Lab Technician

Date Posted: 03/23/2026
Req ID: 47397
Faculty/Division: Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Department: Department of Biochemistry
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00059325
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

About us:

Home to over 40 departments and institutes, the University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine lies at the heart of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network and is a global leader in ground-breaking research and education, spanning clinical medicine, basic science and the rehabilitation sciences sectors.

Your opportunity:

The Department of Biochemistry is a dynamic community of 70 faculty, 150 graduate students and 450 undergraduate students. Our research touches on fundamental questions on basic mechanisms of living systems as well as the discovery of new therapeutics against infection, cancer and neurodegenerative disease. Our departmental mission is to offer undergraduate and graduate education that is second-to-none in the world. We aim to prepare the best minds for careers in academia as well as the private sector.

The Norris Lab investigates how viruses assemble and interact with cellular membranes using advanced biochemical and structural biology techniques. As a Laboratory Technician, you will support these research efforts by performing recombinant protein expression, purification, and a range of biochemical assays in accordance with established protocols. Working under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator, you will also help maintain daily lab operations, equipment, and biosafety standards, contributing to the smooth execution of ongoing projects within a dynamic research environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Support recombinant protein expression in bacterial, insect, and mammalian systems using established protocols
• Perform routine protein purification using affinity and size‑exclusion chromatography (e.g., FPLC)
• Assist with baculovirus generation workflows and maintain related reagents, plasmids, bacmids, and cell line inventories
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and protein samples for biochemical, structural, and electron microscopy analyses
• Maintain insect and mammalian cell cultures under BSL2 conditions using aseptic techniques
• Collect, verify, and record experimental data in shared electronic notebooks or databases
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, coordinate service and ordering of consumables, and support biosafety/chemical safety compliance
• Provide orientation to new lab members and help maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related discipline
• Minimum of one year of hands-on experience in a research setting within a protein biochemistry, virology, or structural biology laboratory environment
• Experience performing established workflows in recombinant protein expression, chromatographic purification (FPLC), molecular cloning and plasmid preparation, baculovirus/insect cell expression, mammalian or insect cell culture under biosafety conditions, and routine biochemical analyses (e.g., SDS‑PAGE, Western blot)
• Experience working in a Biosafety Level 2 laboratory environment and handling biological materials in accordance with established safety procedures
• Experience maintaining laboratory inventories, equipment logs, service records, and supporting purchasing and vendor coordination
• Experience preparing samples for structural analysis, and working with membrane-associated proteins or lipid vesicle systems
• Knowledge of biosafety and chemical safety practices, with willingness to complete required institutional training
• Demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe, clean, and well‑organized laboratory environment
• Proficiency with common computing tools (e.g., Microsoft Office or equivalent systems)
• Ability to orient students or 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
• Strong attention to detail with an ability to follow established protocols, manage routine deadlines, and work collaboratively in a team research setting
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative in resolving day-to-day technical or research problems
• Excellent time management and oral and written communication skills

Assets (Nonessential): 

• Experience working in a viral protein or structural biology research program
• Familiarity with analytical tools such as SEC-MALS or dynamic light scattering

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Approachable
• Communicator
• Efficient
• Organized
• Team player

This is a grant-funded term position ending in 2030, with the possibility of renewal.

Closing Date: 03/31/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type: Grant - Term 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:  
USW Pay Band 06 -- $56,731. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $72,548. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol. 
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial
Recruiter: Callum Ferguson

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.