Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Technologist, Zoonotic Diseases & Emerging Pathogens performs reference-level serological testing of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites and culture, molecular and other testing on clinical and other samples.  Participation in surveillance programs (West Nile virus, Lyme disease and outbreak monitoring) are carried out in this Program, with support required from all technologists.  The evaluation, verification of results, preparation of related reports and participation in all External Quality Assessment Programs are required.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Participates in day-to-day work activities in Zoonotic Diseases & Emerging Pathogens by testing referred-in, reference, clinical and other samples using serological, culture, molecular and other techniques.

2.    Evaluates and verifies results according to established procedures.

3.    Performs molecular testing as determined by protocol (West Nile surveillance) or special request approved by Team Lead and Program Head/Medical Microbiologist.  

4.    Performs culturing techniques as determined by protocol (Borrelia species and Helicobacter pylori) or special request approved by Team Lead and Program Head/Medical Microbiologist.  

5.    Performs Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test.

6.    Identifies bacteria using light, darkfield and fluorescent microscopy.

7.    Prepares stock solutions and reagents following standard operating procedures.

8.    Responds to requests and inquiries for all referred in tests.  Seeks direction as required from the Technical Coordinator, Team Lead, Site Supervisor, Laboratory Operations Manager, or Program Head/Medical Microbiologist, as appropriate on customer service issues.

9.    Performs all related functions required for the production of final reports such as preparing, testing and assessing quality control results prior to release of clinical results, troubleshoots sample adequacy and prepares dilutions as required according to established procedures.

10.    Maintains and documents maintenance of laboratory equipment. Recognizes and reports malfunctions in equipment.

11.    Participates in quality assurance programs for the Analytical Section through methods such as gathering data on turn-around-times (TAT) for test procedures, and monitoring performance and quality indicators. Reports occurrences according to standard operating procedures.

12.    Provides input in the development and maintenance of operating procedures (OPs) for the Analytical Section and making recommendations for changes.

13.    Assists with information management, such as workload statistics, through methods such as gathering information, completing analysis and recording information.

14.    Demonstrates routine laboratory procedures to students and technologists.

15.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•    Certification with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)
•    One year of recent, related experience including experience in a research based laboratory or an equivalent combination of education, training and recent related experience.


Skills and Abilities

•    Basic knowledge of microbiology, molecular biology and biosafety
•    Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects independently and meet the demands of the section’s routine work schedule
•    Demonstrated ability in writing scientific manuscripts an asset and performing literature searches
•    Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot unexpected results
•    Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
•    Demonstrated attention to detail and organizational skills
•    Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated, manage time, and work independently
•    Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment and use related software
•    Knowledge of basic computer software
•    Demonstrated physical ability to perform the job