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: 00059031
Existing Vacancy: Yes
Description:
About us:
The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by our Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential. Join us on our journey.
The department of Biological Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) pursues detailed knowledge of the natural world, effective management of natural resources, novel technologies and medical techniques. The department of Biological Sciences is comprised of faculty who are innovative researchers and engaging teachers that make important contributions to society. The Department fosters research and teaching partnerships, along with Co-op programs to create exciting opportunities for hands-on learning and outstanding scholarship at the vibrant, diverse and expanding campus that is UTSC.
The research-intensive Sabree lab group is housed in the Department of Biological Sciences and was established in 2025. This lab is investigating the ecological and evolutionary consequences of animal-microbe interactions. Additionally, the Sabree lab generates germ-free insect models for basic and applied research.
This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.
Your opportunity:
The Laboratory Technician will report directly to the Principal Investigator, Dr. Zakee Sabree, Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, and will provide research and administrative support to the Sabree lab. They will be the first point of contact for the lab, with a central role to ensure smooth lab operations. The Laboratory Technician will maintain germ-free and nonsterile-reared insect colonies, order and maintain lab supplies, and follow established lab rules, processes and standards when carrying out assigned responsibilities. This position will provide technical assistance to other lab members to accelerate their research by performing routine experiments with cell and virus culture and molecular biology techniques.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Supporting the rearing of large laboratory populations germ-free and nonsterile-reared cockroach colonies
- Supporting the rearing of large laboratory populations of spiders, crickets, flies, and cockroach colonies
- 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 equivalent experience.
- Minimum one (1) year of experience in preparing routine samples for research projects/experiments and preparing equipment for routine laboratory experiments/assays.
- Minimum one (1) year of work experience rearing large laboratory populations of spiders, crickets, flies, and cockroach colonies.
- Must be service-oriented, have strong attention to detail, have excellent organization skills and be able to work independently.
- Experience supporting research lab activities, including training staff and students in animal care and quality control procedures, ordering supplies, sending samples to commercial labs, identifying, and storing samples, maintaining a safe lab environment, maintaining lab records, and scheduling husbandry tasks for lab assistants.
- Experience supporting laboratory operations by setting up, calibrating, and troubleshooting lab equipment for operation and routine maintenance.
- Must have advanced Microsoft Office skills in order to maintain meticulous documentation in spreadsheet and word processor formats for data analyses and reporting.
- Experience using microbiological and molecular approaches to perform quality control procedures that ensure no contamination of germ-free animals.
- Experience using sterile technique to generate animals.
- Experience managing the production of germ-free cockroaches for lab-wide experimental use, which includes coordinating with lab personnel and collaborators.
- Applicants are also expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.
To be successful in this role you will be:
- Cooperative
- Diligent
- Efficient
- Meticulous
- Organized
Notes:
- Please note that this is a term position until April 2027.
Closing Date: 01/16/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
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. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching
Recruiter: William Guevarra
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.
