About
UTM's Life Sciences Core Facilities offer shared equipment across three specialized facilities located in both the W.G. Davis Building and the New Science Building. These facilities are available to faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate research students. External users are permitted when circumstances allow. Equipment enhancements will continue to be added to these facilities based on the needs of the UTM research community.
- Cell and Molecular Biology Facility: Equipped with basic and advanced tools for DNA, RNA, and protein research
- Cell and Tissue Culture Facility: Provides shared resources for conducting cell and tissue culture experiments, with advanced support for maintaining and storing experimental cell lines
- Autoclave and Research Resources Facility: A full-service hub for autoclaving, lab-ware washing, and lab coat cleaning, and more, ensuring seamless research operations
- The Honeywell Monitoring System and the Free Shipping Program for Sequencing and Oligos Service are also affiliated with these facilities.
Services
Our Life Sciences Core Facilities offer users fee-based, shared access to equipment that might otherwise be out of reach for individual labs. We provide comprehensive training to ensure that users can operate the equipment safely and effectively.
Users will need to submit the following in order to use the facilities:
- Application form:
- Training request form
- Request key and TCard access.
- Reserve equipment via BookitLab, our online booking system
To learn more about Life Science Core Facilities, please find details below on equipment, training, hours, locations and access.
About the Facility
The Cell and Molecular Biology Facility provides users with an introduction tour; hands-on training on individual equipment — which is mandatory for certain equipment; technical support on equipment operations; and technical support for troubleshooting experiment results related to the use of core equipment.
We provide flexible, 24/7 T-Card access to our facility rooms.
W.G. Davis locations:
DV3092B | DV3092D | DV3092E | DV3092K
Science Building locations:
SB2052 | SB2056 | SB2109 | SB4056
Hours
- Staffed hours: Monday to Friday 8:45a.m. to 5:00p.m.
- The facility can be accessed via T-card, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To request door access, send completed Request Form for Access to Life Sciences Core facilities to the Core Facility Manager.
Training
PIease ensure that all core facility users who work with biological agents take the following three online courses from U of T's Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) website:
- General Health and Safety Awareness (EHS 002)
- WHMIS and Lab Safety (EHS 101)
- Laboratory Biosafety (EHS 601)
To set up equipment training, please send your completed training request form to the Core Facility Manager.
Booking Equipment
Equipment must be booked in advance through BookitLab, our online booking system. Please log in to reserve your spot.
Facility Equipment
For a full equipment list, please download the following PDF.
About the Facility
The Cell and Tissue Culture Facility provides users with a mandatory introduction tour; hands-on training on individual equipment; training on cell culture with viruses; customized cell culture technique training; technical support on equipment operations; and technical support for troubleshooting experiment results related to the use of core equipment.
We provide flexible, 24/7 T-Card access to our facility rooms.
W.G. Davis Building locations:
DV1074D | DV1082 | DV3092F
Science Building locations:
SB2058 | NS4058 | SB4059
Hours
- Staffed hours: Monday to Friday 8:45p.m. to 5:00p.m.
- We provide flexible, 24/7 T-Card access to our facility rooms. To get access authorization, send your completed Request Form for Access to Life Sciences Core Facilities to the Core Facility Manager.
Training
Training is mandatory for all users. To request training, please send your completed training request form to the Core Facility Manager.
PIease ensure that all core facility users who work with biological agents take the following three online courses from U of T's Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) website:
- General Health and Safety Awareness (EHS 002)
- WHMIS and Lab Safety (EHS 101)
- Laboratory Biosafety (EHS 601)
Customized-Basic Cell Culture Technique Training
Please note that Customized-Basic cell culture technique training is available upon request. This training includes sterile skills, cell passage, cell counting and plating, thawing, and freezing cells. The training takes place over ten days and can be conducted for one individual or for a group of up to three people.
Total fee for this training session is $450 per group (from one person up to three people), plus consumables.
Booking Equipment
Equipment must be booked in advance through BookitLab, our online booking system. Please log in to reserve your spot.
Facility Equipment
For a full equipment list, please download the following PDF.
About the Facility
The Autoclave and Research Resources Facility provides users with mandatory hands-on training on our autoclaves; technical support on equipment operations; and technical support for troubleshooting experiment results related to the use of core equipment.
We provide flexible, 24/7 T-Card access to our facility rooms.
W.G. Davis Building locations:
DV4032 | DV3028 | DV3027 | DV2031 | DV1012
Science Building locations:
SB20250 | SB2064 | SB2067 | SB2147 | SB3056 | SB4056
During individual lab emergencies, we provide emergency use of space at no charge for a 5°C fridge, -20°C freezer, and -80°C freezer.
Hours
- Staffed hours: Monday to Friday 8:45a.m. to 5:00p.m.
- Facility rooms DV3027 and DV4032 are accessible 24/7.
- Facility room DV2031 requires key card access. Please email the Core Facility Manager to get access.
- To request fridge and freezer’s space and access, please email your completed Fridge Freezer Space Request Form to the Core Facility Manager.
