Adela’s mission is to deliver innovative and accessible blood tests that harness biology to transform cancer care and improve well-being. The company is developing best-in-class technology to accelerate the diagnosis and improve the management of cancer through blood tests for minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring and multi-cancer early detection (MCED). Adela’s blood-based, tissue-free product ensures universal accessibility to MRD testing for patients with cancer, eliminating any dependency on tumor tissue availability.  Adela’s first product was recently clinically validated for predicting and surveilling for recurrence in patients with head & neck cancer and published in Annals of Oncology. 

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Research Laboratory Technologist II / III at our Toronto facility.

The Research Laboratory Technologist II is responsible for executing molecular biology assays and experiments supporting the clinical workflow in our Toronto laboratory. This individual must be highly skilled in performing laboratory procedures in a fast-paced environment. The Research Laboratory Technologist III serves as a senior technical contributor, executing complex molecular biology assays while driving assay optimization, troubleshooting, and workflow improvements within our clinical laboratory operations. The ideal candidate demonstrates advanced technical expertise, independent judgment, and a strong ability to analyze and resolve complex assay and instrument issues in a regulated laboratory environment.This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing, dynamic, and collaborative biotech company leveraging cutting-edge liquid biopsy technology to improve human health and well-being

 Location: 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON

Position Responsibilities and Essential Duties

  • Perform complex molecular biology techniques including nucleic acid extraction from clinical specimens, nucleic acid quantification, PCR amplification, and advanced NGS library preparation in accordance with established SOPs. 

  • Independently plan and execute complex assays and experimental workflows with minimal supervision to support clinical and research workflows. 

  • Lead troubleshooting efforts for assay failures and workflow deviations; perform root cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) in alignment with established policies and procedures. 

  • Optimize and improve existing laboratory protocols to enhance assay performance, efficiency, and robustness. 

  • Investigate instrument performance issues and coordinate corrective actions, including documentation and communication with technical leads. 

  • Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present experimental data; communicate findings and recommendations to supervisors and cross-functional teams. 

  • Assist in authoring and revising SOPs, non-conformances, deviation reports, and related quality documentation. 

  • Support validation studies, stability studies, reagent verification, and process improvement initiatives. 

  • Mentor and train junior technologists; assist with onboarding and competency development. 

  • Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant documentation of experiments, metadata, and quality records.

  • Support equipment maintenance, calibration, and compliance documentation activities. 

  • Monitor inventory levels and ensure availability of reagents and laboratory consumables. 

  • Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant laboratory environment. 

  • Adhere strictly to laboratory safety procedures and PPE requirements. 

  • Complete assigned project milestones within established timelines. 

  • Perform other duties as assigned. 

Required Skills

  • Experienced and trained to work in a BSL2 laboratory environment.
  • Must be experienced in the isolation and quantification of nucleic acids from a variety of biological samples, as well as performing PCR amplification.
  • Strong molecular skills. Great manual dexterity.
  • Able to follow instructions, both written and verbal. 
  • Critical thinking skills – able to identify protocol issues pre-emptively, as well as recognize problems and troubleshoot while executing experiments.
  • Strong attention to detail and high accuracy while performing any given task.
  • Highly flexible and adaptable to change.
  • Excellent prioritization and time-management skills with great ability to multitask.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a member of a team in a fast-paced environment. 
  • Effective communicator, both written and verbal.
  • Able to interpret data from analytical equipment.
  • Proficiency with computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Document Control Systems, and LIS/LIMS.

 

Education and Experience

  • For Research Lab Technologist II : Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related scientific field with 3-5 years related experience or 2-3 years related experience with Master’s Degree. For Research Lab Technologist III: Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology, Genetics, or related scientific field with 5–7 years of hands-on molecular biology laboratory experience, or Master’s degree with 3–5 years of hands-on experience.
  • 3+ years relevant laboratory experience
  • Extensive experience in nucleic acid isolation, quantification, PCR amplification, and NGS library preparation.

 

Working Environment/Physical Demands 

  • Safe handling of hazardous materials and human specimens. 

  • Routine operation of laboratory instruments with moving mechanical components, high-speed centrifugation systems, and equipment involving heating and cooling elements. 

  • Frequent repetitive pipetting and fine motor work. 

  • Ability to stand or sit for extended periods. 

  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. 

  • Occasional work in cold-room environments. 

The annual base salary range for this position $60,000 to $72,000 CAD (Research Lab Technologist II) and $70,000 to $80,000 CAD (Research Lab Technologist III) level.  This range reflects only the base salary component of compensation and is provided in compliance with applicable pay transparency requirements. Actual base salary will be determined at the Company’s discretion and may vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to geographic location, relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and business needs.

Adela is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We embrace and celebrate the unique qualities and perspectives of all individuals, and we provide equal employment opportunities to candidates without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, sex, gender, gender identity/expression, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, medical condition , genetic information, marital status, or disability.


At Adela, everyone belongs.