Molecular Biology Specialist Molecular Diagnostics

Job details

Salary

$41.35–$52.20 an hour

Job Type

Full-time Permanent

The Department of Laboratory Medicine at St. Michael's Hospital (SMH) provides comprehensive testing for patients across all disciplines of laboratory medicine. Within laboratory medicine, the division of microbiology employs various methods, including molecular-based techniques such as real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), to determine the bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause disease. The microbiology laboratory seeks to expand and enhance its molecular-based diagnostic functionality in order to:

  • Provide cutting edge molecular microbiology testing services with increased capacity, breadth of testing, and decreased turnaround times;

  • Improve test utilization and cost effectiveness;

  • Stimulate and foster the development of research initiatives across the division of microbiology

Responsibilities:

  • Will work closely with the Microbiology Lab Manager, Head of Microbiology, and Lead of Molecular Microbiology towards the expansion of the clinical molecular microbiology diagnostics testing menu by developing cutting edge diagnostic assays, that would span an array of methodologies including, nucleic-acid amplification techniques (e.g. PCR) and nucleic acid sequencing (next-generation sequencing).

  • Perform assay validation and optimization of commercial and lab developed tests.

  • Develop computer-based tools that can be used to improve and automate data/sequence analysis

  • Act as a subject matter expert and technical resource lead for the molecular laboratory

  • Act as a primary resource and content expert for Managers, Directors and Lab Medicine Clinicians

  • Assist in the troubleshooting of equipment and/or assay failures and provide lab staff, Manager, and Microbiologists with input on resolutions.

  • Act as a primary point person for review of abnormal test results

  • Assist in the preparation of standard operating procedures (SOPs)

  • Assist in the training of staff when new assays and/or changes to existing methods are made

  • Organize and provide teaching/education sessions and hands-on teaching/demonstration sessions as assigned, for Students, Residents, Laboratory Staff, Managers, Operations Leads, and Clinicians

  • Engage in collaborative and independent research projects in consultation with, and following the guidance of the Head of Microbiology and the Lead of Molecular Microbiology

  • Prepare and present project findings at departmental meetings, rounds, and conferences to a broad audience ranging from laboratory staff to primary care clinicians

  • Participate in local (e.g. institutional, city-wide, etc.) research days and in national conferences and workshops, as guided by the Head of Microbiology and the Lead of Molecular Microbiology

  • Participate in quality improvement initiatives, as informed

  • Assist in the improvement of work flow processes to increase lab efficiency

  • Participate in the preparation of policies, processes and procedures within the Quality System in order to ensure effective operation/compliance with IQMH laboratory accreditation requirements

  • Identify emerging issues related to molecular microbiology diagnostics

  • Participate in the preparation of business cases for new initiatives/equipment

Qualifications:

  • Completion of a recognized Masters of Science Degree (MSc) in Molecular Biology or a related field required

  • Completion of a Doctorate (PhD) in Molecular Biology or related field considered an asset

  • Two (2) years recent training/work experience in molecular biology required

  • Experience working in a clinical diagnostic molecular laboratory considered an asset

  • Technical expertise in a broad range of molecular biology methodologies including, but not limited to, nucleic acid extraction methods, primer and probe design, and real-time-PCR required

  • Technical expertise and hands-on experience with nucleic acid sequencing modalities including, but not limited to, Sanger sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing required

  • Knowledge of and hands-on experience using nucleic acid primer/probe design applications and sequence analysis tools required;

  • Hands-on experience working with and developing advanced bioinformatics tools for sequence analysis and programming applications considered an asset

  • Demonstrated experience in training staff and/or education/experience giving lectures, workshops, etc. required

  • Demonstrated ability to develop, perform, interpret and troubleshoot molecular based assays required

  • Demonstrated ability to be self-directed and adaptable to new technologies and processes required

  • Demonstrated ability to pay close attention to detail and make decisions based on knowledge/experience required

  • Ability to work well under pressure, prioritize issues/workload and complete assigned tasks required

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office required

  • Strong organizational and time management skills required

  • Strong work ethic required

  • Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills with a focus on ability to communicate and interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, from lay to expert, in molecular biology theory and practice required

How to Apply