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Lab Trainee Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

University of Toronto

Senior Research Associate

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$18K - CA$32K/yr

The lab investigates interactions among nanomaterials, bacteria, biofilms, and plant-root systems ... Experience supervising or mentoring research trainees. * Strong organizational, interpersonal, and ...

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$7

$19

$41

How much do lab trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab trainee in Ontario is $19.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lab trainee?

Lab Trainees are individuals who are undergoing training in a laboratory setting to gain practical experience and develop essential skills in scientific research or testing. Their responsibilities often include assisting with experiments, preparing samples, maintaining equipment, and learning laboratory safety protocols. Lab Trainees work under the supervision of experienced scientists or technicians and may be students, recent graduates, or new employees. This position provides foundational experience necessary for a career in science or laboratory technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lab trainee?

To thrive as a Lab Trainee, you need a solid background in biological or chemical sciences, attention to detail, and often at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, basic data analysis software, and adherence to safety protocols are typically required. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and eagerness to learn help Lab Trainees excel and contribute positively to team dynamics. These skills ensure experiments are conducted accurately, safely, and efficiently, supporting reliable research outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by lab trainees during their initial months, and how can they be addressed?

Lab Trainees often encounter challenges such as adapting to strict safety protocols, learning to use specialized equipment, and managing time efficiently amidst multiple tasks. It's normal to feel overwhelmed at first, but proactively seeking guidance from experienced team members and regularly reviewing standard operating procedures can ease the transition. Open communication with supervisors and participating in hands-on training sessions also help build confidence and competence in the lab environment.

What is the difference between Lab Trainee vs Lab Technician?

AspectLab TraineeLab Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant education; no formal certification requiredUsually holds a diploma or certification in laboratory technology or related field
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, supervised, learning-focusedOperational laboratory environment, performing routine tests and procedures
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, research labs, hospitals during trainingHospitals, diagnostic labs, research facilities

In summary, a Lab Trainee is primarily in a learning phase, gaining hands-on experience under supervision, while a Lab Technician is a trained professional responsible for conducting laboratory tests independently.

How can I start working in a lab?

To start working as a lab trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require basic knowledge of laboratory techniques or science subjects. Gaining relevant skills through coursework, certifications, or internships can improve your chances, and applying to entry-level positions or volunteering in labs can provide practical experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Ontario?

The most popular types of Lab jobs in Ontario are:

What job categories do people searching Lab Trainee jobs in Ontario look for?

The top searched job categories for Lab Trainee jobs in Ontario are:

What cities in Ontario are hiring for Lab Trainee jobs?

Cities in Ontario with the most Lab Trainee job openings:

Lab Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Trainee job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,305 per year, or $19.9 per hour.

Senior Research Associate

University of Toronto

Toronto, ON • On-site

CA$18K - CA$32K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Date Posted: 08/04/2026
Req ID: 49709
Faculty/Division: UofT Scarborough
Department: UTSC:Dept-Physical & Environmental Sci
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

Your Opportunity:
The Nano(materials)-Bio Interactions Lab, in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto Scarborough, invites applications for a Senior Research Associate.

The lab investigates interactions among nanomaterials, bacteria, biofilms, and plant-root systems using interdisciplinary approaches in chemistry, nanotechnology, microbiology, materials characterization, imaging, and microfluidics. Current research includes nanoplastic-microbe and nanoplastic-root interactions, antimicrobial nanomaterials, bacterial attachment to plant roots, and bacterial responses to material properties. The successful candidate will contribute to research across the lab, with primary responsibility for a multidisciplinary project examining how environmentally relevant agricultural nanoplastics affect beneficial bacteria, plant-microbe interactions, rhizosphere function, and crop resilience.

This is a 30% FTE part-time continuing appointment, with an anticipated start date of August 15, 2026.

This search aligns with the University's commitment to strategically and proactively promotediversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity& Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experiencedinequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome andencourage candidates from those communities to apply.

 

Job Duties:

 

The successful candidate will:

  • Help design, conduct, analyze, interpret, and communicate research, with an emphasis on the nanoplastics project.
  • Coordinate experiments involving nanoplastics, bacteria, biofilms, plant roots, root exudates, and plant-microbe systems.
  • Develop and optimize experimental protocols and ensure appropriate controls, data quality, reproducibility, and accurate record keeping.
  • Contribute to manuscripts, presentations, technical reports, grant applications, and reports to research partners and funding agencies.
  • Support project planning, data management, collaborative activities, and completion of project milestones.
  • Train and supervise graduate students, undergraduate researchers, research assistants, and other trainees.
  • Assist with laboratory operations, safety, protocol documentation, and instrument training.
  • Collaborate with academic, government, and industry research partners.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must have:

  • A PhD in Chemistry or a related discipline.
  • At least four years of postdoctoral research experience.
  • Demonstrated research excellence in a relevant area, such as nanomaterials, nanoplastics, environmental nanoscience, microbiology, biofilms, plant-microbe interactions, or biomaterials.
  • A strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Experience designing and conducting research independently, troubleshooting experiments, and interpreting multidisciplinary data.
  • Experience preparing manuscripts, presentations, reports, or research proposals.
  • Experience supervising or mentoring research trainees.
  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written and oral communication skills.
  • The ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a collaborative environment.
  • A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and a respectful and collegial workplace.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in one or more of the following areas is an asset:

  • Nanoparticle or polymer characterization, including dynamic light scattering, zeta-potential analysis, electron microscopy, spectroscopy, or surface analysis.
  • Bacterial culture, biofilm assays, plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria, plant-root systems, or rhizosphere microbiology.
  • Atomic force microscopy, confocal or time-lapse microscopy, force spectroscopy, or microfluidics.
  • Coordination of multidisciplinary research projects or preparation of collaborative grant applications and reports.

 

Travel: Travelling will be required to present their research at academic conferences.

Notes: This is a continuing part-time position with 30% FTE and annual hiring salary range of $18,785 to $32,812

Application:

 

Applicants should submit:

  1. A cover letter describing their relevant experience and suitability for the position.
  2. A current curriculum vitae.
  3. Three representative peer-reviewed publications, with a brief description of the applicant's contribution to each.
  4. The names and contact information of two or three references.

Any questions regarding the position may be directed to ruby.sullan@utoronto.ca.

Closing Date: 08/12/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate
Personnel Subarea:Research Assoc
Appointment Type: Grant - Continuing
Schedule: Part-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R02 -- Sr. Research Associates $62,617 - $109,373 - $127,112 (open)
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching

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