BGL Technologist

Job Summary:

The BGL Technologist performs additional procedures for the diagnosis and monitoring of inborn errors of metabolism. The required techniques and job functions will include, but are not limited to the following for the majority of time: tandem mass spectrometry, chromatography (both gas and liquid), manual quantitative assays, advanced enzymology and tissue culture. Computer based data analysis will also be a significant job function.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Performs additional procedures such as amino acid, organic acid and acylcarnitine analysis using techniques that include liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, tandem mass spectrometry, gas chromatography mass spectrometry, advanced enzymology and tissue culture, all according to established protocols.
2. Performs laboratory procedures by operating a variety of laboratory equipment, apparatus and instrumentation. Maintains equipment by following preventative maintenance protocol. Notifies the supervisor of any malfunctions.
3. Prepares reagents, standards and quality control material to be used for test procedures.
4. Uses the laboratory computer for patient data entry, retrieval and preparing laboratory worksheets and reports. Enters daily workload statistics into the laboratory information system.
5. Uses general and instrument specific software systems to analyze, calculate and tabulate result sets. Prepares, evaluates and issues corresponding reports.
6. Maintains standardization and quality control of test procedures and monitors test results. Reports unusual or questionable test results to Pathologist or Head Technologist.
7. Ensures that STAT and priority tests are assayed and reported promptly and in accordance with established protocols.
8. Monitors laboratory supplies and stocks up to adequate amounts.
9. Orients new technologists, students and residents in the use of molecular techniques by demonstration and verbal instructions.
10. Participates in the development, evaluation, and implementation of new techniques with the guidance of senior technical staff and laboratory scientists. Provides input in the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and makes recommendations for changes.
11. Participates in quality assurance programs for the Section through methods such as gathering data on turn around times (TAT) for test procedures, and monitoring performance and quality indicators. Reports occurrences according to standard operating procedures.
12. Assists with information management, such as workload statistics, through methods such as gathering information, completing analysis and recording information.
13. Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• Certification with the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS)
• Graduation from a recognized program in Medical Laboratory Technology plus two (2) years recent, related experience including biochemical genetics procedures or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities
• Knowledge and technical competence to perform biochemical genetics procedures.
• Ability to operate related equipment including knowledge of spreadsheet programs and experience with instrument specific data analysis software.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize workload and set priorities.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the job.
• Knowledge of computerized laboratory information systems.