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, Molecular Services Program aids in developing and is responsible for performing Nucleic Acid testing using a variety of procedures for the detection and identification of infectious disease agents from clinical and other specimens, is responsible for routine maintenance and quality control of instrumentation and facilities, evaluates and verifies results, interprets data and prepares related reports.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1.     Participates in day-to-day work activities in the Molecular Services Laboratory by testing clinical and other specimens using various nucleic acid techniques and evaluating and verifying results according to established procedures.

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

3.      Orders and receives reagents and other consumables.

4.     Performs assigned quality control assessment and maintenance of laboratory facilities to insure proper function and processes.

5.     Responds to requests and inquiries for all referred in tests and seeks direction as required from the Technical Coordinator, Team Lead, Site Supervisor, Laboratory Operations Manager, or Program Head/Medical Microbiologist to conclude 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 or experimental results, troubleshoots specimen adequacy and prepares reagents as required according to established procedures.

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

8.      Participates in the overall quality management system including 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 technical operating procedures (TOP) for the analytical section and making recommendations for change.

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

11.    Packs specimens, collects clinical information from incoming requisitions and prepare documentations for dispatch of specimens to reference laboratories.

12.     Demonstrates routine laboratory procedures to students and technologists.

13.      Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

• Successful completion of recognized competency assessment exam and registration in the field of Clinical Microbiology 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.



Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated ability to utilize sterile techniques and work in the Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC).
• 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.