Job Summary:

In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction 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 Genome Sciences Technologist (GST) performs various molecular biology laboratory techniques and procedures using laboratory robots, including biospecimen procurement, sample handling and quality control, diverse library construction and high throughput sequencing methods, in a large scale Genomics production facility. The GST assists in the development and/or implementation of new methods, materials, procedures, instruments and techniques and provides assistance to specific research projects or programs.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Performs genomics laboratory research assistance related to specific projects or programs in accordance with controlled laboratory procedures. This includes performing tasks such as biospecimen receipt and quality check, laboratory information management system (LIMS) data entry, RNA and DNA purification, cDNA synthesis, genome and transcriptome next generation library construction and sequencing, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) experiments, and agarose gel electrophoresis.

2.    Assists in the development and/or implementation of new methods, materials, procedures, instruments, and techniques (collectively termed ‘Technology Development’) by providing feedback to supervisors following protocol assessments. Contributes to the development of guidelines, standard operating procedures and transfer of new technology procedures being implemented by the production platform.

3.    Records and reports test results in laboratory software and summarizes results to supervisors and escalates concerns as required.

4.    Prepares solutions following standard operating procedures.

5.    Processes patient samples according to established procedures for clinical sequencing diagnostic tests.

6.    Maintains general lab and equipment cleanliness. Recognizes and reports malfunctions in equipment to the Assistant Production Coordinator.

7.    Works within a regulated quality management system by performing tasks such as completing training according to accreditation requirements and sending required training records and documentation specifying corrective and preventative actions (CA/PA) to the Quality Assurance team in accordance with Quality Management Systems policies.

8.    Provides orientation, collegial information and/or demonstration of equipment, work methods and processes to others, including other technologists and new staff as required.

9.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

•    Graduation from a recognized diploma program in Biotechnology, Microbiology or Biochemistry and two (2) years’ of recent related experience in a research laboratory or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience acceptable to the Genome Sciences Centre Group Leaders and Production Coordinators.

Skills and Abilities

•    Knowledge of molecular biology techniques particularly DNA and RNA preparation and manipulation and a good understanding of genomics technologies.
•    Demonstrated ability to perform detailed procedures reproducibly and accurately.
•    Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively with others in a team environment
•    Demonstrated knowledge and ability to use relevant computer operation systems and software.
•    Demonstrated ability to efficiently organization work assignments and establish priorities.
•    Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.