Laboratory Technician

Date Posted: 01/07/2026

Req ID: 46545

Faculty/Division: UofT Scarborough

Department: UTSC: Dept-Biological Sciences

Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)

Position Number:

Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description

About us: The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm + passion. We welcome learners, scholars and employees from around the globe, and we honour our Indigenous hosts. The Biological Sciences Department pursues detailed knowledge of the natural world, effective management of natural resources, novel technologies and medical techniques. The Sabree lab, established in 2025, investigates the ecological & evolutionary consequences of animal‑microbe interactions and develops germ‑free insect models. The university is committed to promoting diversity; we welcome candidates from Black, Indigenous, and other Racialised communities.

Your Opportunity

The Laboratory Technician will report to Dr. Zakee Sabree, Associate Professor, and provide research and administrative support to the Sabree lab. The role involves maintaining germ‑free and non‑sterile insect colonies, ordering supplies and following lab rules. The Technician will also provide technical assistance & routine experiments (cell & virus culture, molecular biology techniques) to accelerate research.

Your Responsibilities Will Include

• Supporting the rearing of large laboratory populations of germ‑free and non‑sterile cockroach colonies
• Supporting the rearing of large laboratory populations of spiders, crickets, flies, and cockroaches
• Constructing proof‑of‑concept experiments to test different elements of the process
• Applying established standards when determining priorities for lab deadlines based on timetables
• Paying close attention to occupational safety precautions
• Providing orientation to others on lab equipment, working procedures and practices
• Setting up, calibrating, and troubleshooting lab equipment for operation and routine maintenance

Essential Qualifications

• College Certificate in Biological Sciences or equivalent, or acceptable combination of experience
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in preparing routine samples for research projects & assays
• Minimum one (1) year of work experience rearing large laboratory populations of spiders, crickets, flies, and cockroaches
• Service‑oriented, strong attention to detail, excellent organization and independent work ability
• Experience supporting research lab activities (training staff & students, ordering supplies, managing samples, maintaining safety, recording husbandry tasks)
• Experience setting up, calibrating & troubleshooting lab equipment for routine maintenance
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills for meticulous documentation (spreadsheets, word processing)
• Experience using microbiological & molecular approaches to ensure sterile germ‑free animal production
• Experience managing production of germ‑free cockroaches for lab‑wide use, coordinating with collaborators
• Evidence of commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion & a respectful collegial environment

To Be Successful In This Role You Will Be

• Cooperative
• Diligent
• Efficient
• Meticulous
• Organized

Notes

• Term position until April 2027

Closing Date: 01/16/2026, 11:59 PM ET

Appointment Type: Grant – Term

Schedule: Full‑Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: USW Pay Band 04 – $50,314 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $64,345

Lived Experience Statement

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialised, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities and other equity‑deserving groups are encouraged to apply and their lived experience will be considered.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to address and serve the interests of the global community. We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialised persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. Applicants who demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion are highly valued.

As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Information is confidential and used only for institutional planning (see ).

Accessibility Statement

The University is committed to accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). We strive to make recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required. If you require any accommodations at any point, please contact