Research Technician Ii Responsibilities ROLE SUMMARY: We are looking for a Research Technician II (RTII) to perform a variety of duties to support the Ontario Tumour Bank (OTB), a OICR funded research biobank program, at St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto (UHT) and to support the UHT Brain Tissue Biobank. This individual shall work closely with the Biobank Research Manager to coordinate the day-to-day activities of this cancer biobanking program, with a focus on brain tumour banking. To support this project, the RTII will form a close collaboration with the Principal Investigator (PI) and a multidisciplinary research team to ensure that rigorous research and tissue and data collection standards are maintained. The roles and responsibilities of the biobank personnel are often interchangeable based on PI delegation and appropriate training, education and experience.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelors of Science with at least 1 year of related experience OR demonstrable equivalent combination of specialized education and experience.

MINIMUM SKILLSET Knowledge Skills Demonstrated knowledge of medical and scientific terminology, with a focus on oncology and neurology /neuroscience

Familiarity with clinical sample processing for research/biobanking;

Previous research and/or clinical trials experience an asset; and

Knowledge of clinics, hospitals, department procedures and policies preferred.

Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Course (can be completed in first two weeks of hire);

CiTi Web course on Research Ethics (can be completed in first two weeks of hire);

TCPS 2 certificate (preferred);

Clinical Skills Experienced in obtaining informed patient consent;

Blood processing (preferred)

Phlebotomy skill sets (an asset);

Fixed Tissue Processing And Embedding Skills (preferred) Operating lab equipment (i.e. , centrifuge); and

Experience with tissue cryopreservation.

Management Skills Able to plan, execute and manage research projects;

Able to prioritize workload, with attention to detail;

Demonstrates excellent organizational and time management skills;

Able to work with diverse clinical partners

Leadership and team-building skills;

Teaching skills (instructing Co-op students)

Good analytical and problem solving skills; and

Negotiation skills.

Computer Skills Proficient in MS Windows environment (e.g., Word, Excel, Access);

Familiarity with Biobanking Information Management Software (preferred)

Comfortable in working with databases and performing simple queries; and

Proficient in working on local hospital IT and EMR systems.

Communication Skills Excellent oral and written communication skills;

Communication of empathy, warmth and respect for subjects

Professional Skills Excellent interpersonal skills;

Excellent organizational skills;

Highly motivated and self-directed;

Maintains subject confidentiality; and

Punctual and regular attendance.

Core Responsibilities Follows processes to organize and track biobank activities, including tracking supplies and requisition orders;

In charge of LN2 orders and filling dewars, keeping samples cryopreserved

Interacts and corresponds with PI, Research Manager, hospital staff/departments, local oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, fellow researchers, Pathology Assistant (if applicable) and Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) staff;

Plans and conducts subject recruitment/identification from surgical oncology clinics;

Obtains informed patient consent and provides patient education, which may include answering patient concerns about privacy;

Completes registration information and case report forms (CRFs) within OICR BIMS (clinical data collection) and the Brain Tissue Biobank database;

Responds to BIMS query lists on a regular basis;

Collects, processes, stores and ships patient tissue and blood samples according to SOPs

Member of Tumour Bank Local Management Committee (as required);

Assists in new staff orientation and training (including Co-op students and staff at other collection centres, if necessary);

Participates in annual peer-review data audit activities with colleagues at other collection centres, which may include creating case scenarios;

Performs biobank-related administrative tasks (i.e. , documentation, REB amendments, setting up material transfer agreements, lead through sample request processes with the biobank governance committee, requesting samples from pathology, creating dispense and master logs, gathering clinical data for collaborators);

Attends training and education sessions as requested by manager and PI.

Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.