Biospecimen Research Technician I

Job summary

The technician will perform sample accessioning, histology, and DNA/RNA extraction from human tissues within the Diagnostic Development team. They are responsible for maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with laboratory accreditation standards.

Job details

About OICR OICR is Ontario’s cancer research institute. We bring together people from across the province and around the world to improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer. We take on the biggest challenges in cancer research and deliver real-world solutions to find cancer earlier and treat it more effectively. We are committed to helping people living with cancer, as well as future generations, live longer and healthier lives. Launched in December 2005, OICR is an independent institute funded by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. Job Details Position: Biospecimen Research Technician I Location: MaRS Centre, Toronto Department: Diagnostic Development Reports To: Senior Project Manager, Tissue Portal and Operations Manager, OTB Hiring Range: $47,470 to $52,773 commensurate with level of experience; total compensation includes a competitive benefits plan, plus a defined benefit pension plan (HOOPP) Hours: 35 hours/week Job Type: On-site Status: Full-time, Temporary (1-year contract) Position Summary The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is looking to fill an existing vacancy for a Biospecimen Research Technician I to join the Diagnostic Development team This position is temporary, full-time for one-year. Position Responsibilities The Biospecimen Research Technician I will contribute to various projects within Diagnostic Development’s Tissue Portal. This will include sample accessioning, basic histology of frozen and formalin-fixed paraffin embedded human tissues, laser capture microdissection, extraction of DNA/RNA from human tissues, assessment of DNA/RNA quantity/quality and sample distribution. They may also support the Ontario Tumour Bank (OTB) derivatization program (www.ontariotumourbank.ca). They will be expected to maintain accurate and complete records within organizational databases. The Biospecimen Research Technician I will be required to adhere to specified turn-around times and may perform other project related tasks as required while contributing to the team. Assigned work will be based on standard operating procedures (SOPs) and follow defined-quality control/assurance instructions to comply with good clinical laboratory practice (GCLP) and additional laboratory accreditations (CAP; ACD; CLIA). The Biospecimen Research Technician I will regularly interact with other staff, exchange project-related information to improve procedures and communicate assay results. They will apply advanced technical knowledge, time management principles and organizational skills to perform the duties outlined above. Position Requirements Completion of a relevant undergraduate degree. Demonstrated recent experience with microtomy and staining. Experience following SOPs for histology from FFPE and fresh frozen samples. Experience performing sample accessioning using a laboratory information management system. Exceptional attention to detail, including keeping comprehensive records. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong organization and time management skills. Developed client service skills. For more information about OICR, please visit the website at www.oicr.on.ca. To learn more about working at OICR, visit our career page. POSTED DATE: August 28, 2026 CLOSING DATE: Until Filled OICR is committed to fostering a climate of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This commitment is central to, and mutually supportive of, our research excellence mandate. We welcome and respect the diversity of all members of our community and we support an inclusive culture for all. We welcome all applicants, and encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to furthering a diversity of ideas within our community. OICR is committed to fair assessment of a candidate’s abilities, and consideration for diversity of thought, method, and experience. Providing an accessible workplace and recruitment process is important to us, as described in our Accessibility Plan (https://oicr.on.ca/accessibility/). Should you require accommodation during any stage in the recruitment process, please complete the form at the bottom of page https://oicr.on.ca/careers/. Information received related to accommodation will be handled confidentially. OICR hiring managers may use approved Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist with an initial screening or assessment of applications, and selection of applicants in accordance with OICR’s privacy policies. Personal information associated with any job application will not be shared with or retained by any third party for the purpose of training an AI model. Hiring managers shall determine which applications proceed through the recruitment process. Resume Format: If you elect to apply, please click on the “Apply for this Job” button below. You will be required to enter contact details, and to attach your resume to your application. Please attach your resume as a .pdf or .doc file. The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research thanks all applicants. However, only those under consideration will be contacted.

What you’ll do

The technician will perform sample accessioning, histology, and DNA/RNA extraction from human tissues within the Diagnostic Development team. They are responsible for maintaining accurate records and ensuring compliance with laboratory accreditation standards.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a relevant undergraduate degree and possess recent experience with microtomy and staining. Proficiency in following SOPs for histology and using laboratory information management systems is required.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits plan • Defined benefit pension plan (HOOPP)

Listed skills

• Time management · Preferred
• Quality assurance · Preferred
• record keeping · Preferred
• Quality Control · Preferred
• Communication Skills · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Microtomy
• Staining
• Histology
• FFPE
• Fresh frozen samples
• Sample accessioning
• LIMS
• DNA extraction
• RNA extraction
• Laser capture microdissection
• Quality control
• Quality assurance
• Time management
• Record keeping
• Communication skills
• Formalin
• Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP)
• Organizational Skills
• Research
• Artificial Intelligence
• Communication
• Derivatization
• Standard Operating Procedure
• Laboratory Information Management Systems
• Laser Capture Microdissection
• Project Management
• Microtome
• Operations Management
• Paraffin Tissue Processing
• Time Management
• Ribonucleic Acid Sequencing
• Quality Control
• Detail Oriented

Job areas

• Science & Research
• Healthcare
• Specimen Technician
• Research Technician
• Survey and Market Research Interviewers
• Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other