Science Lab Technician

Now hiring: Science Lab Technician

Employment Terms: Full-Time Permanent

Start date: April 2026

We are currently seeking a Science Lab Technician who will work closely with the Faculty Chair of Science and collaborate with a diverse team of Science Department faculty to support the academic and practical learning goals of the department. This position blends technical expertise a passion for teaching and operational management to ensure the seamless operation of biology chemistry and physics laboratories.

The primary responsibility of the Science Laboratory Technician will be to provide hands-on scientific learning experiences for over 700 students in Years 812 participating in courses such as general science chemistry biology physics and more.

In addition to student-focused responsibilities the Science Laboratory Technician will serve as a key technical resource for laboratory protocols experimental procedures equipment operation and best safety practices while providing hands-on training to members of the Science Department in these areas.

Academics and Laboratory Facilitation:

• Prepare set up run and disassemble laboratory experiments for chemistry biology and physics classes as requested by Science Department faculty. Duties include preparing chemical solutions and reagents handling and preparing biological materials and equipping student workstations with the necessary supplies and equipment;

• Deliver engaging pre-lab presentations on experimental background aligned with the course curriculum IB syllabus and assessment guidelines;

• Support teachers with up to 25 students during experiments providing guidance to refine their analytical and laboratory techniques deepen scientific understanding and ensure adherence to safety protocols;

• Instruct students on the operation of advanced instruments including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometers fume hoods microscopes (dissecting and compound light) centrifuges mini PCR gel electrophoresis apparatus micropipettes incubators pH meters as well as various sensors probeware and volumetric glassware;

• Maintain accurate documentation and records of laboratory procedures experimental data and results. Troubleshoot issues and implement improvements to enhance student reproducibility efficiency and safety;

• Assist students with the design and safety assessment of independent research projects including Internal Assessments (IAs) and Extended Essays (EEs). Meet with over 100 students to support the development and safe execution of unique experimental investigations.

• Provide technical support by setting up custom experiment workstations procuring necessary materials and chemicals and offering one-on-one troubleshooting and guidance during lab sessions;

• Perform highly reactive chemical demonstrations including combustion and oxidation reactions ensuring they are age-appropriate engaging curriculum-aligned and compliant with safety regulations;

• Support faculty by supervising students during make-up labs outside of scheduled class times as needed;

• Support the planning and implementation of new curriculum by researching and developing experiments lab manuals and worksheets ensuring alignment with the IB syllabus;

• Keep informed about current developments in biology physics chemistry and environmental systems by regularly reviewing educational journals and scientific publications and engaging in professional development;

• Assist students with the use of technology in the classroom including laboratory software data analysis tools and digital probeware interfaces;

• Mentor students on IB Continuum Projects including the Personal Project or Extended Essay by holding structured mentoring sessions spanning over six months.

• Provide support in meeting project milestones by offering feedback on planning research application of skills and reflection.

• Evaluate the final submission including a 15-page essay using IB criteria A B and C for project success.

Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure strict adherence to safety regulations in an educational setting by enforcing the proper use of personal protective equipment safety eyewash stations safety showers and the safe management of chemical and biological waste;

• Respond promptly to chemical spills or first aid incidents according to Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS);

• Ensure the proper storage labelling handling and disposal of chemicals classified as carcinogenic irritant toxic flammable combustible corrosive and biohazardous in compliance with WHMIS.

• Maintain up-to-date Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and ensure all users are properly trained on them;

• Safely handle and dispense gases from compressed gas cylinders and regulators including nitrogen oxygen helium sulfur hexafluoride and carbon dioxide;

• Safely handle store and work with radioactive isotopes in compliance with regulatory agencies maintaining a valid license;

• Safely and respectfully handle preserved animal specimens sharps and associated waste. Instruct students on best practices during dissections;

• Consult with regulatory agencies to ensure compliance of hazardous waste disposal and assess environmental impact;

• Conduct departmental audits to identify and safely dispose of outdated highly hazardous and prohibited chemicals ensuring compliance with current high school safety standards;

• Implement new and evolving safety initiatives across the department including introducing new waste collection systems and disposable broken glass receptacles;

• Create and display signage to promote laboratory safety educating students and faculty on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and ensuring proper handling and response to hazardous chemicals.

Laboratory Operations and Management :

• Monitor and manage the science departments inventory of chemicals equipment supplies and consumables. Order purchase and restock items as needed ensuring budget adherence.

