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Biotechnology Lab Assistant Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

Biotechnology Lab Assistant information

What are some common challenges faced by biotechnology lab assistants, and how can they be effectively managed?

Biotechnology Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, accurately managing samples and data, and adapting to rapidly changing experimental procedures. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are crucial for balancing multiple tasks and minimizing errors. Regular communication with supervisors and team members helps clarify expectations and ensures smooth workflow, while ongoing training can help assistants stay updated with new laboratory technologies and best practices.

What is a biotechnology lab assistant?

Biotechnology Lab Assistants are professionals who support scientists and researchers by performing routine laboratory tasks in biotechnology settings. Their responsibilities often include preparing samples, sterilizing equipment, conducting basic experiments, and recording data. They ensure that the lab runs smoothly and complies with safety and quality standards. Biotechnology Lab Assistants play a crucial role in research and development processes in industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental science.

What is the difference between Biotechnology Lab Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectBiotechnology Lab AssistantLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree, relevant certificationsAssociate's or bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentBiotech labs, research facilities, pharmaceutical companiesHospitals, research labs, industrial labs
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in biotech, pharmaceutical, and research industriesHealthcare, research, manufacturing sectors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles support laboratory operations, Biotechnology Lab Assistants typically focus on supporting research and experiments in biotech settings, often with less formal education. Laboratory Technicians usually have more advanced degrees and handle more complex testing and analysis across various industries. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right career path based on their credentials and interests.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a biotechnology lab assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Biotechnology Lab Assistant, you need a solid understanding of biology and chemistry, laboratory techniques, and typically an associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, safety protocols, and data analysis software like Microsoft Excel or LIMS is expected. Attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication help you excel in team environments and ensure accuracy. These skills are vital for maintaining reliable experimental results and supporting the efficient operation of research projects.
What are popular job titles related to Biotechnology Lab Assistant jobs in Toronto, ON? For Biotechnology Lab Assistant jobs in Toronto, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Biotechnology Lab Assistant jobs in Toronto, ON look for? The top searched job categories for Biotechnology Lab Assistant jobs in Toronto, ON are:
Infographic showing various Biotechnology Lab Assistant job openings in Toronto, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Laboratory Operations Technician (6-Month Contract)

VitalBio

Oakville, ON

Full-time, Contractor

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

About you:

We are seeking a highly organized, hands-on Laboratory Operations Technician to be the operational backbone of our lab. Reporting to the Lab Manager, you will own the systems that keep our scientists moving — inventory, receiving, cold storage, and lab safety — so the science teams can focus on the science. This is a role for someone who builds order out of chaos, takes ownership without being asked, and enjoys being the person every team can rely on, in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.

What You’ll Do:
  • Inventory & reagent management: Maintain an inventory of consumables and reagents across teams — counts, lot numbers, expiry, and aliquots; run cycle counts; monitor levels and initiate replenishment.

  • Ordering & procurement support: Initiate and manage orders, track supplies, and simplify the purchasing process for the science teams.

  • Cold chain & storage: Organize and maintain fridge and freezer storage systems; monitor units, manage defrosting, install sensors, set excursion limits, and keep backup-unit readiness.

  • Scientist support: Help scientists locate, receive, and retrieve consumables, reagents, and samples — including logging incoming items with their storage location and date so nothing is lost or misplaced; prepare common buffers from approved SOPs; provide an extra set of hands at aliquoting; fill deionized water; wash and restock consumables.

  • Equipment & cross-functional support: Coordinate pipette and equipment calibration and repair; assist with basic maintenance (sensor installs, freezer defrosting); maintain equipment records in the CMMS; and support the engineering shop and equipment as part of a cross-trained operations team.

  • Waste management: Coordinate biohazard and regulated-waste removal with external vendors (e.g., GFL, Stericycle); move waste to collection points; and keep the program running safely and on schedule.

  • Facility & lab organization: Maintain the organization, cleanliness, and readiness of lab spaces, storage areas, and shared equipment — keeping benches, cabinets, and fume hoods clear, safe, and stocked.

  • Health, safety & compliance: Follow all laboratory and EHS procedures; ensure proper storage, segregation, and labeling of chemicals and hazardous materials; maintain signage, spill kits, and eyewash readiness; and support the delivery of trainings.

What You’ll Need:
  • Diploma or degree in Laboratory Technology, Science (Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry), Biotechnology, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.

  • 0–2 years of experience in a laboratory, life-sciences, biotech, manufacturing, or technical support environment preferred.

  • Experience with inventory management, stock control, or material handling is considered an asset.

  • Experience supporting R&D or scientific teams is preferred.

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize requests from several teams at once.

  • Proficiency with MS Excel and inventory tracking systems; experience with procurement systems (e.g., Precoro) is an asset.

  • Familiarity with laboratory equipment, reagents, and safe chemical handling; ability to follow SOPs and work instructions.

  • Basic mechanical aptitude and comfort with hand tools and equipment.

  • Ability to lift and move materials up to 40 lbs (18 kg) and to work across laboratory, cold-storage, and workshop environments.

  • A service mindset, strong communication, and the ability to work independently with strong follow-through.

  • Understand and adhere to company guidelines on code of conduct and lab safety practices to ensure an organized and compliant laboratory environment.

Why Join Us?At Vital Bio, you will:
  • Be the backbone that keeps our labs running — directly enabling the scientists and engineers building our diagnostic platform.

  • Own and build the systems and standards a fast-growing company depends on, with real ownership and room to grow from technician toward a coordinator-level role.

The salary range for this position is [to be confirmed with HR] annually. Compensation will be determined based on the individual’s demonstrated experience, education, training, relevant certifications or licensure, and other applicable business and organizational factors.

This is a 6-month contract role, onsite at our Oakville, Ontario headquarters.

About Vital Bio

Vital is revolutionizing point-of-care diagnostics with our VitalOne platform, delivering real-time care wherever patients are. Our mission is to democratize health technology, making healthcare more accessible and proactive.

Our global team of experts spans chemistry, software, engineering, and microfluidics. We thrive on change, operate on trust, and value diverse perspectives. Our growth-minded culture empowers front-line decision-making and fosters impactful work.

We seek tenacious, bold individuals ready to transform healthcare. At Vital, your talent will make a difference as we work to ensure everyone has access to care when and where they need it.

Vital Biosciences Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are therefore happy to accommodate any individual needs in keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodation in order to participate in our hiring process, please contact us to make your needs known in advance.

As part of our recruitment process, we may use automated or AI-supported tools to assist with application review and screening. These tools are used to support, not replace, human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are always made by our hiring team.