Lab Scientist 3 - Newborn Screening & PH Chemistry - CPL

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Medical Director of Cadham Provincial Laboratory (CPL) (the ‘Medical Director’), the purpose of the position is to provide scientific leadership primarily within the Newborn Screening and Public Health Chemistry Section at CPL, by:

• Ensuring consistent, accurate and precise newborn screening, biochemical and molecular test results are provided to screening programs, to achieve population outcomes.
• Leading in partnership on the development, implementation and maintenance of laboratory quality systems that encompass all aspect of the testing process: pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical
• Providing professional guidance to clinical staff, in matters pertaining to the development and provision of service, selection, interpretation and appropriate utilization of biochemistry testing.
• Advancing CPL screening programs through applied research and education activities.
• Representing CPL in corporate, provincial, or national forums or networks that discuss screening and population health programs.
• Responding as required with creative laboratory or field solutions to public health needs.

Experience

• Recent strong experience in accredited diagnostic medical laboratory.
• Recent strong experience in acquiring and maintaining accreditation in a diagnostic medical molecular laboratory.
• Previous experience in multidisciplinary laboratory services setting that includes small molecule biochemistry, molecular genetics and microbiology, and mass spectrometry.
• Previous experience in biocontainment level 2 laboratory setting.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience leading a technical and/or scientific laboratory teams in a diagnostic environment.

Education (Degree/Diploma/Certificate)

• Ph.D., Biochemistry.
• Evidence of post-doctoral research training.

Certification/Licensure/Registration

• FCACB (Fellow Canadian Academy of Clinical Biochemistry), or
• Allowed to work in Laboratory Scientist 3 position as a Laboratory Scientist 2 if Fellowship Training is complete but have not yet passed Fellowship exams, or
• American Board of Clinical Chemistry equivalency to FCACB is considered acceptable, or
• Those with more than 5 years experience running a multidisciplinary medical lab that includes biochemistry services will be eligible on a Laboratory Scientist 2 underfill basis, provided that there is agreement to pursue further related clinical training.

Qualifications and Skills

• Specialized knowledge of clinical and laboratory biochemistry testing.
• Working knowledge of human and microbial molecular biology techniques.
• Working knowledge of whole genome sequencing methods.
• Working knowledge of laboratory accreditation systems in Manitoba and Internationally.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality management and quality improvement.
• Working knowledge of biocontainment level 2 requirements.
• Working knowledge of interpretation of tandem mass spectra of amino acids, organic acids and acylcarnitines an asset.
• Demonstrates leadership ability in a complex, rapidly changing environment.
• Demonstrates the ability to promote teamwork, collaboration and partnership.
• Demonstrates ability to work independently on tasks/projects.
• Demonstrated abilities in the following lab technologies:
  
  • Tandem mass spectrometry.
  • Whole genome sequencing.
  • Real-time polymerase chain reaction assay design and implementation.
• Ability to identify and prioritize options as potential solutions to problems and issues.
• Creative, innovative, enthusiastic, and respected.
• Strong commitment to customer satisfaction and quality health service.
• Excellent analytical skills.
  • Able to select and implement new laboratory instrumentation.
  • Able to select, develop and validate methods independently.
  • Able to set up, maintain and troubleshoot methods and instruments.
• Demonstrated ability to review and analyse literature to determine appropriate use of testing and provide advice.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse and compile data for validations, statistical summaries, and quality improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills necessary to communicate and consult effectively with physicians, nursing personnel, colleagues and other clinicians in fluent English.
• Demonstrated ability to hold academic appointment providing post secondary education.
• Demonstrated ability to attract grant funding in Canada.
• Understands the needs of public health and screening laboratory services, with demonstrated ability to work with public health authorities in outbreak or response situations.
• Ability to perform basic computer operations including MS Word, MS Excel, general internet searches, manipulation of online literature and databases.
• Ability to perform basic financial operations related to budgeting and budget reporting.
• Fluency in English required; fluency in French is an asset.

Physical Requirements

• Time will be spent in an office(s), meeting rooms, and laboratories.  Regular travel between sites in Winnipeg, or to other sites in Manitoba, may be required.
• Incumbent must be able to work under pressure and competing and shifting demands and deadlines, and deal effectively with difficult situations.