Public Health Technologist, Zoonotic Disease and Emerging Pathogens - Vancouver 

The Zoonotic Diseases & Emerging Pathogens Technologistperforms reference-level serological testing for bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, cultureand other testing methods 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.

 

Why Choose British Columbia if you already don’t live here?

• A Lifestyle Like No Other: Whether you’re exploring Vancouver, Richmond and North Vancouver, vibrant city life, skiing in world-class Whistler, or enjoying the serene beaches of the Sunshine Coast, or the beauty of the Fraser Valley, BC offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
• Natural Beauty at Your Doorstep: From lush rainforests to stunning mountain ranges, BC’s awe-inspiring landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for both work and play.
• A Thriving, Diverse Community: Experience the rich culture, outstanding cuisine, and welcoming spirit that make BC one of the most desirable places to live.
• Family-Friendly and Safe: With excellent schools, healthcare, and community programs, BC’s Lower Mainland is the ideal place to build a future.

Why Join Us?

• Collaborative Excellence: Work alongside other health care professionals such as technologists, laboratory assistants, doctors and nurse clinicians dedicated to innovation and quality care.
• We have laboratories in rural and remote setting as well as state of the art urban hospitals
• Meaningful Impact: Support diverse clinical areas, community-based to tertiary care hospitals with state of the art diagnostics, ensuring optimal outcomes for all patient populations. Work in an organization that celebrates diversity, is driven by compassion and is at the forefront of exceptional care and innovation.
• Be part of an amazing team on the Sunshine Coast and Lower Mainland that really emphasizes quality and patient care:  Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS) works collaboratively with partners such as, Fraser Health , Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care, to ensure the laboratory system is meeting the needs of British Columbians
• Competitive Compensation & Comprehensive Benefits: We provide a highly competitive compensation package, with hourly wages ranging from $36.69 to $45.81, based on experience and qualifications. In addition, enjoy a robust benefits package that includes paid vacation, sick time, time in lieu, overtime opportunities, and comprehensive health and dental coverage. Your well-being is our priority, and we are committed to offering you the support and flexibility you deserve.

What you’ll do

• Participates in day-to-day work activities in the Zoonotic Diseases & Emerging Pathogens Program by testing referred-in, reference, clinical and other samples using serological, cultureand other techniques.
• Participates in day-to-day work activities in the Zoonotic Diseases & Emerging Pathogens Program by testing referred-in, reference, clinical and other samples using serological, cultureand other techniques.
• Evaluates and verifies results according to established procedures.
• Performs culturing techniques as determined by protocol (Borrelia species and Helicobacter pylori) or special request approved by Team Lead and Program Head/Medical Microbiologist.
• Performs Helicobacter pylori stool antigen test.
• Identifies bacteria using light, darkfield and fluorescent microscopy.
• Prepares stock solutions and reagents following standard operating procedures.
• Responds to requests and inquiries for all referred in tests. Seeks direction as required from the Technical Coordinator, Team Lead, Site Superviros, Laboratory Operations Manager or Program Head/Medical Microbiologist as appropriate on customer service issues.
• 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.
• Maintains and documents maintenance of laboratory equipment. Recognizes and reports malfunctions in equipment.
• 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.
• Provides input in the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures (OPs) for the Analytical Section and making recommendations for changes.
• Assists with information management, such as workload statistics, through methods such as gathering information, completing analysis and recording information.
• Demonstrates routine laboratory procedures to students and technologists.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  
  

What you bring

Qualifications

• Certification: Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS).
• Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology and certification with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) OR Bachelor of Science in Microbiology or related biological science relevant to the assigned section plus 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: Strong communication, adaptability, and a commitment to patient care excellence in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

 

Core Competencies

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
• Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

Skills & Knowledge

• 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

 

What we bring

 

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

 

Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time
Wage: $37.79 - $47.18 / Hour 
Location: 655 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4

Closing Date: Applications accepted until filled 
Hours of Work: Monday - Friday. 0800-1600/0830-1630

Requisition # 196884E

 

Make BC Your Home if it isn't already – and PHSA your employer of choice!

 

Ready to combine an exciting career with an unmatched lifestyle? Shape the future of patient care in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Apply today and start your next chapter in British Columbia if you haven't already!

 

Should you be interested please apply online or contact shaesta.rajabali@phsa.ca to learn more!

 

What we do

 

Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS), part of Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), is at the forefront of diagnostic testing in BC, operating across 31 sites in the Lower Mainland and Central Coast. From hospitals to specialty labs within Vancouver Coastal Health, Provincial Health Services Authority, Fraser Health Authority, and Providence Health Care, our dedicated teams deliver fast, accurate results that drive critical patient care and medical innovation. Whether detecting diseases, guiding treatments, or supporting groundbreaking research, PLMS plays a vital role in advancing healthcare and saving lives across the province

 

 

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.

 

 

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

 

 

PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

 

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.

 

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

 

Attention current employees of PHSA:

 

You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca. The internal job posting expires on April 23rd, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting. If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days. If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at careers@phsa.ca.