| POSITION TITLE |
Research Technician II |
| DEPARTMENT |
LTRI (Dr. Poutanen Lab) |
| EMPLOYMENT TYPE |
Temporary, Full-Time (12 months) |
| HOURS OF WORK |
37.5 hours per week |
| EMPLOYEE GROUP |
Non-Union |
| REPORTS TO |
Clinical Principal Investigator |
The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute of Mount Sinai Hospital, a University of Toronto affiliated research centre, is one of the world's leading centres in biomedical research. With ground-breaking discoveries in research areas such as diabetes, genetic disorders, cancer and women’s and infants’ health, the Institute is committed to excellence in health research and the training of young investigators. Strong partnerships with the clinical programs of Mount Sinai Hospital ensure that scientific knowledge is used to promote human health. Your significant contributions will assist in maintaining our momentum in advancing our research.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
A Research Technician II position is available in Dr. Poutanen’s lab. Dr. Poutanen’s research interests include antimicrobial resistance surveillance and data visualization; hospital antibiogram development and usability; preparedness for, detection of and characterization of emerging antimicrobial-resistant pathogens including COVID-19; the use fecal transplantation for recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection and other emerging indications and related studies assessing quality of donated stool; and methods evaluations as they relate to automation, the use of artificial intelligence, rapid diagnostics, point-of-care diagnostics, and detection of antimicrobial resistance in the clinical microbiology laboratory.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Works from/with standard procedures and practices and assists in developing, devising or improving new ones or in modifying existing methods, practices and procedures.
- Responsible for the day-to-day operation of laboratory based studies
- Responsible for ordering supplies as well as setting up and maintaining lab equipment
- Responsible for conducting moderately complex research tests, experiments, and the interpretation of results
- Completes data extraction from the laboratory information system
- Using Excel, R, Python, Graphpad, Tableau, or other comparable software, to assist in the summation, analysis and visualization of data required for communications/reports for funders/grant submission, abstract submissions, and peer-to-peer reviewed publications
- Collects isolates for surveillance projects from the clinical laboratory and frozen stocks
- Prepares cultures for transportation to other centres within Canada and abroad
- Uses broth microdilution panels or agar dilution plates to determine antimicrobial MICs
- Uses screening agars to screen for antimicrobial resistance
- Uses PCR to confirm antimicrobial resistance determinants
- Uses pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole genomic sequencing to determine isolate relatedness
- Practises Good Manufacturing Procedures in the preparation of fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) as part of the Microbiota Therapeutics Outcomes Program (MTOP)
- Communicates and coordinates timing of FMT with MTOP study members and timing of stool donations with MTOP stool donors
- Liaises with study sponsors and collaborators and works closely with students and volunteers
- Assists with ethics review board submissions, contracts and agreements, and other study related administrative paperwork
- Reviews and assesses study related literature
Breakdown of Responsibilities:
- Approximately 70:30 split between wet-lab:dry-lab responsibilities but may vary depending on the project
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- B.Sc. degree in Microbiology or a related field
- 2 years of laboratory experience
- Certification in Transportation of Dangerous Goods is an asset
- Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Procedures is an asset
- Experience with programming (e.g. R, python), data visualization (e.g. Excel, R, Python, GraphPad, Tableau) and bioinformatics is an asset
FUNCTIONAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:
- Demonstrates exceptional communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation) and is comfortable engaging and exchanging information with others of diverse backgrounds
- Demonstrates analytical and problem-solving abilities with strong attention to detail
- Ability to multi-task and work effectively under pressure
- Proven to be versatile, flexible and self-motivated
- Experience with data management and visualization would be an asset
- Demonstrated knowledge of standard software
Hourly pay rate: $32.718 - $35.985
In accordance with Institute’s policy and legislated health and safety requirements, employment is conditional upon the verification of credentials, completion of a health review, and demonstrating proof of immunity and vaccination status of vaccine-preventable diseases. All employees and affiliates will follow safe work practices and comply with health and safety policies, procedures, and training. Successful candidates will be required to provide two (2) written reference letters from their former employer(s)/supervisor(s).
We are a fully committed to fairness and equity in employment and our recruitment and selection practices. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, members of racialized groups, women and any others who may contribute to the further diversification of our Sinai Health community. Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process as required under our Access for People with Disabilities policy. Applicants need to make their requirements known in advance.
The Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute is a scent sensitive environment, and all members of the community are expected to refrain from wearing or using scented products while visiting or working at the Institute. We also support a barrier-free workplace supported by the Institute’s accessibility plan, accommodation and disability management policies and procedures. Should you require accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, including accessible job postings, please contact the Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Human Resources Department.
Our hiring process uses job posting portals that screen relevant keywords, followed by a review from a human recruiter.
| Posting open until October 15, 2026. We thank all candidates for applying. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. |
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