Molecular Lab Supervisor, Diagnostic Services Unit

Description

The Diagnostic Services Unit in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Molecular Lab Supervisor. This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 6 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Molecular Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day operations and supervision of the Molecular laboratory supporting the Diagnostic Services Unit (DSU) of the University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM). This position reports to the Manager, Operations DSU and may receive day-to- day direction from the Clinical Microbiologists or pathologists regarding specific activities and processes.

The hours of work are normally Monday through Friday, 35 hours per week. Scheduling may vary on occasion; therefore, flexibility is required. On occasion, there may be the need to work outside of regular hours including weekends.

The position is based out of the Clinical Skills Building (CSB) at the Spy Hill Campus, but travel to Foothills Campus may be required.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Supervises the DSU Molecular laboratory that supports the needs of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and its pathologists, faculty, students (undergraduate and graduate), partner clinics, researchers, the veterinary and agriculture community of Alberta
• Independently plans, organizes, and participates in the execution of day-to-day activities in the DSU Molecular laboratory in order to meet deadlines and sample turn-around times while maintaining excellent product quality
• Selects appropriate techniques based upon animal species, type of sample submission and suspected pathogen. Identifies pathogens in a wide variety of mammalian, avian, and environmental specimens. Extracts nucleic acids and identifies pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and parasites by use of appropriate DNA or RNA analysis to determine the presence/absence of different genes
• Maintains, records and reviews results from biological and physical testing of each submission into the Laboratory Information System. Presents results to the Virologist or Veterinary Pathologist
• Verifies case results when the Clinical Virologist is away or on vacation.
• Participates in development and adherence to quality assurance / quality control program for Molecular lab, including writing, reviewing and revising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS)
• Works with Faculty and DSU leadership to enhance and expand diagnostic and research opportunities through the improvement of existing molecular laboratory processes and implementation of new procedures. Provides insightful guidance and recommendations for enhancements to the molecular laboratory systems, methods, procedures, practices, and workflow, as well as researching and recommending new equipment and techniques. Acts in the capacity of a knowledgeable molecular diagnostics resource for others as a mentor and is an exemplary role model for technical staff
• Maintains inventory of all controls, saved samples, and reagents
• Oversees maintenance and operation of laboratory equipment and performs associated documentation of any work, alterations, enhancements, and calibrations performed
• Observes appropriate biosecurity procedures for invasive pathogens, many of which are zoonotic. Disposes of pathogens by sterilization, incineration and medical waste company; washes, prepares and sterilizes lab glassware
• Ensures that the Molecular laboratory is clean, functional, effective, efficient, and complies with environmental and safety standards, practices, codes, and regulations
   

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related field, or certification as a Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) (Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science-CSMLS), Medical Technologist (MT) (American Medical Technologists-AMT), Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) (ASCP), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) (ASCP), or equivalent. A Master of Science Degree is strongly preferred
• Substantial experience, technical background, knowledge and advanced technical skills and proficiency in molecular diagnostic techniques, to be considered an expert in the field, is required. A minimum 2 years of experience in diagnostic microbiology, preferably in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory is required
• Ability to supervise, mentor, and train technical staff is expected, as is the ability to communicate specimen requirements to submitters and users. Previous experience in a supervisory and/or training role within a diagnostic laboratory setting is considered an asset
• Knowledge of molecular and microbiological techniques
• Must be proficient in the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of diagnostic laboratory
• Ability to push, pull, lift or carry moderate weight- 20-40 lbs
• Proficiency with computers and knowledge of or ability to learn management of electronic records or database is required. Experience with a laboratory information management system (LIMS) would be considered an asset
• Sound knowledge of the principles of sanitation and disinfection or a willingness to learn is required
• Understanding of and ability to work using industry specific laboratory safety standards
• Demonstrated ability to lead, take initiative, and to prioritize work and manage time of others
• Function as a productive team member as well as work independently is required
• Excellent communication (written and oral), organization, interpersonal, and customer service skills are required
• Ability to work in an academic and clinical environment is expected. Personable and able to respond professionally when faced with multiple demands and short timelines

Application Deadline:  August 9, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Technical Job Family, Phase 3.

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.