Medical Laboratory Technologist, Virology

Medical Laboratory Technologist, Virology

St. Paul's Hospital

Vancouver, BC

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Providence Health Care (PHC), the position promotes safety for patients, residents, families, visitors and staff.

Reporting to the Technical Coordinator, and working under the direction of the designated Virology Technical Supervisor, the position detects and identifies infectious agents (primarily intracellular organisms such as viruses) in clinical and other specimens by a variety of methods such viral identification by fluorescent microscopy, tissue cell culture or by molecular DNA analysis such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify nucleic acid sequences. Performs serological and other tests on clinical specimens. Performs routine equipment maintenance and quality control on instrumentation. Evaluates and verifies results and prepares and issues reports.

What you'll do

• Participates in day-to-day activities in Virology by testing clinical and other specimens using a variety of methods and evaluating and verifying results according to established procedures.
• Detects and identifies infectious agents using methods such as fluorescent microscopy, rapid immunoassays and cell cultures or by molecular DNA techniques, including PCR to identify nucleic acid sequences. Evaluates and verifies results including analysing, reading and interpreting the results as required in accordance with established procedures. Performs serological and other tests on specimens.
• Prepares stock solutions and reagents following standard operating procedures.
• Demonstrates laboratory procedures and routines to new staff, residents, students and fellows and answers questions about technical processes in the work area.
• Responds to requests and inquiries for Virology tests. Seeks direction as required from the appropriate Virology Technical Supervisor on customer service issues.
• Enters and retrieves data utilizing the Laboratory Information System, including patient demographics and test results.
• Performs all related functions required for the production of final reports such as preparing, testing, assessing and recording quality control results according to established guidelines prior to release of clinical results, troubleshoots specimen adequacy and prepares dilutions as required according to established procedures.
• Performs routine equipment maintenance according to established procedures. Recognizes equipment malfunctions, performs basic equipment troubleshooting and notifies Supervisor as required.
• Assists with information management such as workload statistics through methods such as gathering information, completing analysis and recording information.
• Maintains a safe work environment by methods such as keeping the work area clean, safe and organized and by following the policies and procedures contained in the Laboratory Safety Manual and other safety references.
• Provides input in the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures by making recommendations for changes to the Supervisor as requested.
• Keeps abreast of technological developments in the field and maintains knowledge by methods such as reading related literature and attending approved lectures, courses and workshops.
• Participates as an active member of the laboratory team by engaging in activities such as interacting with other staff members, attending staff meetings, identifying concerns about work/workplace issues, contributing in generating solutions to improve processes and participating in the development and achievement of departmental goals.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What you bring

Qualifications

• Graduation from a recognized program in Medical Laboratory Technology and one year recent, related experience in the relevant laboratory discipline or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Certified.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within St. Paul's Hospital contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
• Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

Skills & Knowledge

• Demonstrated ability to communicate with and deal effectively with staff, Physicians, research staff and other health care providers.
• Current knowledge of relevant laboratory testing, techniques, methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of legislation and government policies and procedures related to laboratory technology.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with and/or guide others in conflict situations.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize issues and workload and complete assigned work.
• Ability to operate related equipment, including computerized information systems.
• Demonstrated ability to demonstrate procedures to other employees, residents, students and fellows.
• Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That's why we're focused on your care too - offering health, wellness, development programs to support you - at work and at home.

• Join one of BC's largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations - offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San'yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time -
Wage: $36.69 - $45.81 / Hour
Location: 1081 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6
Closing Date: April 17, 2025
Hours of Work: 0700-1500, 0800-1600, 0900-1700, 1000-1800, 1500-2300 (Rotating)
Requisition # 181171E

What we do

Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS ), part of Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) , is at the forefront of diagnostic testing in BC, operating across 31 sites in the Lower Mainland and Central Coast. From hospitals to specialty labs within Vancouver Coastal Health , Provincial Health Services Authority , Fraser Health Authority , and Providence Health Care , our dedicated teams deliver fast, accurate results that drive critical patient care and medical innovation. Whether detecting diseases, guiding treatments, or supporting groundbreaking research, PLMS plays a vital role in advancing healthcare and saving lives across the province

The Provincial Health Services Authority ( PHSA ) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people - Be compassionate - Dare to innovate - Create equity - Be courageous.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA's North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya'k'ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca .

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at internaljobs.phsa.ca

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of March 29, 2025. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday - Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.