Research Technician

Position Overview

The Department of Immunology is an innovative and dynamic basic science department dedicated to excellence in research and teaching. We operate as an integrated, collaborative community with approximately 85 investigators in 10 research sites in Toronto, which includes our hospital‑based university‑affiliated research institutes. Together we strive to advance biomedical discoveries in Immunology, increase our understanding of fundamental Immunological principles and develop new applications for immune‑based therapies.

As Research Technician, you will support cutting‑edge research by preparing and analyzing routine and complex biological samples using a broad range of experimental techniques in virology, microbiology, genetics, and immunology. The position involves conducting and validating experiments, managing mouse colonies and other model organisms, and serving as a technical resource by demonstrating laboratory procedures and orienting students and staff to protocols and safety practices.

Responsibilities also include supporting lab operations such as inventory management, equipment maintenance, biosafety compliance, and troubleshooting routine technical issues. This role requires the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, applying sound judgement, strong organizational skills, and meticulous record‑keeping to ensure high‑quality research outcomes.

The successful applicant will work in the Buechler Lab (). This is a dynamic and fast‑paced environment focused on fibroblast interactions with the immune system. Clarity on why applicants are interested and would succeed here is important.

• Collecting experimental data, verifying results, and passing on findings while serving as a technical resource on lab protocols, experimental procedures, and equipment.
• Applying established standards when preparing routine samples and providing animal care for research projects and/or experiments.
• Providing detailed explanations and demonstrating procedures to students and/or employees on lab techniques, experimental procedures, and protocols.
• Preparing, assembling and setting‑up materials, equipment and supplies used in teaching and/or research labs.
• Ensuring the safe handling of specialized lab equipment and materials while troubleshooting routine equipment repairs and issues.
• Maintaining inventory of glass and dishware, workstations, chemicals and apparatus within the lab and following safety guidelines.

• Bachelor’s Degree or an acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum two years’ experience preparing routine samples using a broad range of experimental methods for research projects and/or experiments.
• Demonstrated experience with standard immunological, biochemical, and molecular biology techniques.
• Experience with mouse husbandry and mouse colony management.
• Experience with sterile technique, cell culture, operation of biosafety cabinets, and working with risk group 2 organisms.
• Experience conducting experiments including those related to the purification of biological compounds and a variety of assays (e.g., biomedical, molecular, in vivo, microscopy, immunofluorescence and other anti‑based assays, RT‑qPCR, physiological, high throughput, etc.).
• Experience maintaining laboratory inventories, equipment logs, service records, and supporting purchasing/vendor coordination.
• Familiarity with lab health and safety regulations, including biological waste disposal.
• Ability to orient students and staff to laboratory procedures and safe work practices.
• Ability to maintain accurate laboratory records, organize experimental data, and use electronic notebooks or shared databases effectively.
• Proficiency with computing and data management tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or equivalent systems).
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and initiative in resolving day‑to‑day technical or research problems.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team research setting.
• Excellent manual dexterity required.