Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
About the role
The Opportunity
The Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine at the IWK comprises a large and diverse group of highly trained professionals across several specialized areas including pathology, genetics and biochemistry.
The Clinical Genomics Division provides full-service integrated molecular and cytogenetic testing for the Maritime Provinces and acts as a referral site for institutions outside the region. In collaboration with the Maritime Medical Genetics Service and other clinical partners, the Clinical Genomics Division ensures timely and clinically actionable results required for appropriate patient care.
In conjunction with providing timely quality care, the division also believes in fostering positive relationships in education and research. The Clinical Genomics service has built partnerships with many research groups and provides teaching opportunities for Dalhousie University undergraduate students, graduate students, medical school students, residents and fellows, as well as clinical placements for students from the Michener Genetic Technology program.
The Division of Clinical Genomics in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at IWK Health in Halifax Nova Scotia, is seeking a clinical laboratory scientist with certification in genetic and genomic diagnosis (GGD), or with dual certification in cytogenetics and molecular genetics. IWK Health is a large tertiary care teaching hospital affiliated with Dalhousie University, and the major referral center for pediatrics and prenatal care in the Maritimes. The Clinical Genomics Laboratory is a full service combined cytogenetic and molecular diagnostic testing facility that provides cytogenetics services for hematologic neoplasia solid tumor, and constitutional
testing, and molecular services for all inherited prenatal, pediatric and adult disorders for the Maritime Provinces. It is the only site accredited by the Children’s Oncology Group to perform chromosome analysis on pediatric leukemia samples in the Maritimes.
The successful applicant will join a team of four medical and clinical laboratory scientists providing genetic testing using state of the art technology in this comprehensive genetic testing services laboratory.
Responsibilities
- Shared coverage for triage, review, interpretation, reporting and consultation of both cytogenetic and molecular test requests.
- Experience in interpretation and reporting of karyotypes, FISH, microarray, and NGS data is expected.
- Additional responsibilities will include participation in development and implementation of new technology, and involvement in laboratory quality assurance program and other administrative duties.
- Interpret and draft clinical reports for genetic abnormalities, from the single nucleotide to the whole chromosome level, identified by various methodologies
- Provide consultation to healthcare practitioners regarding laboratory testing particularly as it relates to the management of patients and their families with genetic disorders
- Assume the day-to-day responsibilities for the operation and standards of a genomic diagnostic laboratory.
Qualifications
Required
- Ph.D. in Genetics or related field and certification (or qualified for certification) by the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists in Genetic and Genome Diagnostics (GGD), molecular diagnostics, or cytogenetics, or equivalent certification by the American Board of Medical Genetics. OR:
- M.D. with residency training in Pathology, Pediatrics, or Medical Genetics and certification (or qualified for certification) by the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists in Genetic and Genome Diagnostics (GGD), molecular diagnostics, or cytogenetics, or equivalent certification by the American Board of Medical Genetics
- Applicants must be CCMG or ABMG certified (or board eligible) in Cytogenetics and/or Molecular Genetics. Candidates with single certification in Molecular or Cytogenetics will also be considered, as well as those eligible to write CCMG exam by 2026. Previous experience in a Cytogenetics and/or Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory in a tertiary care health center is an asset.
- Ability to identify and interpret abnormalities from the single nucleotide to the whole chromosome level
- Ability and experience in preparing clinically useful reports, including appropriate follow up recommendations, for a variety of molecular genetics and/or cytogenetic test results
- Knowledge and experience in quality management in a genomics laboratory, including new technology implementation and validation
- Experience in research related to human genetics or experience with genetic variant curation and interpretation of clinical relevance.
- Experience writing and editing scientific materials for external audiences.
- Data management expertise (including scientific, genetics/genomic and/or medical data)
- Strong written and verbal communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
- Proven excellence working in a team environment with strong interpersonal, communication and conflict resolution skills.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate, develop and maintain effective relationships within healthcare teams.
- Demonstrated time and stress management skills while maintaining competence in a fast-paced work environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the principles of patient and family centered care.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to patient and staff safety at IWK Health
Preferred
- Preference will be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Color, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, and/or 2SLGBTQIA+. Please self-identify on your application.
Hours of Work
Monday – Friday; 75 hours bi-weekly
Additional Information
- Successful candidates may be eligible with relocation assistance of up to $5,000 for those who qualify. In turn, a Return of Service for two (2) years will be required.
- An offer of employment is conditional upon the completion and satisfactory results of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.
- If you are an employee of IWK Health, please apply through the internal careers page to ensure you are flagged as an internal applicant.
About Nova Scotia Health Authority
We are Nova Scotia Health. We are rural and urban. We are in hospitals, health centres and community. We serve individuals and communities from Yarmouth to Cape Breton, from Amherst to Halifax, and everything in between.
We are researchers and learners, looking for new ways to prevent and treat disease and maintain health. We are partners – with community groups, schools, government, foundations and auxiliaries, community health boards and, most importantly, with you.
Most of all, we are a community of caring, compassionate people who care deeply about health, healing and learning. Together with you, we will create a healthier Nova Scotia.
