Technologist, Life Sciences Laboratory - Medical Lab Assistant

Position Summary

The Technologist, Life Sciences Laboratory – MLA acts as an essential laboratory resource for the Life Sciences programs. The incumbent is involved in all laboratory activities from tracking and ordering supplies to lab preparation and clean up. Where applicable, the incumbent is responsible for the demonstration, supervision, testing, and evaluation of practical lab skills completed by students enrolled in life sciences programs. Where appropriate, the incumbent assists in preparing students with the required skills that must be demonstrated within the laboratory environment before applying the practical skills in an industrial setting. This position will involve key operator training on several pieces of medical equipment and may involve international travel.

Successful candidates will be required to conduct work within Ontario and must be available to work on campus as required. This role will work on-site at the Doon campus located at 299 Doon Valley Drive, Kitchener, ON N2G 4M4 Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Infrequent evening and weekend shifts may be required.

Responsibilities

• Prepares all laboratory materials such as solutions, media, chemicals, cultures, tissue preparations for the operation and maintenance of life science, BSL2, and clinical diagnostic laboratories includes student, researcher, faculty lab exercises
• Cleans and maintains lab spaces as required
• Contributes to the evaluation of student performance in the lab in relation to program standards
• Provides remedial skill assistance to students on referral from faculty; tests student performance following remedial assistance as well as return demonstration of a skill; documents findings as required and consults with faculty and Chairs regarding students’ ability to meet established standards
• Supports Lab Manager in maintaining and ordering lab equipment and consumables for life science, BSL2, and clinical diagnostic laboratory activities
• Assists in the assessment of capital and non-capital equipment and supplies
• Maintains and operates laboratory equipment within the life science, BSL2, and clinical diagnostic lab spaces in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications and requirements
• Ensures lab equipment remains in good working order by identifying and conducting preventative maintenance and troubleshooting, as required
• Conducts quality control analysis where required to ensure laboratory equipment is operating efficiently
• Maintains a record of current inventory, quality status, and validation of all lab equipment
• Monitors lab functioning in relation to student and program needs and revises operations to increase efficiency and effectiveness
• Monitors functionality of lab safety equipment such as eye wash station, safety shower, and first aid kits
• Obtains clinical specimens from requisite sites at the direction of the Lab Manager
• Participates in the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures relevant to the requisite laboratories
• Participates on committees relevant to the School Health & Life Sciences (e.g., accreditation committees, Occupational Health & Safety review, lab safety committee)
• Contributes to curriculum development by faculty related to lab resources through input at team meetings
• Maintains a productive working relationship with the laboratory teams and other departments within the College
• Promotes good public relations through contacts with personnel from other educational facilities, agencies as well as commercial sales representatives
• Participates in program promotional activities related to prospective students
• Documents scheduled and non-scheduled hours of lab usage, equipment usage and other data
• Compiles an annual report for specific college personnel
• Recognizes the need for continuous self-growth and development and establishes goals for annual development activities

Qualifications

• One year certificate in Medical Laboratory Assistant / Technician or equivalent is required
• Certification in good standing with the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) and/or Medical Laboratory Professionals’ Association of Ontario (MLPAO/OSMT) is preferred
• Minimum two years of related work experience is required
• Excellent communication/interpersonal skills in working with faculty, students and others
• High level organizational skills for planning activities in the lab
• Assertive, self-motivated and creative abilities to develop and maintain the lab as a relevant dynamic learning resource for Life Science Programs
• Ability to work independently