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.

Position Details

Position: Student

Location: MaRS Centre, Toronto

Department: Computational Biology

Reports To: Principal Investigator II

Hiring Range: $21.98 per hour; total compensation includes a defined benefit pension plan (HOOPP)

Hours: 24 hours/week

Job Type: On-site

Status: Part-time, Temporary (2-month contract)

Position Summary

The Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) is a collaborative research institute dedicated to advancing the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer. OICR brings together scientists, clinicians, and partners across Ontario and beyond to translate discovery into clinical impact.

The Abelson Lab, part of OICR’s Computational Biology Program, studies the extrinsic and cell-intrinsic mechanisms driving clonal dominance and malignant transformation. We generate and analyze large-scale multi-omics data to identify cancer biomarkers and advance personalized treatment, detection, and diagnosis. In parallel, we develop sequencing methods and computational tools to improve data interpretation and accelerate translation. A central focus is cancer cell heterogeneity, a key driver of disease progression and therapeutic resistance.

Cancer remains the leading cause of death in Canada, largely due to its biological complexity.

Intratumoural heterogeneity - variation in genetic, epigenetic, and phenotypic states within tumours and their microenvironment - enables adaptation to selective pressures, including therapy. This leads to treatment resistance, disease recurrence, and metastasis. To address this, we have defined pan-cancer cell states based on transcriptomic profiles and linked them to clinical outcomes.

Building on this work, the project will validate drug combinations that target malignant heterogeneity. In collaboration with the Abelson Lab and OICR’s Drug Discovery Program, the student will gain experience in transcriptomic analysis, cell culture, drug perturbation assays, and translational genomics.

The successful candidate will work in person at the Abelson Lab, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR), 661 University Avenue, Suite 510, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1. The position starts on May 11 and continues for two months.

The placement provides hands-on research training in a multidisciplinary academic environment.

Project Deliverables

• Well-documented experimental and computational work related to the assigned project
• Interim and final reports summarizing methodology, results, and interpretation
• Presentation of findings to the lab and collaborative team

Position Responsibilities

• Perform in vitro drug perturbation assays in cancer cell lines, including treatment with single agents and combinations, and assessment of cellular responses
• Analyze single-cell transcriptomic data to define cancer cell states and evaluate their association with drug sensitivity
• Integrate experimental and computational results to validate promising drug combinations targeting malignant heterogeneity
• Contribute to experimental planning, data recording, and documentation to ensure reproducibility and quality control
• Prepare summaries, figures, and presentations of results for lab meetings and project reporting
• Collaborate with lab members, participating in discussions of experimental design, results interpretation, and translational implications

Position Responsibilities

• Experience with basic cell culture techniques and laboratory safety procedures
• Basic programming or data analysis experience using R or Python
• Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and concepts (e.g., differential gene expression, clustering, data visualization)
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to document experimental and computational workflows accurately
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a strong willingness to learn new experimental and computational techniques

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.

CLOSING DATE: May 6, 2026 at noon

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. 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.