Mission: Working together to achieve excellence in health, healing and learning
Vision: Healthy people, healthy communities – for generations
Clinical Laboratory Scientist, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
About the role
The Opportunity
The Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine at the IWK comprises a large and diverse group of highly trained professionals across several specialized areas including pathology, genetics and biochemistry.
The Clinical Genomics Division provides full-service integrated molecular and cytogenetic testing for the Maritime Provinces and acts as a referral site for institutions outside the region. In collaboration with the Maritime Medical Genetics Service and other clinical partners, the Clinical Genomics Division ensures timely and clinically actionable results required for appropriate patient care.
In conjunction with providing timely quality care, the division also believes in fostering positive relationships in education and research. The Clinical Genomics service has built partnerships with many research groups and provides teaching opportunities for Dalhousie University undergraduate students, graduate students, medical school students, residents and fellows, as well as clinical placements for students from the Michener Genetic Technology program.
The Division of Clinical Genomics in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at IWK Health in Halifax Nova Scotia, is seeking a clinical laboratory scientist with certification in genetic and genomic diagnosis (GGD), or with dual certification in cytogenetics and molecular genetics. IWK Health is a large tertiary care teaching hospital affiliated with Dalhousie University, and the major referral center for pediatrics and prenatal care in the Maritimes. The Clinical Genomics Laboratory is a full service combined cytogenetic and molecular diagnostic testing facility that provides cytogenetics services for hematologic neoplasia solid tumor, and constitutional
testing, and molecular services for all inherited prenatal, pediatric and adult disorders for the Maritime Provinces. It is the only site accredited by the Children’s Oncology Group to perform chromosome analysis on pediatric leukemia samples in the Maritimes.
The successful applicant will join a team of four medical and clinical laboratory scientists providing genetic testing using state of the art technology in this comprehensive genetic testing services laboratory.
Responsibilities
- Shared coverage for triage, review, interpretation, reporting and consultation of both cytogenetic and molecular test requests.
- Experience in interpretation and reporting of karyotypes, FISH, microarray, and NGS data is expected.
- Additional responsibilities will include participation in development and implementation of new technology, and involvement in laboratory quality assurance program and other administrative duties.
- Interpret and draft clinical reports for genetic abnormalities, from the single nucleotide to the whole chromosome level, identified by various methodologies
- Provide consultation to healthcare practitioners regarding laboratory testing particularly as it relates to the management of patients and their families with genetic disorders
- Assume the day-to-day responsibilities for the operation and standards of a genomic diagnostic laboratory.
Qualifications
Required
- Ph.D. in Genetics or related field and certification (or qualified for certification) by the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists in Genetic and Genome Diagnostics (GGD), molecular diagnostics, or cytogenetics, or equivalent certification by the American Board of Medical Genetics. OR:
- M.D. with residency training in Pathology, Pediatrics, or Medical Genetics and certification (or qualified for certification) by the Canadian College of Medical Geneticists in Genetic and Genome Diagnostics (GGD), molecular diagnostics, or cytogenetics, or equivalent certification by the American Board of Medical Genetics
- Applicants must be CCMG or ABMG certified (or board eligible) in Cytogenetics and/or Molecular Genetics. Candidates with single certification in Molecular or Cytogenetics will also be considered, as well as those eligible to write CCMG exam by 2026. Previous experience in a Cytogenetics and/or Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory in a tertiary care health center is an asset.
- Ability to identify and interpret abnormalities from the single nucleotide to the whole chromosome level
- Ability and experience in preparing clinically useful reports, including appropriate follow up recommendations, for a variety of molecular genetics and/or cytogenetic test results
- Knowledge and experience in quality management in a genomics laboratory, including new technology implementation and validation
- Experience in research related to human genetics or experience with genetic variant curation and interpretation of clinical relevance.
- Experience writing and editing scientific materials for external audiences.
- Data management expertise (including scientific, genetics/genomic and/or medical data)
- Strong written and verbal communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills
- Proven excellence working in a team environment with strong interpersonal, communication and conflict resolution skills.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate, develop and maintain effective relationships within healthcare teams.
- Demonstrated time and stress management skills while maintaining competence in a fast-paced work environment.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to the principles of patient and family centered care.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to patient and staff safety at IWK Health
Preferred
- Preference will be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Color, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, and/or 2SLGBTQIA+. Please self-identify on your application.
Hours of Work
Monday – Friday; 75 hours bi-weekly
Additional Information
- Successful candidates may be eligible with relocation assistance of up to $5,000 for those who qualify. In turn, a Return of Service for two (2) years will be required.
- An offer of employment is conditional upon the completion and satisfactory results of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.
- If you are an employee of IWK Health, please apply through the internal careers page to ensure you are flagged as an internal applicant.
About Nova Scotia Health Authority
We are Nova Scotia Health. We are rural and urban. We are in hospitals, health centres and community. We serve individuals and communities from Yarmouth to Cape Breton, from Amherst to Halifax, and everything in between.
We are researchers and learners, looking for new ways to prevent and treat disease and maintain health. We are partners – with community groups, schools, government, foundations and auxiliaries, community health boards and, most importantly, with you.
Most of all, we are a community of caring, compassionate people who care deeply about health, healing and learning. Together with you, we will create a healthier Nova Scotia.
Mission: Working together to achieve excellence in health, healing and learning
Vision: Healthy people, healthy communities – for generations