Research Lab Technician I - Department of Surgery, Division of Urology - London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute

Posting Period

Open:           December 13, 2024

Deadline:      December 27, 2024

Non-Union

Job Summary

At London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute (LHSCRI), our teams pioneer discoveries that transform the health of adult and paediatric patients around the world. As the research institute of London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), we conduct research where patient care is delivered, working alongside patients, families, health-care providers and academic partners like Western University. We are leaders in advancing the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases and health conditions through a diverse research program that ranges from laboratory-based science to clinical trials. Our research has a global impact as we build on LHSC's 150-year legacy of health innovation and drive forward medical breakthroughs that make a difference in the lives of patients and their families. Find us online at www.lhscri.ca and on social media @LHSCRI. 

The Research Lab Technician 1 will support laboratory and translational research under the direction of the Principal Investigator. 

Responsibilities may include collecting and recording data, handling and processing biospecimens, isolating and purifying nucleic acids and proteins, cell culture, performing standard laboratory techniques, and utilizing standard laboratory equipment. Communicating and maintaining records, orders, monitors and maintains lab stocks and or equipment. Conducting routine analysis, literature searches and assists with writing documents. Responsible for providing administrative support and other duties as required by the research team. 

This role liaises with research and clinical staff in the conduct of research studies while ensuring compliance with the research study protocol and research policies and regulatory requirements.

The position will be located in the Cancer Research Lab Program (CRLP) on the fourth floor of the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre. 

Rate of Pay:          $25.25 - 31.56 per hour, commensurate with experience 

Hours of Work:     37.5 hours per week

Duration:               12-month contract, renewable

Teaching, Learning and Research 

London Health Sciences Centre is proudly one of Canada's largest acute-care teaching and research hospitals. LHSC has an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning, with education agreements in collaboration with over 55 schools, hospitals, and community agencies from across Ontario, Canada and internationally; among our many education partners, our three regional partners are Western University, Fanshawe College, and Thames Valley District School Board. LHSC provides students with a place that they can learn and discover knowledge and skills to take them forward in their careers as health care professionals. Approximately 2,900 Nursing, Health and other students ranging from secondary school to university graduate level programs receive training at LHSC every year. As an employee of LHSC, you will be expected to engage in role-related teaching, professional development, and research activities in addition to standard position duties and responsibilities. 

Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• General laboratory duties including pipetting, weighing, sterilizing, filtering, titrating, and cleanup.
• Cell culture including preparation of sterile media, cell counting, growth monitoring, and cryopreservation.
• Collection, transport, processing, and storage of human and animal biospecimens, including tissues, blood, urine, and other biofluids.
• Isolate, purify, and quantitate RNA and DNA.
• Prepare libraries for RNA and DNA sequencing.
• Standard molecular biology techniques, including ELISA, gel electrophoresis, PCR, cell culture, immunoblotting, spectrophotometry, and microscopy.
• Standard immunological techniques, including isolation and purification of leukocytes, flow cytometry, and immunoassays.
• Work with animal models including rodent colony monitoring and maintenance, tumor implantation, anaesthesia, principles of surgical procedures, treatment administration, blood collection, necropsy, and specimen processing.
• Basic data management ability including use of electronic or paper lab notebooks, collection of data in software, and basic statistical visualization and analysis.
• Maintenance of good laboratory environment, cleanliness, knowing and following laboratory regulations, assisting with lab audits and regulatory documents for projects.
• Ability and willingness to learn new techniques.
• Ability to communicate well and promptly address issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific field. Molecular biology, genetics, or immunology preferred.
• Experience working in a basic science or translational science research laboratory.
• Experience using common data collection software such as Excel, REDCap, or Access.
• Experience using common statistical analysis software such as R, Stata, SAS, Graphpad Prism, or SPSS.
• Demonstrated ability to attend work on a regular basis.
• Excellent ability to communicate (verbal and written) and collaborate with others.
• Ability to follow processes with a strong attention to detail.

If interested in this role, please apply with a resume that outlines all current and previous experience relevant to the position. 

We are committed to providing a safe, healthy and inclusive work environment that inspires respect. LHSC is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from equity-denied groups including Indigenous people, racialized people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons. LHSC is also committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive recruitment process. Upon individual request, we will endeavor to remove any barrier to the hiring process to reasonably accommodate candidates, including those with disabilities, while maintaining a fair, consistent and equitable recruitment approach. Should any applicant require accommodation through the application, interview or selection processes, please contact Recruitment Services at 519-685-8500, extension #34321 or recruitment@lhsc.on.ca . 

As part of the selection process applicants may be required to complete an examination or test. Please be advised that a reference check may be conducted as part of the selection process. 

Your interest in this opportunity is appreciated. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Successful candidates, as a condition of job offer, would be required to provide a satisfactory police information check (original document) completed in the last 6 months. 

Work/Study Permit

Please be advised, if you are seeking employment on a temporary work or study permit we recommend reviewing work permit restrictions as it applies to healthcare organizations in Canada. As per the Government of Canada, LHSC is considered a hospital/healthcare organization, even if an employee is functioning in a non-patient facing role. Individuals on a work or study permit seeking employment in this sector may be required to complete additional steps in the process, including but not limited to a medical exam, which may also apply to employees looking to renew their work permits. It is the employee?s accountability to ensure they are adhering to their specific work permit restrictions, and we encourage all candidates and LHSC employees to be proactive and review restrictions as soon as possible as it could be a lengthy process. 

Immunization Requirements:  
 

Before beginning employment at LHSC, all new hires will be required to: 

• Provide vaccination records or proof of immunity against measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chicken pox), Hepatitis B, Tetanus/ Diphtheria/Polio; Meningitis;  

• Provide documentation of the Tuberculosis skin testing (two step);  

• Provide proof of Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccination reflective of Ontario Health?s current definition of being fully vaccinated  

• For more information visit https://www.lhsc.on.ca/careers/health-review-requirements