Job Description

CancerCare Manitoba is a provincial agency which provides clinical and academic services and leadership for cancer control and the treatment of blood disorders. Our shared vision of a world free of cancer drives every member of our team. CancerCare Manitoba is the perfect place to thrive if you're seeking a fulfilling career in an organization that is committed to its employees' well-being and professional development.

Competition # 198-26-765002928/761020306

Posting End Date: June 01,2026

City: Winnipeg

Work Location: McCharles

Department: Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute

Union: Non-Union

Hiring Status: Termporary

Reason for Term: Other Leave

Anticipated Start and End Date:July 31,2026- Indefinite

FTE: 1.0

Anticipated Shift: Days

Daily Hours Worked: 7.5

Annual Base Hours: 1950

Salary: $20.560, $21.340, $22.280, $23.130, $24.160, $25.170, $26.170, $27.230, $28.310, $29.440.

Are you a someone with experience in human cell culture and biobanking?

We are hiring a Research Technician to support the Manitoba Ovarian Cancer Biobank Program (MOBP), housed within the Manitoba Tumour Bank (MTB) at CancerCare Manitoba. This role is central to isolating, culturing, maintaining, and distributing epithelial ovarian cancer patient samples (solid tumour and ascites) to approved researchers across Manitoba.

Working under direction, you will contribute directly to patient-sample based cancer research while ensuring accurate records, high-quality cell culture practices, and well-maintained laboratory facilities.

About the Manitoba Ovarian Cancer Biobank Program & Manitoba Tumour Bank
The Manitoba Ovarian Cancer Biobank Program (MOBP) operates within the Manitoba Tumour Bank at CancerCare Manitoba. The program supports ovarian cancer research by collecting, processing, storing, and distributing patient-donated biospecimens to MTB-approved investigators.
The MTB serves the Manitoba research community by providing high-quality biospecimens, rigorous documentation of patient consent, and well-maintained laboratory and cell culture facilities to support translational and basic cancer research.

Why Join Us?

This position offers the opportunity to:
• Support a province-wide biobanking initiative focused on ovarian cancer research.
• Work hands-on with patient-derived samples, including solid tumours and ascites.
• Develop and apply expertise in human cell culture, cryopreservation, and sample distribution.
• Contribute to a collaborative research environment supporting investigators and trainees.
• Take part in maintaining a core biobanking and cell culture infrastructure essential for cancer research.

Your Role
Manitoba Ovarian Cancer Biobank Program Responsibilities
• Collect samples from the Women’s Hospital and transport samples to the Pathology Processing Laboratory in the Thorlakson Building and/or the Manitoba Tumour Bank at CancerCare Manitoba.
• Isolate, culture, propagate/pass cells, store, and thaw samples (e.g., cells) donated from epithelial ovarian cancer patients (solid tumour and ascites).
• Cryopreserve isolated samples according to established protocols.
• Thaw cells and provide living samples to MTB-approved investigators to support research goals.
• Maintain up-to-date records of donated samples, including confirmation of patient consent for research use.
• Maintain laboratory records related to sample collection, processing, and storage.
• Provide sample information to MOBP Principal Investigators, approved researchers, and trainees upon request.
• Monitor and maintain essential cell culture-related laboratory equipment.
• Cooperate with other MTB staff to maintain shared MTB laboratory and biobank space.
• Provide updates or presentations to research groups as requested.
• Attend and participate in group and laboratory meetings.

Qualifications:

Required:

Level of Formal Education & Experience

• High school completion.
• Experience with human cell culture, including thawing, passaging, maintenance, and cryopreservation of cells (essential).
• Experience maintaining up-to-date laboratory records.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Experience maintaining cell culture-related laboratory equipment is an asset.

Skills and Abilities

• Skills and abilities consistent with the experience described.
• Ability to follow protocols and written or verbal instructions.
• Strong data organization and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Physically capable of performing assigned duties, including mobility and transporting biological samples.

Other

• Ability to complete required training and certifications as required by CancerCare Manitoba.
• Must have satisfactory employment record
• Must be legally able to work in Canada

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to submit a detailed and current resume, plus a cover letter demonstrating how you meet the above qualifications and the above competition number.

This position is subject to a Criminal Record Check, including Vulnerable Sector Search, an Adult Abuse Registry Check and a Child Abuse Registry Check. The successful candidate will be responsible for any service charges incurred.

CancerCare Manitoba is committed to developing inclusive, barrier-free recruitment processes and work environment. If you are contacted by CancerCare Manitoba regarding a job opportunity or testing, please advise if accommodation measures must be taken to enable you to apply and be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.

We thank all that apply and advise that only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.