Adela’s mission is to deliver innovative and accessible blood tests that harness biology to transform cancer care and improve well-being. The company is developing best-in-class technology to accelerate the diagnosis and improve the management of cancer through blood tests for minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring and multi-cancer early detection (MCED). Adela’s blood-based, tissue-free product ensures universal accessibility to MRD testing for patients with cancer, eliminating any dependency on tumor tissue availability. Adela’s first product was recently clinically validated for predicting and surveilling for recurrence in patients with head & neck cancer and published in Annals of Oncology.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Research Laboratory Technologist II at our Toronto facility. The Research Laboratory Technologist II is responsible for executing molecular biology assays and experiments supporting the clinical workflow in our Toronto laboratory. This individual must be highly skilled in performing laboratory procedures in a fast-paced environment. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing, dynamic, and collaborative biotech company leveraging cutting-edge liquid biopsy technology to improve human health and well-being.This is a temp (max 12 months contract) position designed to cover maternity leave.

Hourly Range : $29 to $35 per hour

Location: 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON

Position Responsibilities and Essential Duties

• Apply general technical knowledge and skills to perform routine, standardized laboratory research techniques and procedures.
• Independently perform nucleic acid extraction from a variety of samples including human specimens, nucleic acid quantification, PCR amplification, and library preparation for next-generation sequencing of clinical specimens following established SOPs. Opportunity to learn and execute Illumina platform sequencing basics.
• Assist with authoring SOPs, non-conformities, and similar documents.
• Recognize assay failure, troubleshoot, take appropriate corrective action, and maintain documentation of laboratory equipment. Assist with preventative equipment maintenance, calibration, and temperature/humidity logs to ensure compliance.
• Identify any problem that may adversely affect assay performance and outcome, correct the problem, and immediately notify the laboratory management of the problem and the solution implemented.
• Maintain documentation and records in an accurate, timely and thorough manner
• Collect, analyze, prepare, and present summaries of data. Discuss experimental and assay results, including identification of potential issues and improvements, with the supervisor.
• Complete time-dependent project milestones.
• Participate in stability studies, validation protocols, process improvement, and reagent verification activities.
• Ensure sufficient supply of reagents, consumables, and other materials essential for executing experiments and assays.
• Ensure laboratory areas are clean and well-organized, participating in all duties related to general lab upkeep.
• Strictly adhere to safety protocols, wearing of PPE, and laboratory best practices.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Skills

• Experienced and trained to work in a BSL2 laboratory environment.
• Must be experienced in the isolation and quantification of nucleic acids from a variety of biological samples, as well as performing PCR amplification.
• Strong molecular skills. Great manual dexterity.
• Able to follow instructions, both written and verbal.
• Critical thinking skills – able to identify protocol issues pre-emptively, as well as recognize problems and troubleshoot while executing experiments.
• Strong attention to detail and high accuracy while performing any given task.
• Highly flexible and adaptable to change.
• Excellent prioritization and time-management skills with great ability to multitask.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a member of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communicator, both written and verbal.
• Able to interpret data from analytical equipment.
• Proficiency with computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Document Control Systems, and LIS/LIMS.

Working Environment/Physical Demands

• Safe handling of hazardous materials, blood specimens and instruments with moving parts, heating or freezing elements, and operation of high-speed centrifuges
• Able to handle repetitive manual pipetting
• Standing or sitting for long periods may be necessary
• Some lifting (up to 50 pounds) may be necessary

Education and Experience

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related scientific field with 3-5 years related experience or 2-3 years related experience with Master’s Degree
• 3+ years relevant laboratory experience
• Next-generation library preparation and sequencing experience strongly preferred

* The actual rate within the range posted will be determined based on the successful candidate’s skills, qualifications, and experience.

Adela is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We embrace and celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives of all individuals, and we provide equal employment opportunities to candidates without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, medical condition , genetic information, marital status, or disability.

At Adela, everyone belongs.