About OICR

OICR is Ontarios 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 theMinistry ofColleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security.

Job Details

Position: Project Lead

Location: MaRS Centre, Toronto

Department: Genomics Quality Assurance and Program Management

Reports To: Associate Director, Genomics

Salary: 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: Hybrid

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

Position Summary

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is seeking a Project Lead to join the Genomics Program, Quality Assurance and Program Management (QAPM) department.

OICR Genomics is a high throughput sequencing service provider that assists researchers across Ontario with cutting-edge cancer research, supporting a large number of projects across the basic, translational, and clinical research spectrum. Reporting to the Associate Director, QAPM, the Project Lead will manage sample flow at the project level, including sample procurement from upstream biobanks and clinical trials, customer consultation and project initiation, sample preparation and sequencing, as well as data delivery to downstream data sharing systems, invoice creation, budgeting, and project closure. Knowledge of the full genomics workflow including wet lab, computational analysis, quality control, and data sharing is a major asset.

This position is temporary, full-time for one-year.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead project initiation process by responding to incoming project requests in a timely manner; communicate with customers to identify requirements and provide project planning advice.
• Provide cost estimates for Genomics services; document the provision and acceptance of the formal estimate
• Track progress through laboratory preparation, sequencing, and analysis and provide status reports on a regular basis to both Genomics and external stakeholders
• Report completed work on a monthly basis and prepare materials for invoicing
• Manage project and case completion to ensure stakeholders timelines and needs are met
• Responsible for ensuring that data are released and accepted by the customer
• Close projects when scheduled work is complete and work with the customer and internal stakeholders to return or dispose of project materials
• Work with Translational Genomics Laboratory management team, Tissue Portal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth sample flow/transfer from study groups to OICR
• Ensure that no samples are overlooked or paused indefinitely during the assay process
• Oversee sequencing reagent inventory management as applicable for Production projects, e.g. large projects obtaining vendor discounts.
• Track status of data analysis; alert Production Manager and/or informatics team to follow up on outstanding cases
• Track QC data approval and sign-off, data transfer from OICR to study team, and data deletion upon project closure
• Perform other lab, QA, and computational functions as needed
• Provide KPI information for use in end of fiscal year reporting and biannual KPI reviews

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology or related specialty, or equivalent experience
• Hands-on and theoretical experience working in a sequencing environment using NGS protocols
• Experience leading and coordinating projects within a sequencing facility
• Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Electronic Medical Records (i.e. Epic), databases (i.e. REDCap) and shared trackers (i.e. Excel)
• Experience in an accredited laboratory (ACD, CAP, CLIA, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to troubleshoot experimental results in a timely manner
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Proven sense of initiative

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 25, 2025
CLOSING DATE: Until Filled

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 candidates 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.

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.