Medical Laboratory Technologist, Genome Diagnostics C&W

Job Summary:

The Genome Diagnostics Medical Laboratory Technologist performs clinical genetic procedures in accordance with established protocols and participates in the development of new procedures. The Genome Diagnostics Medical Laboratory Technologist also performs related laboratory duties including operating and maintaining equipment, maintaining supplies, data management and reporting.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Performs clinical genetic procedures on samples submitted for Molecular Genetics and/or Cytogenetics testing following established protocols. Procedures may include but are not limited to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction and quantification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based assays, sequencing (including Sanger and massively parallel), agarose gel and capillary electrophoresis, cell culture, harvest and slide preparation, targeted fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH) and comprehensive chromosome analysis (karyotype, chromosome microarray)..
2. Performs a variety of quality assurance and quality control duties including ensuring equipment is operating according to established standards. Ensures equipment validation, calibration and maintenance is completed according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), reviews equipment records for documentation of maintenance and completion of servicing. Recognizes malfunctions in equipment and initiates corrective action and forwards discrepancies/concerns to the Technical Coordinator.
3. Prepares reagents, standards and quality control material to be used for test procedures.
4. Performs data entry, data retrieval and prepares laboratory worksheets and reports. Enters daily workload statistics into the laboratory information system.
5. Calculates, tabulates and evaluates results, updates records accordingly, and populates patient report with template language.
6. Maintains standardization and quality control of test procedures and monitors test results for trends. Reports unusual or questionable test results to the Professional Staff or Technical Coordinator as appropriate.
7. Ensures that STAT and priority tests are assayed and reported promptly and in accordance with established protocols.
8. Maintains a safe work environment by following established safe work practices and using personal protective equipment. Reports hazardous work issues promptly to Technical Coordinator or Team Lead. Reports all work related injuries promptly to Technical Coordinator / Team Lead and Workplace Health.
9. Monitors laboratory supplies and stocks up to adequate levels. Notifies the Technical Coordinator of any deficiencies.
10. Participates in orientation and training of Student Technologists, other Technologists, Residents, and Fellows by demonstration and verbal instruction in the use of molecular and cytogenetic techniques.
11. Participates in the development and maintenance of SOPs for the Division by performing duties such as reviewing existing policy/procedures, drafting new policy/procedures and making recommendations to the Technical Coordinator or Team Lead.
12. Develops, evaluates and implements new techniques, products or equipment with the guidance of senior technical and professional staff.
13. Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• Bachelor of Science
• Certification with the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science as a Clinical Genetics Technologist
• Graduation from a recognized post diploma program in Clinical Genetics Technology and two years of recent, related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience

Skills and Abilities
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, patients and community health care partners, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated, set priorities, manage time, and work independently.
• Demonstrated knowledge of specialty area and current knowledge of the most recent advances in clinical genetics.
• Demonstrated technical competence to perform procedures using molecular and/or cytogenetic techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment and use related software.
• Demonstrated knowledge of computerized laboratory information systems.
• Demonstrated physical ability to perform the job.