @LabNotta

Duties:

• Conduct lentiviral vector design, generation and validation.
• Carry out production and titration of lentiviral particles.
• Perform RNA and DNA extractions according to strict methodologies.
• Complete Next-generation sequencing library preparation and QC.
• Perform other molecular biology laboratory techniques (PCR, qPCR, etc.) to support our research program.
• Follow laboratory SOPs and contributing to their upkeep.
• Maintain detailed records of experimental procedures and data.
• Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in a science-related field.
• Minimum 3 years experience in a laboratory setting.
• Experience with virus (e.g. lentivirus) production is required.
• Hands-on experience with nucleic acid extractions and NGS library preparation is preferred.
• Experience with a repertoire of techniques in molecular biology is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office. Prior experience in database management is a plus.
• Detail oriented, excellent record keeping abilities, analytical and organization skills.
• Project and time management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Highly organized and excellent verbal and written communication skills.

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.