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 Technologist performs technical work involved in the Virology Program. The Technologist, Virology, isolates and identifies bacteria, viruses, and parasites from clinical and other specimens and performs biochemical, serological and other tests on clinical specimens, evaluates and verifies results, and prepares related reports.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.    Participates in day-to-day work activities in Virology by testing clinical and other specimens using tissue culture and nucleic acid technique, and evaluating and verifying results according to established procedures.  

2.    Identifies viruses using fluorescent microscopy, rapid immunoassays, shell vial and traditional cell culture methods.

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

4.    Performs cell culturing technique for virus propagation and maintenance of continuous cell line, and semi automatic nucleic acid extraction and detection by real time PCR.

5.    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.

6.    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 specimen adequacy and prepares dilutions as required according to established procedures.

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

8.    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.

9.    Provides input in the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Analytical Section and making recommendations for changes.

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

11.    Demonstrates routine laboratory procedures to students and technologists.

12.    Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

• Successful completion of recognized competency assessment exam and registration in the relevant field(s) of practice in accordance with the Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) pathways, or 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.

•Field of practice: Microbiology.


Skills and Abilities

• 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.
• Demonstrated physical ability to perform the job.