Training
PIease ensure that all core facility users who work with biological agents take the following three online courses from U of T's Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) website:
- General Health and Safety Awareness (EHS 002)
- WHMIS and Lab Safety (EHS 101)
- Laboratory Biosafety (EHS 601)
Only trained students, staff, and faculty may operate the autoclave machines. The Core Facility Manager offers a group training session for new users twice per year: once in May and once in September. Training dates will be sent to principal investigators in advance. If there is a scheduling conflict, individual training can be arranged.
To request equipment training, please send your completed training request form to the Core Facility Manager.
Booking Equipment
The autoclave machines, glassware washer, incubation oven, and lab-ware washer must be booked through BookitLab, our online booking system. Please log in to reserve your spot.
Facility Equipment
For a full equipment list, please download the following PDF.
About
The Honeywell Remote Monitoring System was established at UTM in 2013 to remotely monitor critical research equipment. Through the Honeywell Enterprise Buildings Integrator (EBI) station, the integrated web-based user interface of the platform, assigned researchers receive email alarms from monitored targets if an issue arises; a follow-up alarm is issued via email if the status of the equipment returns back to the desired safe set point.
Upon receiving alarms, EBI-secured access control allows authorized researchers to log into the EBI station from a computer anywhere, via the UTM VPN, to view realtime data on the equipment. Alarms can be set based on various parameters, including temperature, humidity, and lighting. The system is funded by the Office of the Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation (OVPRI). As the need arises to add the system to new equipment, and gated by EBI system capacity, the OVPRI will support this endeavour.
Operations
The Role of the Coordinator
- As the Coordinator and EBI end user, the Life Sciences Core Facilities Manager — in coordination with FMP engineers, UTM's I&ITS, and the instrument specialist — closely monitors performance of the system for research equipment. Additionally, the Coordinator manages EBI end user accounts and access control, assists with troubleshooting software and hardware issues, and oversees Honeywell preventative maintenance.
- Acts as the first responder to alarms from UTM shared equipment.
- Provides assistance to researchers with their individual lab alarms.
- Handles applications and assists in new sensor installations.
→ Contact Xin Zhao, Life Sciences Core Facilities Manager at 905-569-4270 or via email at xin.zhao@utoronto.ca.
The Role of the FMP Shift Engineer
- Check on EBI alarm status routinely.
- Upon receiving alarms, assist researchers in inspecting alarmed equipment as needed.
- Maintain Honeywell hardware-controllers.
- Assist with installation of new Honeywell sensors.
→ Contact the FMP Shift Engineer at 905-301-6319.
The Role of UTM I&ITS
- Maintaining EBI main server.
- Troubleshooting software issues.
- Managing EBI access control.
→ Contact I&ITS by sending IT a trouble ticket to the UTM service desk.
How to Apply
Return your completed Request Form for Using the Honeywell Remote Monitoring System to Xin Zhao, Core Facilities Manager at xin.zhao@utoronto.ca.
Fees
- New sensor installation: Individual Principle Investigators are responsible for installation fees based on the quotation provided by Honeywell for materials and labour, and by the FMP for electrician fees.
- EBI system maintenance: The OVPRI covers maintenance on the EBI system.
About
Eurofins Genomics LLC provides a free shipping drop box at UTM for Researchers using Eurofins Genomics Sanger sequencing and Oligos service. The program is under the care of Life Sciences Core Facilities.
Pricing
Special discount price for Sanger sequencing order:
- Tube Sequencing: $4.50/reaction
- Plate Sequencing: $3.00/reaction. Minimum 24 samples
Special discount price for Oligos order:
- Oligos in Tubes: 10nmol scale, $0.16cents/base, up to 70 bases long
- Oligos in Tubes: 25nmol scale, $0.17 cents/base
- Oligos in Tubes: 50nmol scale, $0.36 cents/base, up to 90 bases long
- Oligos in Tubes: 250nmol scale, $0.60 cents/base, up to 125 bases long
Special discount price for projects:
Further discounts may apply. Contact Mufaddal Culter, Business Manager at Eurofins Genomics for information.
Getting sequencing results or receiving Oligos within 36 to 48 hours. Oligos orders will be delivered to the Life Science Core Facilities at no shipping cost. The dropbox is located outside of room DV3092K. Sequencing samples will be shipped out collectively once per week. A prepaid UPS envelope is available through the Life Science Core Facilities.
Contact Information
Eurofins Genomics Contact:
Mufaddal Cutler
Business Manager
Phone: 647-234-5152
Life Sciences Core Facilities Contact:
Xin Zhao
Life Sciences Core Facilities Manager
Phone: 905-569-4270
Email: xin.zhao@utoronto.ca
Operation Procedures
Creating an account with Eurofins Genomics
- Create your Eurofins Genomics account. Each lab must create one account for all lab members. If you are a current Eurofins user and already have an account, proceed to the next step.
- To receive discounted prices for your lab, please provide the Business Manager with your account information using the following instructions:
- Send an email to Mufaddal Cutler, Business Manager at MufaddalCutler@eurofinsus.com.
