Laboratory Technician, Virology

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Office, Clerical and Technical
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

Laboratory Technician, Virology

Animal Health Laboratory, Laboratory Services Division

Temporary full-time from August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2026
Hiring #: 2024-0389

Please read the Application Instructions before applying

The Laboratory Services Division (LSD) provides diagnostic and testing services to clients in private industry, government and academic organizations.  A diverse service laboratory, LSD consists of two operational units: The Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) and the Agriculture and Food Laboratory (AFL).  The Virology Section within the Animal Health Laboratory is seeking a technician to perform immunologic and molecular testing on various sample types, leveraging state of the art tools and technology. Join a talented and collaborative team of professionals and grow your expertise in laboratory testing.    

Key responsibilities of Laboratory Technician:

• Handling and preparing various specimen types for testing
• Performing analysis of specimens via virus neutralization, and cell culture
• Evaluating current virus neutralization protocols in order to enhance their performance
• Validating new virus neutralization assays used for diagnostic purposes and surveillance
• Performing analysis of specimens via emphasis on ELISA, virus neutralization, agglutination, cell culture
• Performing analysis of specimens via molecular methods
• Conducting all techniques consistently to minimize errors
• Producing accurate and reliable test results in a timely fashion following quality protocols, standard operating procedures, and work instructions
• Troubleshooting of laboratory equipment
• Complying with LSD guidelines and policies including Health and Safety, and Quality Assurance
• Identifying non-conformances and non-routine situations to Supervisor to support continuous improvement
• Assisting with development and validation of new tests
• Writing reports, ordering, and maintaining quality control on reagents and chemicals
• Ensuring laboratory cleanliness and safety

The Virology Section high-throughput environment is fast paced and highly collaborative.  Candidates who bring a positive and service-focused attitude and who thrive managing multiple tasks and working within a team will be most successful in this role. 

Minimum requirements also include the following:

• Three-year community college diploma plus related experience in a laboratory environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated experience conducting a variety of immunologic tests
• Demonstrated experience conducting virus neutralization and cell culture
• Excellent knowledge of computer software
• Excellent knowledge of personal and laboratory safety related to handling and disposal of infectious specimens
• Demonstrated organizational, oral/written communication skills
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety and WHMIS legislation in a laboratory environment; good understanding of analytical laboratory quality procedures and statistics
• Knowledge of automated laboratory systems would be considered an asset
• Must be, or willing to be, rabies vaccinated

Classification                           USW, Local 4120 Salary Band 5
Normal Hiring Range              $28.46 - $31.80 per hour

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 2024 07 11
Closing Date: 2024 07 18