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Lab Trainee Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

Baycrest

Research Assistant Level 2

Toronto, ON

CA$26.29 - CA$36.15/hr

... Lab Position Number: 9851 Position Type: Temporary Full Time (Up to 12 Months) Shift Type: Day Bi ... Founded in 1989, the RRI's scientists, staff, and trainees have supported Baycrest in becoming ...

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Lab Trainee information

See Toronto, ON salary details

$7

$18

$39

How much do lab trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab trainee in Toronto, ON is $18.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.31 and $21.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get lab experience with no experience?

Lab trainees can gain experience by volunteering or interning in laboratories, taking relevant courses, and learning basic lab skills such as pipetting and data recording. Obtaining certifications like OSHA or safety training can also improve employability and demonstrate commitment to laboratory work.

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.

How to get a lab assistant job without experience?

To secure a lab assistant position without experience, focus on highlighting relevant skills such as attention to detail, basic laboratory techniques, and familiarity with lab equipment. Volunteering, internships, or coursework in science can also strengthen your application and demonstrate your interest in the field.

What is a lab technician trainee?

A lab technician trainee is an individual undergoing supervised training to develop skills in laboratory procedures, equipment use, and safety protocols. This role often serves as an entry point into laboratory careers and may require basic knowledge of science and certification in relevant safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lab Trainee, and why are they important?

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.

Will AI replace lab technician?

AI technology can automate certain tasks performed by lab technicians, such as data analysis and sample processing, but it is unlikely to fully replace the role. Lab technicians also require hands-on skills, critical thinking, and oversight that AI cannot replicate entirely. AI tools are more likely to serve as complementary aids to improve efficiency and accuracy in laboratory work.

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.

What are Lab Trainees?

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 most commonly searched types of Lab jobs in Toronto, ON? The most popular types of Lab jobs in Toronto, ON are:
What cities near Toronto, ON are hiring for Lab Trainee jobs? Cities near Toronto, ON with the most Lab Trainee job openings:
Lab Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lab Trainee job openings in Toronto, ON as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,419 per year, or $19 per hour.

Research Associate (Limited Term)

University of Toronto

Toronto, ON • On-site

CA$53K - CA$100K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Date Posted: 05/13/2026
Req ID:48113
Faculty/Division: Temerty Faculty of Medicine
Department: Department of Molecular Genetics
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

OVERVIEW:

The Department of Molecular Genetics in the Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto invites applications for the position of Research Associate (Limited Term) to design and lead research projects in the area of microbiology, functional genomics, chemical genomics, and antimicrobial drug resistance. Specifically, the program will focus on the construction of comprehensive genomic mutant collections in the fungal pathogens Candida albicans and Candida auris, and the performance of functional genomic screens to identify genes important for fitness, virulence, and drug resistance.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates require a Ph.D. and several years postdoctoral experience with demonstrated academic and research expertise in the field of mycology, genetics, genomics, and molecular biology. The incumbent will design and lead research pertaining to several projects in the lab focused on functional genomics, chemical genomics, fungal pathogenesis, and antimicrobial drug resistance. Extensive experience working with pathogenic fungi, including Candida albicans and Candida auris, is critical as is demonstrated experience with large-scale genetic mutant screens and mutant construction. Candidates must have experience with microbiology and molecular biology, including monitoring transcript levels, epitope tagging, and protein purification. Experience leading interdisciplinary work is critical, as is experience collaborating with structural biologists, pharmacologists, and chemists. Extensive experience mentoring undergraduate and graduate students is also critical. Candidates must have experience preparing manuscripts for submission to peer review publications/journals and assisting with preparing research proposals to be submitted to granting agencies. Candidates must have experience presenting findings at meetings and conferences. Candidates must have experience designing, planning, and executing experiments and research. Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills are required, and candidates must be able to work positively with others and mentor trainees in a large collaborative laboratory. 

KEY DUTIES

  • Designing, planning, and executing research projects.
  • Designing and constructing mutants for functional genomic collections.
  • Performing assays that include but are not limited to: cloning, PCR, qRT-PCR, electrophoretic analysis, protein and enzyme assays, microbial transformations, drug resistance testing, screening mutant libraries, and functional and chemical genomic assays involving genome and barcode sequencing analysis.
  • Reading published papers relevant to the experiments being performed and adapting procedures accordingly.
  • Liaising with collaborators and assisting in the compilation, analysis and reporting of research findings to researchers within and outside of the program.
  • Assisting with preparing manuscripts for submission to peer review publications/journals.
  • Assisting with research proposals to be submitted to granting agencies.

Beyond these responsibilities, the individual may be expected to participate in research supervision of two or more students or other trainees. At all times, the individual is expected to support the overall research and training missions of the lab.

Please note: this is a 2 year term position.

Closing Date: 07/12/2026,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Research Associate 
Personnel Subarea:Research Assoc
Appointment Type: Grant - Term 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: R01 -- Research Associates (Limited Term): $53,520 - $100,350
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching

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