Public Health Technologist Virology

Job summary

The Technologist isolates and identifies viruses, bacteria, and parasites from clinical specimens using tissue culture and nucleic acid techniques. They are also responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, performing quality control, and preparing final clinical reports.

Job details

Job Summary 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 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. Identifies viruses using fluorescent microscopy, rapid immunoassays, shell vial and traditional cell culture methods. Prepares stock solutions and reagents following standard operating procedures. 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. Responds to requests and inquiries for all referred in tests. Seeks direction as required from the Section Head, Laboratory Operations Manager, or Program Head/Medical Director 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 specimen 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 (SOPs) 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. Qualifications Education, Training and Experience 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 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.

What you’ll do

The Technologist isolates and identifies viruses, bacteria, and parasites from clinical specimens using tissue culture and nucleic acid techniques. They are also responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, performing quality control, and preparing final clinical reports.

Requirements

Requires a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology with CSMLS certification or a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology or a related biological science. Candidates should have related experience, including research laboratory work, and strong organizational and communication skills.

Listed skills

• Time management · Preferred
• Quality assurance · Preferred
• interpersonal communication · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Virology
• Tissue Culture
• Nucleic Acid Extraction
• Real Time PCR
• Fluorescent Microscopy
• Immunoassays
• Cell Culturing
• Quality Assurance
• Laboratory Equipment Maintenance
• Specimen Analysis
• Interpersonal Communication
• Time Management

Job areas

• Healthcare
• Science & Research
• Government & Public Sector