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Job Title: Research Associate II (contract)   Date Posted: 04/23/26 Ref. Number: 823 Type: Full Time Part Time Location: North York Requirements: EDUCATION / EXPERINCE: • MSc or PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Immunology, Biotechnology, or a related life sciences discipline • Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on laboratory experience in an academic, clinical, or industry R&D setting • Demonstrated experience working with human-derived tissues and cells in a BSL-2 environment • Experience with primary cell isolation and culture (e.g., MSCs, PBMCs, immune or progenitor cells) • Proficiency in aseptic technique and sterile workflows • Experience with data analysis using R and/or Python is an asset • Familiarity with quality systems, SOPs, and regulatory documentation preferred Description: Position Title Research Associate II Reports To Laboratory Director Department Research & Development Department POSITION OVERVIEW: The Research Associate II is responsible for executing hands-on laboratory activities supporting human tissue processing, stem and immune cell research, and translational R&D initiatives. This role involves isolation, culture, expansion, characterization, cryopreservation, and analysis of human-derived cells and extracellular vesicles (EVs), as well as contribution to clinical research operations, data analysis, and quality documentation. The position requires strong experience working in a BSL-2 laboratory environment, strict adherence to aseptic technique, and a high level of documentation discipline to support research integrity, regulatory compliance, and continuous process improvement. JOB SPECIFIC DUTIES • Perform isolation, differentiation, culture, expansion, cryopreservation, thawing, and characterization of human-derived cell populations, including: o Placental and umbilical cord tissue–derived MSCs o Cord blood–derived PBMCs (Ficoll density gradient) o CD34⁺ hematopoietic progenitor cells o NK, T, and B lymphocyte populations • Conduct placenta-derived extracellular vesicle (EV/exosome) isolation, processing, and analysis. • Execute primary tissue processing workflows, including sample receipt, chain of custody, tissue dissociation, cell separation, washing, counting, and viability assessment. • Maintain and optimize cell culture and differentiation protocols to improve yield, viability, and reproducibility. • Conduct cell characterization and quality assays, including flow cytometry, immunostaining, microscopy, qPCR, and viability or potency assays. • Support R&D planning and execution, including experimental design, data collection, and process optimization initiatives. • Set up, manage, and maintain clinical trials and study databases using REDCap, including survey creation, database maintenance, and data quality control. • Create, update, and maintain Research Ethics Board (REB) documentation, including study protocols, amendments, training forms, and regulatory records. • Design and manage clinical and research databases using Microsoft Access and SQL. • Analyze large-scale clinical metabolomics, microbiome, and genetic datasets using R and Python, applying statistical and machine-learning methods as appropriate. • Prepare and maintain laboratory documentation, including SOPs, batch records, R&D data records, and Certificates of Analysis (CoA). • Participate in BSL-2 laboratory operations, including biosafety compliance, equipment maintenance, waste handling, and incident reporting. • Troubleshoot laboratory and processing issues using structured problem-solving approaches. Support training and mentoring of junior staff and contribute to a strong culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement This Employer must not include salary information based on the current regulation, ti will be negotiated with successful candidates. Hours per week: 25-40 Rate of Pay: TBA