- Subject line: UTM-Sequencing & Oligos
- Provide the following account information in your email:
- Login user name
- Account number
- PI name
- Lab room number
- Lab manager (or point of contact) name and phone number
- After you have sent your information, it will take 48 hours to activate your account. Once your account has been activated, an agreement number for discounted prices will be added to your account. Discounted prices will be automatically applied to each order.
Submitting Sanger Sequencing Samples
- Free barcodes and blue seal bags are available for you to pack your samples. Contact Xin Zhao for these materials.
- Place orders online through your Eurofins account. For requirements of sample concentration and volume and primers, review the Sample Submission Guidelines or follow the instructions on the Eurofins website.
- Tape one barcode per tube in accordance with your order form. Pack your samples into the blue seal bag (or any small plastic bag) with a copy of your completed order form. Write the shipping address on the bag:
Sequencing Lab
(502) 302-6320
Eurofins Genomics-SEQ LAB
12701 Plantside Drive
LOUISVILLE KY 40299-6388
United States
- Please note that if you use strip PCR tubes for packing samples, you do not need to use barcodes. Refer to the Eurofins website for detailed instructions.
- Drop your sample bag to the dropbox located outside DV3092K before 4p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. Samples will be sent collectively to UTM Shipping/Receiving for UPS delivery. UTM Shipping/Receiving have guaranteed that samples will be sent out on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Ordering Oligos
- Place your order through your Eurofins account.
- Oligos will be shipped to UTM's Life Sciences Core Facility within 36 and 48 hours.
- Users will receive notification via email when their Oligos order is available for pickup. Orders will be available in room DV3092E.
Troubleshooting Problems with Account, Billing, Sample Results and Delivery
Account and Billing Issues
Contact Mufaddal Cutler either by phone or email.
Dissatisfied with Results
- Send an email with your order number to GenomicsSupport@eurofins.com and copy Mufaddal Cutler (MufaddalCutler@eurofinsus.com). You will receive a response within one to two days.
- Alternatively, you can call the following toll free number from Monday to Friday, 9a.m. to 5p.m. EST: 1-800-688-2248
Delayed Results
- For Sequencing orders, send an email with your order number to Xin Zhao (xin.zhao@utoronto.ca).
- For Oligo orders, send an email with your order number to GenomicsSupport@eurofins.com. Copy Mufaddal Cutler (MufaddalCutler@eurofinsus.com) on your email.
Fees
The following rates are applicable from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.
Usage Fees
| Core Facility | Internal | External | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | Hourly* | Annual | Hourly* | |
Cell and Molecular Biology | $400****
| $10 per hour per instrument | Request a quote** | $50 per hour, plus flat one-hour technician fee of $150 for training and support.*** |
Cell and Tissue Culture | $400 | $10 per hour per instrument | Request a quote** | |
| Autoclave and Research Resources | $100 | Walk-in 5°C fridges: $2 per shelf or table bench per month | Request a quote** | $50 per hour, plus flat one-hour technician fee of $150 for training and support |
Walk-in 20°C freezers: $2 per shelf per month | ||||
Ultra-low freezers: $1 per rack per month | ||||
*Hourly fee applies to users who do not pay the annual fee. Minimum 15-minute usage.
**Send a request to the Core Facility Managers.
***Special external rate for Freeze Dryer: $50 per hour for the first 24 hours; $10 per hour after the first 24 hours; plus a flat one-hour technician fee of $150 for training and support.
****An extra $8 per hour will be paid for Microfluidizer LM20 starting from January 2024.
Training Fees
Item | Internal | External |
|---|---|---|
Training on individual instrument operation | Free | Flat one-hour technician fee included in hourly fee
|
Life Sciences Core Facilities introduction | Free | Flat one-hour technician fee included in hourly fee |
Customized-Basic cell culture technique training | $525 plus consumables ( for one person or a group of three people) | Request a quote |
Service Fees
Item | Internal | External |
|---|---|---|
Technical support on Instrument operation | Free | Flat one-hour fee included in hourly fee |
Trouble shooting on experiment results that may relate to core facility equipment performance | Free | Flat one-hour fee included in hourly fee |
Core Facility Manager hourly rate (to perform experimentation for a lab) | $40 | $150 |
Contact
W.G. Davis Building
1815 Outer Circle
Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6
→ View campus maps and directions
Meet the Facility Leads
Xin Zhao (she/her)
Life Sciences Core Facilities Manager
Tel. 416-970-3661
xin.zhao@utoronto.ca
Quang Huy To (he/him)
Research Facilities Manager, Science Building
Tel. 437-688-5973
quang.to@utoronto.ca
Q&A
Yes. Individual PIs pay an annual fee to use the facility, regardless of the number of members in their group.
No. One annual fee grants access to the facility equipment located in both the W.G. Davis Building and the Science Building.
Internal users who pay the annual fee are not charged hourly fees for individual equipment use, with a few exceptions. For instance, a monthly fee applies to shared fridges and freezers, and an hourly fee applies to the LM20.
Internal users who only need access to one or two instruments and prefer not to pay the annual fee can opt to pay an hourly fee for individual equipment use.