Research Assistant

Job category: Innovation, research and science
Job posting ID: 6995

​Employment status: Temporary full-time
Position's anticipated start date: 2025-04-07 
Position's anticipated end date: 2026-04-29 

Classification: PTS/MGT/IT B
Salary/Rate of pay: $62,607 - $71,260

Application deadline: 2025-03-17 
Application requirements:

• Your up-to-date resume.
• We recommend you save a copy of the job posting for reference throughout the recruitment process.

Do you currently work for Canadian Blood Services? All employees must apply via the internal career page.

 Together, we can make all the difference in the lives of others.

Be part of a dynamic, collaborative and caring organization committed to saving and improving lives. Thousands of patients depend on us every day for reliable access to safe blood, plasma, stem cells and organs and tissues. 

If you are looking for a rewarding experience with a values and mission-driven team, join Canada’s Lifeline and make a meaningful difference.

We acknowledge that the work of Canadian Blood Services spans many Territories and Treaty areas across the country, and we are grateful for the Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who have guided us in this important work. We recognize the land and waters that have inspired our work and offer gratitude to those Indigenous peoples on whose territory we work, live and play.

About the role
Canadian Blood Services is looking for a Temporary full-time Research Assistant to join our dynamic Innovation & Portfolio Management team at our head office on 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, Ontario.

The Innovation and Portfolio Management team is responsible for supporting Canadian Blood Services through surveillance, research, development, knowledge mobilization and fresh blood portfolio management.  

In this role you will work under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator (PI) on sponsored research projects performing standard and complex laboratory procedures.

Formula for success

• Drawing on your knowledge and experience, you will plan, conduct, troubleshoot and analyze experiments. 
• You will be required to utilize a variety of laboratory equipment, techniques and procedures.
• Leveraging your continuous growth mindset, you will participate in the development and validation of new, improved or existing laboratory technologies. 
• Focusing on your excellent attention to detail, you will be required to read pertinent literature, especially for methodology.
• Using your strong communication and presentation skills, you may be required to present your work at meetings. 
• You will prepare specialized and common reagents. 
• Utilizing your attention to detail and strong organizational skills, you will keep detailed and accessible records of all experimental conditions procedures and results, and provide basic analysis of the experimental data.
• You will perform daily to weekly work planning.    
• You will be required to provide administrative assistance; order laboratory supplies and keep records, keep laboratory equipment in good working order, proof read documents, write technical sections of documents, provide technical training.
• Using your excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills, you will participate in laboratory meetings and discussions.
• You may be required to maintain a chemical and supply inventory, including updating MSDS.
• Focusing on your ability to lead and work collaboratively across diverse teams, you will provide technical and safety instruction including the appropriate use of equipment and reagents in accordance with good research practices and current workplace safety standards, demonstrate and/or explain experimental methods and instruct equipment operation to trainees and staff, supervise laboratory performance of Research Helpers, and provide laboratory supervision of undergraduate trainees.    
• You may required to participate in Safety Committees.

Desired education and skills

• Completion of a Master's degree in a related field from a recognized academic institution; preferably a Master's in Cellular and Molecular Medicine,  Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology.
• 3-5 years of related lab experience.
• Immunology and Neuroscience background are desirable.
• Experience with working with animals will be considered an asset.
• Previous peer reviewed publications in hematology and/or neuroscience will be considered an asset. 
• Experience with advanced multi-color flow cytometry will be considered an asset.
• You must be willing to work flexible hours as necessary.
• Good English communication, personal organization and computer skills required.
• You will exhibit individual initiative and be able to work independently.
• You will be technically proficient and accurate.
• Effectively communicate in both written reports and presentations. 
• Initiate and ensure compliance with applicable safety procedures. 
• Possess attention to detail. 

What we offer you

• Percentage in lieu of vacation and benefits. 
• Annual performance award up to 5%. 
• Defined benefit pension plan. 
• Employee discounts, wellness program, professional resources. 

What you can expect 

• This is a fully onsite role, requiring you to work Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week, at 7.5 hours per day.

Diversity and inclusion play a vital role in ensuring health equity for patients across Canada. We are committed to reflecting Canada’s population in our organization and fostering an environment where all employees can be their authentic selves, with equal opportunities to succeed and contribute.  

If this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply by providing your up-to-date resume. This could be your first step towards a meaningful and inspiring career. Come to work each day knowing that you save lives. 

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those considered for an interview or those invited to participate in an assessment will be contacted. Emails are sent directly from our system, to ensure you receive them please add donotreply@blood.ca and system@successfactors.com to your safe senders list. 

Applicants who require accommodation should discuss their needs with us.

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