Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alberta Health Services (AHS) and is the sole provider of lab services in the province of Alberta. APL and the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine (DPLM) at the University of Calgary (U of C) Cumming School of Medicine are seeking a full time (1.0 FTE) board-certified/-eligible Clinical Biochemist to work in Clinical Biochemistry to oversee and provide vision of the mass spectrometry (MS) services in Southern Alberta. Preference will be given to candidates with expertise in endocrinology (steroid hormones, targeted proteomic analysis) with proven experience in MS method development.

APL–South Sector includes the clinical biochemistry laboratories at all hospitals and health care centers throughout central and southern Alberta, as well as the comprehensive laboratory services provided in the academic hub laboratory located in the city of Calgary. It is affiliated with the U of C, and the successful candidate will receive a Clinical Faculty appointment at the U of C based on academic credentials. The DPLM and APL–South Sector offer a Clinical Biochemistry Fellowship Training Program, as well as residency and other fellowship training programs (e.g. General Pathology and Microbiology). The successful candidate will be involved with teaching and training of the clinical biochemistry fellows and pathology residents.

Calgary, host of the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, is located within an hour’s drive of the Rocky Mountains, and within a half day’s drive of eight national parks. There are many opportunities for indoor and outdoor activities, including three nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites, world class athletic facilities, and many cultural events.

The successful candidate will join a large team of clinical biochemists, alongside a group of >100 laboratory physicians and clinical doctoral scientists within Southern Alberta and work primarily out of the Diagnostic and Scientific Centre in Calgary. This position will report to the Associate Section Chief for Clinical Biochemistry.

Key responsibilities

Comprehensive MS experience and knowledge to be able to oversee MS services with a focus in endocrinology and toxicology to improve/expand the current test menu.
Oversee and support troubleshooting and method development on ten mass spectrometers, in concert with three laboratory scientists.
Represent and support Southern Alberta on provincial initiatives and projects (e.g. instrument implementations, LIS and middleware activities, quality assurance activities, participation in working groups).
Contribute to the team that reviews and approves clinical referred out testing for Southern Alberta.
Contribute to the fellowship and residency programs by teaching and training trainees.

Selected accountabilities

Contribute to evaluation and implementation of instrumentation, software, and testing (e.g. large target drug screen panel, steroids, plasma/urine metanephrines) in collaboration with other disciplines.
Collaboratively work with toxicologist to expand services of toxicology.
Support safety, test utilization, and quality assurance programs for clinical biochemistry.
Provide input about resources required for laboratory medical and operational planning.
Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to enable and integrate clinical research.
Teach, mentor, and supervise laboratory medicine learners (e.g. undergraduate students, medical residents, clinical fellows, laboratory staff, and colleagues).
Provide input on workforce planning, recruitment, quality improvement and strategic planning for the Clinical Biochemistry section of APL.

Eligibility criteria

The successful candidate must possess an earned doctorate (PhD) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or related disciplines, and a current certification (or eligibility) by the Canadian Academy of Clinical Biochemistry or equivalent (e.g. American Board of Clinical Chemistry).
Has comprehensive experience and knowledge in the field of mass spectrometry.
Demonstrates effective communication skills, applied problem solving, critical thinking, organizational ability, leadership skills, and an ability to work independently and within teams in a fast paced, changing environment.
Strong track record of collegiality with coworkers, academic accomplishments, and evidence of ongoing continuing education and research in clinical biochemistry.

Compensation

APL provides an excellent remuneration package, including relocation assistance. Starting remuneration is commensurate with certification and experience. Salary range for Clinical PhDs in Alberta $132,295 – $186,928 annually.

Any questions regarding this job posting may be referred to:

Dr. Allison Venner

Associate Section Chief, Clinical Biochemistry

Provincial Medical Lead, POCT

Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Pathology & Lab Medicine

Email: allison.venner@aplabs.ca

Qualified candidates should submit their covering letter, curriculum vitae and 3 reference letters online to the Board Certified Clinical Biochemist (PhD) - Alberta Precision Laboratories Careers (albertaprecisionlabs.ca) You may also visit APL Career page and find the posting using the requisition number LAB00016077.

In accordance with the Canadian Foreign Workers requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) and the University of Alberta respects, appreciates, and encourages diversity. This position is available for AHS Sponsorship. This position will remain open until successfully filled.

Please note that all new staff to APL must provide criminal records check in compliance with the Protection for Persons in Care Act.