Medical Laboratory Technologist, Virology

Job summary

Tests clinical and other specimens to detect and identify infectious agents using microscopy, immunoassays, cell culture, molecular methods, and serological testing, then evaluates and verifies results for reporting. Maintains equipment, quality control, reagents, records, and a safe work area while supporting laboratory operations, staff training, and process improvement.

Job details

Job Summary In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Providence Health Care (PHC), the position promotes safety for patients, residents, families, visitors and staff. Reporting to the Technical Coordinator, and working under the direction of the designated Virology Technical Supervisor, the position detects and identifies infectious agents (primarily intracellular organisms such as viruses) in clinical and other specimens by a variety of methods such viral identification by fluorescent microscopy, tissue cell culture or by molecular DNA analysis such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify nucleic acid sequences. Performs serological and other tests on clinical specimens. Performs routine equipment maintenance and quality control on instrumentation. Evaluates and verifies results and prepares and issues reports. Duties/Accountabilities 3.1 Participates in day-to-day activities in Virology by testing clinical and other specimens using a variety of methods and evaluating and verifying results according to established procedures. 3.2 Detects and identifies infectious agents using methods such as fluorescent microscopy, rapid immunoassays and cell cultures or by molecular DNA techniques, including PCR to identify nucleic acid sequences. Evaluates and verifies results including analysing, reading and interpreting the results as required in accordance with established procedures. Performs serological and other tests on specimens. 3.3 Prepares stock solutions and reagents following standard operating procedures. 3.4 Demonstrates laboratory procedures and routines to new staff, residents, students and fellows and answers questions about technical processes in the work area. 3.5 Responds to requests and inquiries for Virology tests. Seeks direction as required from the appropriate Virology Technical Supervisor on customer service issues. 3.6 Enters and retrieves data utilizing the Laboratory Information System, including patient demographics and test results. 3.7 Performs all related functions required for the production of final reports such as preparing, testing, assessing and recording quality control results according to established guidelines prior to release of clinical results, troubleshoots specimen adequacy and prepares dilutions as required according to established procedures. 3.8 Performs routine equipment maintenance according to established procedures. Recognizes equipment malfunctions, performs basic equipment troubleshooting and notifies Supervisor as required. 3.9 Assists with information management such as workload statistics through methods such as gathering information, completing analysis and recording information. 3.10 Maintains a safe work environment by methods such as keeping the work area clean, safe and organized and by following the policies and procedures contained in the Laboratory Safety Manual and other safety references. 3.11 Provides input in the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures by making recommendations for changes to the Supervisor as requested. 3.12 Keeps abreast of technological developments in the field and maintains knowledge by methods such as reading related literature and attending approved lectures, courses and workshops. 3.13 Participates as an active member of the laboratory team by engaging in activities such as interacting with other staff members, attending staff meetings, identifying concerns about work/workplace issues, contributing in generating solutions to improve processes and participating in the development and achievement of departmental goals. 3.14 Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education, Training, and Experience Graduation from a recognized program in Medical Laboratory Technology and one year recent, related experience in the relevant laboratory discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Certified. Skills And Abilities Demonstrated ability to communicate with and deal effectively with staff, Physicians, research staff and other health care providers. Current knowledge of relevant laboratory testing, techniques, methods and procedures. Knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures related to laboratory technology. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Demonstrated ability to deal with and/or guide others in conflict situations. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position. Ability to work independently, prioritize issues and workload and complete assigned work. Ability to operate related equipment, including computerized information systems. Demonstrated ability to demonstrate procedures to other employees, residents, students and fellows.

What you’ll do

Tests clinical and other specimens to detect and identify infectious agents using microscopy, immunoassays, cell culture, molecular methods, and serological testing, then evaluates and verifies results for reporting. Maintains equipment, quality control, reagents, records, and a safe work area while supporting laboratory operations, staff training, and process improvement.

Requirements

Requires graduation from a recognized Medical Laboratory Technology program and CSMLS certification. Also requires one year of recent related experience in the relevant laboratory discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, along with current laboratory testing knowledge and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Listed skills

• interdisciplinary collaboration · Preferred
• Quality Control · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Virology Testing
• Fluorescent Microscopy
• Rapid Immunoassays
• Cell Culture
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
• Molecular DNA Analysis
• Serological Testing
• Result Analysis and Verification
• Quality Control
• Laboratory Information Systems
• Reagent Preparation
• Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting
• Laboratory Safety
• Standard Operating Procedures
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Technical Demonstration and Training

Job areas

• Healthcare
• Science & Research
• Data & Analytics
• Security & Safety