Scientific Associate I

This position is open to internal applicants only. External applications will not be considered at this time.

About OICR

OICR is Ontario’s cancer research institute. We bring together people from across the province and around the world to improve the lives of everyone affected by cancer. We take on the biggest challenges in cancer research and deliver real-world solutions to find cancer earlier and treat it more effectively. We are committed to helping people living with cancer, as well as future generations, live longer and healthier lives.

Launched in December 2005, OICR is an independent institute funded by the Government of Ontario through the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.

Job Details

Position: Scientific Associate I

Location: MaRS Centre, Toronto

Department: Drug Discovery

Reports To: Senior Research Scientist

Hiring Range: $79,790 to $88,274 commensurate with level of experience; total compensation includes a competitive benefits plan, plus a defined benefit pension plan (HOOPP) 

Hours: 35 hours/week

Job Type: On-site

Status: Full-time, Temporary (1-year contract, potential for renew)

Position Summary

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is looking to fill an existing vacancy for a Scientific Associate with expertise in lipid biogenesis and cancer biology for its Drug Discovery Program. The successful candidate will have drug discovery experience and knowledge of oncology target validation and assay development. This position is full-time with a one-year (renewable) contract.

Position Responsibilities

• Validate oncology drug discovery targets using established genetic techniques (siRNA, shRNA, CRISPR) with associated rescue experiments.
• Develop and conduct relevant biophysical, biochemical and cell-based assays to screen small molecule hits and support SAR to move projects from screening, through hit assessment, and into lead generation and optimization.
• Characterize advanced Lead compounds using a range of techniques including protein and post-translational detection (immunoblotting, WES/JESS, MS-based proteomics, HTRF/AlphaLISA), flow cytometry, cellular imaging (endpoint and real-time), pathology imaging.
• Assist with in vivo animal-based experiments (anti-tumour efficacy, PK/PD).
• Experience with pathology imaging and scoring (ie protein expression, KI67, apoptosis, necrosis).
• Maintain knowledge of new cell-based assays and methods that impact the drug discovery process.
• Collaborate effectively with the biology team and with medicinal chemists.
• Work effectively under pressure and with tight timelines.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external collaborators.

Position Requirements

• PhD in Biochemistry, Cell Biology (or related areas) with experience in drug discovery.
• Essential to have experience in biophysical (particularly SPR) and biochemical (i.e. FP) screening methods.
• Essential to have experience in the development / execution of small molecule cell-based screens (SAR and/or HTS).
• Essential to have hands-on experience with mouse handling and in vivo tumour monitoring.
• Experience in the development of cell-based target engagement and functional assays to support medicinal chemistry SAR efforts.
• Experience in the validation of novel anti-cancer targets using genetic techniques.
• Familiarity with the drug discovery processes and timelines in general.
• Knowledge of cancer biology and related signal transduction pathways.
• Knowledge of lipid biogenesis and its regulation.
• Great team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Highly motivated self-starter who enjoys an element of ambiguity and is willing to adapt to a changing environment.
  

For more information about OICR, please visit the website at www.oicr.on.ca.

To learn more about working at OICR, visit our career page.

POSTED DATE:         July 24, 2026
CLOSING DATE:       July 29, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. 

OICR is committed to fostering a climate of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This commitment is central to, and mutually supportive of, our research excellence mandate. We welcome and respect the diversity of all members of our community and we support an inclusive culture for all. We welcome all applicants, and encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to furthering a diversity of ideas within our community. OICR is committed to fair assessment of a candidate’s abilities, and consideration for diversity of thought, method, and experience. Providing an accessible workplace and recruitment process is important to us, as described in our Accessibility Plan (https://oicr.on.ca/accessibility/).  Should you require accommodation during any stage in the recruitment process, please complete the form at the bottom of page https://oicr.on.ca/careers/. Information received related to accommodation will be handled confidentially.  

OICR hiring managers may use approved Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to assist with an initial screening or assessment of applications, and selection of applicants in accordance with OICR’s privacy policies.  Personal information associated with any job application will not be shared with or retained by any third party for the purpose of training an AI model.  Hiring managers shall determine which applications proceed through the recruitment process.

Resume Format: If you elect to apply, please click on the “Apply for this Job” button below.  You will be required to enter contact details, and to attach your resume to your application. Please attach your resume as a .pdf or .doc file.

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research thanks all applicants. However, only those under consideration will be contacted.