Job Description

The Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory at is a leader in the development of novel methods to inform clinical investigations of morbidity and mortality, and the delivery of forensic and other laboratory services to mitigate the impact of the unregulated drug market on overdose mortality. The (CDPE) strives to improve community health and safety by conducting research and outreach on best practices in drug policy. Located within the , the CDPE guides effective and evidence-based policy responses to substance use by working collaboratively with government, practitioners, civil society, and affected communities.

The Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory and the CDPE are jointly recruiting a highly motivated and skilled individual as Research Technician II (Electrochemical/Biomedical Engineer). The position is a full-time, 1-year temporary contract at St. Michael\xe2\x80\x99s Hospital with the possibility of extension. The successful candidate will work on developing methods for DoseCheck, a novel drug checking and overdose prevention technology developed through a partnership between the CDPE, the St. Michael\xe2\x80\x99s Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, and the University of California San Diego. DoseCheck employs voltammetry for non-targeted detection of drugs of unknown composition alongside differentiation using a machine learning approach. In close collaboration with colleagues, the Research Technician II will work to develop methods to detect benzodiazepines using the DoseCheck system, as well as undertake the development of methods to quantify fentanyl in unknown samples.

The primary focus of the work will be to undertake experimentation at the St. Michael\xe2\x80\x99s Hospital Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory using the DoseCheck system, with confirmatory testing by mass spectrometry. This will be done using laboratory standards as well as unregulated drug samples procured via multiple sources (e.g., Toronto\xe2\x80\x99s Drug Checking Service, Health Canada\xe2\x80\x99s Drug Analysis Service). The ultimate goal of this work is to refine the capacity of the DoseCheck system to detect a broader range of psychoactive compounds in samples of unknown composition and to quantify fentanyl. The Research Technician II will also participate in peer-reviewed publishing of findings and may contribute to other aspects of the development of the DoseCheck system.

This is an on-site position based in Toronto at the St. Michael\xe2\x80\x99s Hospital Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory, with the potential for additional work at the CDPE office space in the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute. There is also a high possibility of travel to collaborate with project partners in Vancouver and San Diego. We offer a dynamic and collaborative work environment, flexible working hours, and professional growth and development opportunities.

Education

• A Level of education, training, and experience equivalent to an MSc or higher in electrochemical engineering, biomedical engineering, or a related degree, or demonstrable equivalent combination of specialized education and experience
• A minimum of 1 year of recent, related and applied experience in electrochemical engineering, assay development, drug checking, or other forms of electrochemical detection

Responsibilities

• Use laboratory standards to generate calibration curves for a range of psychoactive substances using the DoseCheck system
• Undertake confirmatory testing of electrochemical detection of unknown and synthetically-derived mixed psychoactive samples using mass spectrometry
• Develop and apply methods for detection of benzodiazepines using the DoseCheck system
• Develop and apply methods for fentanyl quantification using the DoseCheck system
• Collaborate with other researchers and contribute to the preparation and/or leading of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Contribute data for the refinement of a machine-learning algorithm for the differentiation of psychoactive compounds
• Lead additional study design, experimentation, and analysis
• Mentor junior researchers

Qualifications and skills:

• A MSc in electrochemical/biomedical engineering or a related field, or demonstrable equivalent combination of specialized education and experience
• Experience working in laboratory environments with laboratory standards, electrochemical detection technology, or a related focus
• Experience with laboratory-based assay development
• Experience writing/revising Methods and Results sections, and preparing tables and figures as required
• Hands-on skills with experimental designs
• Demonstrated ability working with large data files
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work in a team environment
• Strong sense of ethics with regard to work done, and work proposed
• A firm understanding of harm reduction and the overdose epidemic is an asset

Application Instructions

• All candidates should submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae

Don\xe2\x80\x99t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that people in underrepresented communities are less likely to apply for jobs when they don\xe2\x80\x99t meet every single qualification. We are dedicated to building an inclusive workplace, so if you\xe2\x80\x99re excited about this role but your past experience doesn\xe2\x80\x99t align perfectly, we still welcome you to apply.

We wish to acknowledge the sacred land on which CDPE and Unity Health Toronto operate. It has been a site of human activity for 15,000 years. This land is the territory of the Huron-Wendat and Petun First Nations, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. The territory was the subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and Confederacy of the Ojibwe and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. Today, the meeting place of Toronto is still the home of many Indigenous people from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work in the community, on this territory. We are also mindful of broken covenants and the need to strive to make right with all our relations.

As a condition of employment, all external hires will be required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or documentation unless a valid accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code exists. Please note, if you are extended an offer of employment, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination in Ontario QR Code format. All internal candidates must be in compliance with Unity Health Toronto\xe2\x80\x99s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.

Unity Health Toronto