INTERNAL APPLICATION ONLYAbout OICROICR 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.Position DetailsPosition: Research Associate ILocation: MaRS Centre, TorontoDepartment: GenomicsReports To: Associate Director, Translational Genomics LaboratorySalary: Commensurate with level of experience; total compensation includes a competitive benefits plan, plus a defined benefit pension plan (HOOPP)Hours: 35 hours/weekJob Type: On-siteStatus: Full-time, PermanentPosition SummaryThe Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is seeking a Research Associate I to join the Genomics program. Reporting to the Associate Director, Translational Genomics Laboratory (TGL), the successful applicant will contribute various on-going technology development projects as well as TGL production activities. Working with other members of the technology development group, the successful candidate is expected to evaluate new Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows and productionize technologies as needed. As an integral member of TGL, a high-throughput sequencing production facility, the successful candidate is also expected to work closely with lab team members, TGL management as well as other stakeholders to ensure samples (both clinical and research) are sequenced and data delivered, in a timely manner at OICR Genomics program’s accredited laboratory standard.Position ResponsibilitiesSurveying Emerging Next-Generation Sequencing Library Prep Solutions:
Be up to date in terms of knowledge of existing and emerging NGS library prep technologies.
Attend technology seminar/workshop as needed
Provide periodic updates or presentations to management and team
Provide recommendations for testing or onboarding of novel technologies to management and team
Evaluation of Emerging Next-Generation Sequencing Library Prep Solutions:
Working with management team,
Engage with technology vendors to set up evaluation and testing.
Take the lead role in setting up the tested technology as one of the Genomics program’s standardized offerings including:
Writing standard operation procedure (SOP)
Setting up assay requirement and quality control metrics
Setting up assay deliverables
Involvement in TGL Production Activities:
Contribute to TGL production activities for existing and newly developed assays
Facilitate the transition on newly developed assays from technology development to full production scale, including project management and coordination
Qualifications:
Completion of a Master's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Genetics or other Life Sciences disciplines, or recognized equivalent required.
Minimum three (3) to four (4) years of practical and related experience.
At least three (3) years of experience with standard molecular biology laboratory techniques such as:
Knowledge and hands-on experience with a broad range of NGS library preparation (Illumina or others) including but not limited to Whole Genome, Whole Transcriptome, Targeted Panel and Methylome (necessary).
Experience with other molecular biology techniques such as nucleic acid quantification and qualification as well as PCR reaction set up (necessary).
A willingness to learn new techniques and technologies (necessary).
Knowledge and hands-on experience with Next Generation Sequencing instrument operation (Illumina or others).
At least one (1) year of experience in an accredited laboratory operation (CAP, ISO15189 or CLIA) highly desired.
Excellent organizational and time management skills (necessary).
Ability to work independently and accurately under deadlines (necessary).
Meticulous and detail-oriented (necessary).
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills in a team environment (necessary).
Data or statistical analysis experience is considered an asset.
Project leadership and management experience is considered an asset.
For more information about OICR, please visit the website at .To learn more about working at OICR, visit our .POSTED DATE: September 4, 2025CLOSING DATE: September 9, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.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 ( ). Should you require accommodation during any stage in the recruitment process, please complete the form at the bottom of page . Information received related to accommodation will be handled confidentially.Resume Format: If you elect to apply, please click on the “Apply for this Job” button. 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.
