UHN is Canada’s #1 hospital and the world’s #1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto. 

UHN’s vision is to build A Healthier World and it’s only because of the talented and dedicated people who work here that we are continually bringing that vision closer to reality. 

www.uhn.ca 

Union: Non-Union
Number of vacancies:  1
Replacement or New: Replacement
Site: Toronto General Hospital
Department:  Toronto Lung Transplant Program
Reports to:  Principal Investigator 
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Shifts: Monday to Friday
Status: Permanent Full-Time
Closing Date: July 3 2026

Position Summary:

The Research Technician II will report to Dr. Shaf Keshavjee and join the Toronto Lung Transplant Program at the Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network. This research program focuses on advancing translational lung research, including ex vivo organ perfusion, transplant biology, and innovative therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes. The successful candidate will contribute to a dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment supporting studies involving human tissues, preclinical models, and advanced laboratory techniques aimed at improving lung transplantation and organ preservation strategies.

The Research Technician II will play a key role in supporting experimental workflows and the day‑to‑day operation of the lab. Responsibilities include assisting with ex vivo lung perfusion experiments, preparing biological samples, performing molecular and cellular assays, and maintaining accurate experimental records. The role also involves supporting surgical and sterile procedures, managing lab inventory and equipment, and ensuring compliance with biosafety and animal care protocols. Depending on experience, the candidate will perform tasks of increasing complexity, contribute to protocol development, and support a collaborative team environment within a leading translational research program.

Duties:

• Prepare reagents and solutions and perform routine biochemical assays as directed
• Prepare precision cut lung slices and histology samples
• Assist with setup and operation of ex vivo perfusion systems for isolated lung studies
• Support sterile surgical setups, organ recovery and ex vivo organ monitoring
• Collect and analyze tissue, blood, and perfusate samples for downstream analysis, including in vitro experimentation
• Ensure compliance with ACC/IACUC protocols and maintain detailed health and procedural records
• Experience in: flow cytometry, cell/tissue culture and cell immunology, multiplexed cytokine analysis, quantitative PCR, magnetic cell separation and ELISA
• Maintain lab cleanliness, inventory, and proper function of lab equipment (e.g., anesthesia machines, perfusion pumps, centrifuges)
• Assist with sample labeling, storage, and cataloguing (e.g., frozen tissues, paraffin blocks)
• Ensure availability and safe handling of gases (e.g., oxygen, isoflurane), and coordinate with care teams as needed
• Record experimental observations, surgical notes, and sample metadata with accuracy and consistency
• Contribute to lab documentation including protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and biosafety logs
• Position requires physical stamina and the ability to stand for extended periods in operating rooms, testing facilities and wet labs
• All necessary biosafety training will be provided by UHN and the Comparative Research Platform

• BSc or college diploma in Physiology, Biomedical Science, Veterinary Technology, Physiology, or a related discipline
• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in an academic research setting
• Experience in handling pre-clinical models, including perioperative care is encouraged.
• Familiarity with basic laboratory procedures, including sample collection, centrifugation, biospecimen storage, and reagent preparation is required
• Prior experience in ex vivo organ perfusion or surgical support is an asset
• Strong manual dexterity and attention to detail in sample collection
• Knowledge of aseptic technique and experimental care protocols
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, follow detailed protocols, and communicate effectively with a multidisciplinary team
• Organizational skills for coordinating supplies, maintaining records, and ensuring readiness for experimental procedures
• Problem-solving skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent computer skills in MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly. At University Health Network (UHN), artificial intelligence technologies may be used to assist in the screening, assessment, and selection of candidates for this position.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.