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: Krembil Discovery Tower
Department: Schroeder Arthritis Institute
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Work Model: In Person
Grade: B0:05
Hours: 35
Salary: $30.12 - 37.65 per hour (To commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN compensation policy):
Shifts: n/a
Status: Temporary Full-Time
Closing Date: February 28, 2025

Position Summary

The Research Technician II will be responsible for handling and processing clinical samples for Health Canada authorized trials, and other clinical studies. This will include immunophenotyping patient samples using flow cytometry; processing samples for other types of 'omic analyses. Data analyses, interpretation and preparation of graphs, tables and reports will also be required.

Additionally, the Research Tech II will assist with animal studies including genotyping, breeding, weaning, surgical models, intra-articular injection of test therapies, surgical models, processing of tissues including cutting, embedding, staining and scoring. Experience with behavioural responses is an asset.

Duties:

• Transport samples from the fracture clinics to PI's research lab
• Immunophenotype patient samples using existing flow cytometry protocols
• Characterize heterogeneity in autologous cellular preparations with respect to growth factors, protein content, metabolic content, as needed
• Follow SOPs and document all steps according to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) principles
• Analyze and interpret data including statistical analyses, in collaboration with biostatistician
• Assist team members with other aspects of the clinical studies
• Maintain and breed transgenic animals
• Create intra-articular and/or surgery-induced injury models of osteoarthritis
• Inject test therapeutics as required
• Euthanize the animals and process joint tissues for histopathological analysis in the lab
• This includes cutting, embedding and sectioning block tissues, staining for immunofluorescence or immunohistochemistry
• Imaging the slides
• Scoring according to standardized guidelines

• BSc in Cell Biology or equivalent; MSc preferred
• Minimum 3 years related experience
• Excellent knowledge of flow cytometry, including development of new protocols for cell staining and characterization
• Experience isolating and separating human cells from peripheral blood, bone marrow, umbilical cord, and other tissues would be preferred
• Cell purification using immunomagnetic separation techniques
• Basic molecular biology skills, including PCR, ELISA, and blotting
• Animal handling and tissue processing skills
• Immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and/or histopathology skills
• Experience capturing animal behaviour/pain responses
• Excellent documentation skills
• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills
• Experience with statistical software and packages

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.