Laboratory Technician

About Us

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs. We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty.

The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto is one of the largest departments of its kind in North America, with internationally renowned and award winning faculty. We strive to provide the necessary context, expertise, and guidance on pressing challenges that face society today, including combating global climate change and saving rare and endangered species. Our department is, and will remain, a world leader in discovery, innovation, and teaching in this science, offering endless opportunities for those looking to make a difference.

Under direction of the Teaching Lab Manager and guidance of the Lab Coordinator and Undergraduate Administrator, the incumbent is a member of the team that provides technical, administrative and clerical support to all undergraduate courses with a lab component offered by the Department (e.g., BIO
120, BIO
220, EEB
240, EEB
384). Duties include but are not limited to gathering lab materials and setting up equipment as dictated by course instructors, preparing chemical solutions, collecting samples from the field, cleaning up labs after each session, maintaining animal colonies, curating preserved animal specimens, assembling protocols for lab manuals, and assisting with course administration to support the teaching priorities of the Department.

• Assisting course instructors with the design and preparation of student lab activities
• Serving as first point‑of‑contact for lab emergencies and urgent needs
• Performing routine field techniques during the collection of plant and animal materials
• Maintaining inventory of lab materials and consumables
• Rearing insects and aquatic invertebrates in containment facilities
• Organizing and cataloguing preserved fish, amphibian, reptile and bird specimen collections
• Preparing, assembling and setting‑up material, equipment and supplies used in teaching and/or research labs

• Bachelor's Degree in biological sciences, with a focus on ecology or evolutionary biology, or acceptable combination of equivalent experience
• Minimum of two years of previous experience supporting teaching labs and undergraduate courses, including technical, administrative and clerical support. Preferably in the field of Ecology, Evolution, Plant Biology, and/or Environmental Biology
• Demonstrated knowledge of laboratory equipment, such as spectrophotometers, balances, microscopes, centrifuges, pH meters, autoclaves, etc.
• Demonstrated experience generating and maintaining an inventory of lab consumables and schedule of routine lab maintenance activities
• Demonstrated experience capturing experiment images and creating eContent for eLabs
• Demonstrated experience maintaining live exotic animal colonies
• Demonstrated experience curating preserved animal specimens
• Ability to lift heavy lab equipment, up to 30 lbs, on a regular basis
• Ability to work outdoors (e.g. student field trips, field collections)
• Ability to operate the department vehicle to collect materials for teaching labs. Valid G class driver's license is required
• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills with the ability to proactively recognize issues
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational and time‑management skills, and tact and diplomacy in dealing with others
• Willingness to work…