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

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.