Research Technician III - Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute

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’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: Toronto Western Hospital
Department: Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Salary Range : $37.47 - $46.84 per hour
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Status: Temporary Full-Time
Closing Date: November 4, 2026

Position Summary

The Research Technician III will play a key role in supporting innovative neuroscience and vision research within the Principal Investigator’s laboratory at the Donald K. Johnson Eye Institute and Krembil Research Institute. Working as part of a multidisciplinary research team, the incumbent will maintain and characterize human multipotent and pluripotent stem cell cultures, support the development of advanced 3D organoid models of the brain and eye, and perform a range of molecular and cellular biology techniques to advance studies of neurological and retinal disease.

Duties

- Maintaining cell lines (cultured and primary), including human multipotent and pluripotent stem cell cultures, using standard sterile techniques
- Conduct experiments to support ongoing lab research projects (Western blots, qRT-PCR, immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry)
- Management of tissue culture facilities, ordering supplies, lab management
- Support the day-to-day operations of the laboratory, including stock preparation, supplies ordering, and general lab maintenance
- Assist with biosafety compliance, including biological/chemical inventory management
- Help develop standard operating procedures and protocols for lab-related activities
- Attend and present data in weekly lab meeting discussions, institutional research seminars, and research conferences
- Some administrative support to the PI

Qualifications

- At minimum, a Bachelors degree in biological sciences, or equivalent discipline is required
- At minimum, 6 years of related experience is required
- Prior experience with multipotent and pluripotent stem cell cultures is required
- 3D organoid culture experience is preferred
- Prior experience with standard laboratory protocols for cell culture, Western blot, qRT-PCR, DNA electrophoresis and genotyping, molecular cloning
- Prior experience with primary cell isolation from tissue specimens (animals or human) is an asset
- Viral transduction and genetic engineering / gene-editing (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) experience is an asset
- RNA sequencing and bioinformatics experience is an asset
- Willing to rapidly learn new techniques and skills with training
- Capacity to work independently with minimal supervision
- Highly-organized and able to prioritize effectively
- Able to communicate and interact with staff, students, colleagues in a professional manner and daily basis (on-site)

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.