• Communicate with vendors to identify new products and negotiate pricing and coordinate timely payments with Department Chair and Accounts Payable;

• Diagnose and repair failed laboratory equipment including probeware analytical instruments and departmental assets valued at over $500000. Responsibilities include disassembling and assessing malfunctioning equipment identifying root causes of failure sourcing compatible replacement parts and conducting precise diagnostic tests and repairs. These efforts directly contribute to conserving tens of thousands of dollars in departmental funds annually;

• Coordinate with Science Department faculty to schedule experiments and maintain an up-to-date laboratory calendar. Implement a booking system to coordinate over 100 one-on-one appointments with students for designing and conducting individual experiments.

Experience Knowledge and Competencies:

• Completion of Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry Biology or a cognate discipline essential;

• Completion of Master of Science Degree in Chemistry Biology or a cognate discipline desirable;

• Minimum of five years of teaching experience including laboratory and course administration with a demonstrated background in supporting chemistry biology or physics teaching or research labs as a technician and instructor;

• Minimum of five to eight years of experience in a wet-laboratory setting focused on chemistry biology or biochemistry with proven expertise in developing and conducting experiments and strong research skills;

• Mandatory certifications in WHMIS Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety Biosafety Awareness Chemical Safety and Environmental Health and Safety Awareness and Standard First Aid Certification with CPR & AED Level A or C;

• Knowledge of Ontario Grades 9-12 Science and IB Science Curriculum is an asset;

• Must be well-versed in crisis management and handling emergencies in laboratory settings including chemical spills fires and equipment failures while ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols;

• Must be proficient in operating and servicing specialized scientific equipment including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometers Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometers fume hoods autoclaves microscopes (dissecting and compound light) centrifuges mini PCR gel electrophoresis machines micropipettes incubators pH meters as well as various sensors probeware and volumetric glassware;

• Must be proficient in scientific software including: MestreLab: MNova TopSpin Logger Pro Vernier Graphical Analysis Vernier Spectral Analysis Google Suite and Microsoft Office;

• Experience mentoring students in research experimental design laboratory techniques and professional development including facilitating workshops on technical skills and career guidance;

• Experience in an IB school environment with familiarity in IB teaching methods and assessment criteria is an asset;

• Proven experience in successfully procuring new equipment and managing large inventories;

• Experience in designing and implementing sustainable laboratory practices such as waste reduction or green chemistry initiatives;

• Involvement in community engagement initiatives including organizing and facilitating science outreach programs and workshops for younger students;

• Self-motivated and adaptable to changing needs with the ability to work independently or with minimal supervision. Demonstrates strong attention to detail organization planning and analytical problem-solving;

• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to multitask manage multiple priorities effectively meet deadlines and adapt to changing needs;

• Actively invests in personal and professional growth and development to stay current with curriculum changes;

• Collaborative and energetic with a passion for working with students and fostering an inclusive engaging learning environment;

• Exemplary communication negotiation and mediation abilities. Builds strong professional relationships with students colleagues and administration;

• Proven ability to communicate clearly and effectively both verbally and in writing demonstrated through experience in presentations public speaking and authoring scientific publications;

• Ability to lead teams to complete projects by hosting productive meetings setting clear goals delegating tasks and following-up on deliverables.

• Unparalleled opportunities for professional development including workshops networking sessions a leadership program and visiting experts and scholars;

• Flexibility to substitute statutory holidays in recognition of diverse religious and cultural practices;

• Comprehensive medical dental and vision plans including health care and lifestyle spending accounts;

• Pension plan generous vacation time self-funded sabbaticals parental leave top-up;

• Significant support for personal and family wellbeing and mental health including the Employee and Family Assistance Program;

• Paid volunteer time off for involvement in the communities that matter to you;

• Social events for colleagues and their families;

• Collaborative and supportive team members and colleagues;

• Free on-campus parking.

Upper Canada College (UCC) is focused on making the world a more just and inclusive place through dialogue and teamwork. With a commitment to equity and fairness students learn that what makes us different as individuals makes us stronger as a community. A rigorous academic program is supported by accomplished faculty exceptional co-curricular programming and state-of-the-art facilities.

The UCC experience is underpinned by five core values: learning pluralism service community and well-being. Among its strategic goals is UCCs ambition to become more diverse and inclusive. This is supported by a recognition that no learning community is whole without the inclusion and amplification of multiple voices; UCC is committed to fostering belonging striving for justice and peace among all people and addressing systemic and structural forms of oppression.

UCC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity encouraging applications from all qualified individuals including women Indigenous Peoples persons with disabilities 2SLGBTQIA and historically marginalized persons. UCC embraces pluralism celebrating differences cherishing similarities and giving voice to multiple perspectives.

This job is for an existing vacancy. Compensation is based on qualifications and experience. The range for the position is $66700 to $87600.

Please share your resume and cover letter at by 26th February 2026. We thank all candidates in advance; however we will contact only those selected for an interview. Artificial intelligence tools may be used at certain stages of the recruitment and selection process.

IC