Technical Specialist -09SLT

Technical Specialist -09SLT Permanent Full Time Molecular Diagnostics Microbiology Laboratory

Prairie Diagnostic Services, located in Saskatoon, provides veterinary diagnostic testing for infectious and other diseases of livestock and animals. We are seeking a full time permanent Technical Specialist to work in the Molecular Diagnostics section of our Microbiology laboratory. This leadership position requires advanced skills in veterinary molecular diagnostic techniques including conventional and real time PCR methods. The superior laboratory skills required for this position are typically acquired through the completion of a recognized appropriate University or technical school program and 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible experience in veterinary molecular diagnostic laboratories. The successful candidate will develop and validate new assays and be responsible for the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment typically found in a molecular diagnostic laboratory.

Typical hours of work are from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM with the possibility of shared weekend and holiday rotations. As an expectation of this work environment, you may be exposed to unknown, potentially pathogenic organisms.

Candidates must clearly indicate in their cover letter or resume how they have acquired the following knowledge, abilities and personal attributes. The supplied information will be used to screen applications.

You will have knowledge of:  operation and maintenance of modern molecular biology equipment including those used for regular and real time PCR, as applied to diagnoses of veterinary infectious diseases.  clinical veterinary microbiology scientific terminologies, theories, principles and applied methodologies, relevant to the operation of a veterinary molecular diagnostic laboratory.  critical factors that affect the significance and validity of test results.  ISO/IEC 17025 Quality Standard and experience developing Standard Operating Procedures, monitoring proficiency panels and trend analysis. 2

You will have the ability to:

 independently set up, configure, operate and troubleshoot typical molecular laboratory equipment;  logically work up and validate novel methods for the detection of various bacterial, viral and parasitic infectious agents, using molecular diagnostic methods;  assess, plan, adjust and schedule work priorities for the Molecular diagnostics team as stat, urgent or routine and meet required objectives, in consideration of deadlines and team resource availability;  lead and advise colleagues and staff to promote and maintain a healthy, positive work environment to achieve client and team goals;  work independently and participate as a contributing member of a team to achieve individual and common goals to maintain a cohesive work unit;  prepare and analyze samples or specimens according to established laboratory protocols and provide interpretation to ensure timely, precise, accurate results;  detect technical/analytical errors to systematically identify the source of the error and quickly resolve the problem to ensure compliance with standards, protocols and procedures;  accurately compile and monitor budget, quality control and test results for statistical information purposes and;  apply precautions and proper laboratory safety practices according to established protocols, safety guidelines and existing legislation to protect self, co-workers, the public and the environment;

You will be:  detail oriented, independent and trustworthy to ensure compliance with policies and procedures;  logical and flexible to ensure that work is prioritized and completed according to urgency; and  a team leader as well as a team player with a positive attitude that can operate effectively in a high volume fast paced environment.

Candidates may apply:  on-line at: http://www.careers.gov.sk.ca/ or  [email protected]