Salary Range: $88,990-$127,923/year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.Reporting to the Mapping and Sequencing Group Leader, the Process Development Coordinator (PDC) is responsible for the development and testing of laboratory production processes in the Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) a large scale, high throughput facility.  The PDC develops new protocols and procedures/methodology, monitors and reviews performance within the production process, identifies areas for improvements, makes recommendations, including equipment purchases, and implements adjustments.    The PDC provides formal training, direction and supervision to others within the Mapping and Sequencing Group when implementing new or revised protocols.  The PDC provides direct and ongoing supervision to the Assistant Production Coordinator in the Process Development area.    Functional Reporting Relationship    The PDC reports directly to the Group Leader, Mapping and Sequencing.  While training (could be up to 6 months at a time) provides direct supervision to Genomics Technologists, Assistant Production Coordinators and Production Coordinators.  Provides direct and ongoing supervision to the Assistant Production Coordinator(s).

Complexity and Communication:

• The PDC monitors existing processes and develops new processes in relation to objectives to be achieved and performs experiments to develop methods and protocols to streamline, maximize output/quality and efficiency while balancing costs.  Monitors work activities to ensure quality standards are maintained.
• The PDC is responsible for training members of the production groups in new protocols and/or instrumentation and writes and maintains documentation accordingly.  Staff will rotate through training in groups for up to 6 months at a time.  During the training period the PDC provides direct supervision and instruction, determines schedules, approves vacation and other leaves, provides performance feedback, investigates staff issues and initiates action as necessary.  Provides instruction or orientation to external people such as researchers from other genome centres, universities, government labs who come to learn GSC procedures.
• The PDC assists with budget development by monitoring expenditures in relation to performance outcomes; and making recommendations on equipment purchases, production reactions and production runs to maximize cost/benefit.   The PDC has direct contact with external vendors and suppliers to gather information, discuss details such as equipment specifications, terms of delivery, etc.  Formulates final recommendations and forwards to Group Leader for final approval.
  
  

Duties/Accountabilities:

 

Oversees the development and testing of laboratory production processes at the Genome Sciences Centre by:

• Designing and performing experiments pertaining to the development and testing new protocols, protocol optimization, Quality Assurance and Quality Control, testing of prototypes and related activities.  Continually monitors performance of protocols within the production process and identifies areas for improvement.  Documents recommendations and develops implementation plan.
• Troubleshooting existing laboratory processes where necessary.  Makes recommendations and adjustments and reports problems.
• Training designated members of the production groups at the GSC in new optimized protocols and/or instrumentation.  Writes or revises protocols accordingly.
• Performing standard maintenance or service and minor repairs to designated lab equipment.
• Providing guidance to staff through supervision including the establishment of clear definitions of responsibility for each employee, reviewing workload assignments and adjusting schedules.
• Determining and approving overtime, vacation and other leave applications.  Approves time records for Payroll purposes.
• Completing employee performance reviews.  Follows up on development of education plans for team members.
• Providing guidance and technical advice regarding resolutions to work issues.
• Monitoring work activities to ensure standards are maintained.
• Investigating work and staff issues and initiates appropriate action (including disciplinary) in consultation with the Mapping & Sequencing Group Leader.  Represents the BC Cancer Agency regarding grievance and third party issues related to the technical staff of the GSC.
• Participating as a member of a team, in the recruitment and selection of technical team members.
• Performing technical functions related to the sequencing and mapping functions of the GSC.
• Other related duties as necessary.
  
  

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from a recognized Bachelor’s program in an appropriate discipline such as Genetics, Microbiology, Molecular Biology or Biochemistry (PhD preferred);
• Five (5) years of recent related experience in a research laboratory including supervisory experience, or;
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience acceptable to the GSC Group Leaders.
• Demonstrated experience with Perkin Elmer Applied Biosystems and Molecular Dynamics 96-channel capillary DNA sequencing instruments.
• Demonstrated experience in standard molecular biology techniques particularly DNA sequencing, DNA purification, polymerase chain reaction experiments.
• Demonstrated experience with high throughput preparation and analysis of DNA from large insert bacterial clones.
• Demonstrated experience with high throughput preparation of plasmid and templates.
• Working familiarity with related software and computer operating systems.
• Experience supervising and directing staff and/or graduate trainees.
• Excellent documenting and writing skills.
• Demonstrated teaching ability and ability to assess learning activity processes.
• Demonstrated ability to accept responsibility and work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with others in a team environment.
• Excellent organizational, leadership and interpersonal skills.