Research Technician

The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is the research arm of The Ottawa Hospital – one of Canada’s largest learning and research hospitals. We are proudly affiliated with the University of Ottawa and supported by The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. With more than 2200 scientists, clinician investigators, trainees and staff, and total revenues of more than $120 million, we are one of the foremost Canadian hospital-based research institutes. Our research spans more than a hundred different diseases, conditions, and specialties with an overall focus on translating discoveries and knowledge into better health.

Job Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our laboratory team as a part-time Laboratory Research Technician. The successful candidate will assist in various research activities, with a focus on stem cell culture, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry (FACS), assisting in clinical trials, mentoring students, maintaining lab protocols, and assisting in documentation as needed.

The position offers an opportunity to gain valuable research experience in a dynamic and collaborative laboratory environment. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Expected Responsibilities
•Stem Cell Culture: Perform routine maintenance and propagation of neural stem cell lines (NSPCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs). Prepare media and reagents required for cell culture experiments. Ensure proper handling and storage of cell lines according to established protocols.
•Immunocytochemistry: Conduct immunocytochemistry experiments to analyze protein expression and localization in cultured cells. Prepare samples, perform staining procedures, and assist in imaging and analysis of results.
•Assisting in Clinical Trials: Participate in clinical trial activities as directed by the principal investigator. This may involve sample collection, processing, and analysis, as well as adherence to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines.
•Mentoring Students: Provide guidance and mentorship to undergraduate and graduate students involved in laboratory projects. Demonstrate techniques, troubleshoot experiments, and facilitate their learning and development.
•Documentation: Assist in documenting experimental procedures, results, and data analysis. Maintain accurate records of experimental protocols, reagents, and equipment usage. Contribute to writing research reports, manuscripts, and grant proposals as needed.

Basic Requirements (Education/Experience):
•Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., biology, biochemistry, molecular biology).
•Hands-on experience with stem cell culture techniques, including maintenance and differentiation of cell lines.
•Proficiency in techniques such as immunocytochemistry, RNA seq, FACS, protein purification.
•Familiarity with clinical trial procedures and regulations (preferred).
•Experience mentoring and supervising students in a laboratory setting.
•Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to follow protocols.
•Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a collaborative research environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
•Master’s or PhD degree

Contract Details:
This is a 1-year part-time contract with flexible hours, approximately 20 hours per week with the potential to become a full-time position and the possibility of renewal.
Salary: Min: $21.916 – Max: $31.669

Comments to Applicant:
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three references to ffashwal@toh.ca.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Contact Info:
Name: Fatima Fashwal
Title: Administrative Assistant
Program: Neurosurgery
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Address: 1053 Carling Avenue
Email: FFashwal@toh.ca

The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is committed to building and sustaining a welcoming and supportive culture that promotes equity, diversity and inclusion for trainees, researchers, and staff. We are devoted to identifying and removing barriers that limit equitable access to opportunities within our organization. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute strongly supports initiatives that encourage the participation of all groups, in particular the four groups defined in the Employment Equity Act (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities).

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those invited for an interview will be contacted. The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute is an equal-opportunity employer. Upon request, accommodations due to a disability are available throughout the selection process.