University Health Network Looking for Research at Toronto, Ontario, Canada Full Time

Position: Research Technician I

Union: Non-Union

Site: Toronto Western Hospital

Department: Neurosurgery

Reports to: Principal Investigator

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Salary: $25.10 – $31.38 per hour. To commensurate with experience and consistent with UHN compensation policy

Status: Permanent Full-Time

Posted Date: September 7, 2023

Closing Date: October 7, 2023

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.

Position Summary

The project and responsibilities involve overseeing The Toronto Western Hospital Tissue Bank/Biobank services, a collaborative group in the Division of Neurosurgery who collect biospecimen samples as part of their research program.

The role of the Research Technician I is to receive these samples and following standard operating procedures, process the samples accordingly for long term storage. The bio samples will be of various tissue and fluid types that will require specific processing and handling that encompasses not only receiving and archiving, but also retrieval and distribution. The research technician will be required to interact with investigators, clinicians, research associates and analysts, study monitors and coordinators. An essential component of this role is understanding the bio banking requirements of the program and being responsive to those needs, while also maintaining the integrity of biobank policies and ensuring sample quality is prioritized.

Duties

Responsibilities

As an integral member of the Neurosurgery Program at the Toronto Western Hospital, the responsibilities of the Research Technician I include

• Shipping, receiving, sorting and processing specimens following established procedures and guidelines;
• Completing assigned workload to ensure the efficient operation of the laboratory;
• Preparing, handling and dispensing reagents, medias and solutions, as required;
• Preparing specimens referred out to other testing sites;
• Maintaining responsibility for inventory and supply control; performing other duties relating to specimen management;
• Maintaining quality control standards in assigned area;
• Demonstrating understanding of the operational theories/procedures, performance characteristics of instruments/equipment to facilitate the effective and efficient operation of assigned area;
• Efficient use of laboratory equipment and supplies;
• Participating in communication activities to maintain and continually enhance the co-operation and coordination of services with other laboratory staff in the assigned area;
• Participating in professional development, teaching/education activities, safety and quality improvement programs to ensure excellence in the provision of services; observing and understanding Hospital and departmental policies and procedures;
• Adhering to Hospital and departmental mission and value statements while maintaining and protecting patient confidentiality;
• Performing cross-functional duties, as assigned or requested; performing other responsibilities consistent with the job classification, as required.

Qualifications

• At minimum a BSc or equivalent in Life Science
• experience in the Operating Room is an asset
• Basic tissue culture techniques is an asset
• Basic knowledge of histology-pathology laboratory testing, techniques, methods and procedures is an asset
• Aliquot and organize serum, RNA and DNA for long-term storage into biobank
• Must have basic data entry skills
• Receive specimens from internal clinics for immediate processing and shipment to central laboratories according to study-specific protocols
• Maintain tracking records and regulatory documents pertaining to specimen collection and shipment
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and keep up with rapidly changing daily routines
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team
• Must possess good communication skills (verbal, written and presentation)
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard software (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite)
• Demonstrated good attendance record
• Ability to work independently and accurately under strict timelines
• Ability to work effectively as a team member

Physical/Mental Demands

• Ability to stand, walk, stoop, bend, lift unassisted, push and reach without any physical discomfort on a continuous basis.
• Mask, gloves and other protective clothing may be worn to protect against chemical and other hazards.
• Fine motor dexterity required for keyboarding.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in an environment that which is common to a laboratory setting.
• Exposure to chemical waste, bio-hazardous and radioactive materials and/or potentially infectious disease(s).
• Exposure to and the potential to inhale odors biological and chemical solvents.
• Exposure to potentially infectious specimens.
• Exposure to body fluids.
• Some work performed in sterile areas and in fume hoods.
• Compliance with Body Substance Precautions provisions.
• Compliance with sanitary, sterilization and infection control requirements.

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.

Vaccines (COVID and others) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption on a medical ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.

UHN is a respectful, caring, and inclusive workplace. We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity and equal opportunity. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known in advance. Any information received related to an accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

University Health Network thanks all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.