Medical Laboratory Technologist, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver

Medical Laboratory Technologist, Virology

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Job Summary

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values 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 role detects and identifies infectious agents (primarily intracellular organisms such as viruses) in clinical and other specimens by a variety of methods including fluorescent microscopy, tissue cell culture and molecular DNA analysis such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The technician performs serological tests, routine equipment maintenance, quality control on instrumentation, evaluates and verifies results, and prepares and issues reports.

Duties / Accountabilities

• 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.
• Detects and identifies infectious agents using methods such as fluorescent microscopy, rapid immunoassays, cell cultures and molecular DNA techniques, including PCR.
• Prepares stock solutions and reagents following standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrates laboratory procedures and routines to new staff, residents, students and fellows and answers questions about technical processes in the work area.
• Responds to requests and inquiries for Virology tests and seeks direction from the Virology Technical Supervisor on customer service issues.
• Enters and retrieves data utilizing the Laboratory Information System, including patient demographics and test results.
• 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.
• Performs routine equipment maintenance according to established procedures, recognizes equipment malfunctions, performs basic troubleshooting and notifies Supervisor as required.
• Assists with information management such as workload statistics by gathering information, completing analysis and recording information.
• Maintains a safe work environment by keeping the work area clean, safe and organized and following the policies and procedures contained in the Laboratory Safety Manual.
• Provides input in the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures by making recommendations for changes to the Supervisor as requested.
• Keeps abreast of technological developments in the field and maintains knowledge by reading related literature and attending approved lectures, courses and workshops.
• 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 and contributing to solutions to improve processes and departmental goals.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

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.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• 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, workload and complete assigned work.
• Ability to operate related equipment, including computerized information systems.
• Ability to demonstrate procedures to other employees, residents, students and fellows.

Seniority Level

• Entry level

Employment Type

• Full-time

Job Function

• Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
• Hospitals and Health Care