Lead, Development & Validation, LM Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Lead, Development & Validation, LM Pathology & Laboratory Medicine

Children's & Women's Health Center

Vancouver, BC

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

The Lead, Development & Validation is an applied scientist with experience in project management, method development and validation of new methodologies and instrumentation works as part of the designated portfolios and provides complex clinical laboratory testing for providers, patients and families across British Columbia. The Lead, Development & Validation has matrix reporting to the Medical/Clinical Division Heads for functional/technical direction and administratively to the Operations Director or designate and works with colleagues across Laboratory Divisions to advance clinical and academic activities. The position provides leadership in the technical development and validation of new and cutting edge assays, the improvement or troubleshooting of existing assays, statistical analysis investigating method performance, validation or troubleshooting of instrumentation, and collaborates on laboratory method development priorities. Creates reports for management decision-making on new methodologies, technology and instrumentation with potential impact to quality, budget, and staff including automation; researches, designs and carries out scientific studies; and problem solves complex laboratory analytical challenges and makes recommendations. The Lead designs and leads testing validation and project management activities; provides leadership on quality assurance on all testing, executes designs and approved plans; consults and works closely with laboratory physicians and PhD scientists, including Medical/Clinical Division Heads; keeps operational leadership informed of progress; and provides technical direction to support collaboration with Technical Coordinators regarding validation activities.

What you’ll do

• Researches, evaluates and suggests improvements for laboratory procedures, equipment and instrumentation relating to sample preparation and analysis with the objectives of (1) improved quality of testing such as enhanced analytical performance, (2) increasing throughput for large volume testing assays, (3) decreased per sample cost, and (4) improved turnaround time.
• Works collaboratively with medical/clinical staff, and other operations and practice leadership to determine priorities for method development in the laboratory. Collaborates with clinical and technical staff to create or improve Standard Operating Procedures that the rest of the laboratory has to follow.
• Uses exceptional project management skills to lead the validation and implementation of new clinical assays, ensuring the validation and related documentation conforms to accreditation requirements under the direction of the Divisional medical leaders. Keeps accurate records of data collected for assay evaluation and validation and uses statistical skills to prepare performance data for review and approval.
• Establishes procedures to monitor the ongoing performance of clinical assays including design and use of statistical algorithms to indicate performance changes requiring intervention.
• Trains technologists in new methodologies and troubleshooting existing laboratory assays when required. Provides technical direction to support collaboration with Technical Coordinators relating to validation activities.
• Makes recommendations and prepares reports for management decision-making including those that impact budgets, staff, and quality. Performs and summarizes technology assessment activities to enable a thorough comparison of methodologies and instrumentation available on the market.
• Routinely engages in the Department community of medical practice. Keeps up-to-date regarding technological advancement with evolving analytical change developments through literature review, contact with peers at other organizations, professional associations and attendance at seminars, workshop and education programs. Communicates information and makes recommendations to the Laboratory Division Heads.
• Assists medical/clinical and technical staff in accreditation processes and the maintenance of a quality system in the laboratory. Participates in quality improvement initiatives, meeting and committees, represents leadership, and provides technical expertise.

What you bring

Qualifications

• A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a PhD in life sciences (e.g. biochemistry, analytical chemistry, microbiology, molecular biology), experimental pathology or equivalent with extensive hands-on experience in one or more medical laboratory science plus three to five (3-5) year’s in an analytical laboratory environment in addition to hands on assay development and method validation. Exceptional Master of Science candidates with five to seven (5-7) relevant work experience may be considered. Previous experience in a clinical or otherwise regulated analytical environment (biotechnology, pharmaceutical, contract research, etc.) is preferred.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in analytical principles and biomedical sciences. Strong statistical skills and ability to interact with a variety of software applications. Demonstrated knowledge of foundational quality assurance principles. Strong analytical track record. Effective project manager; demonstrated ability to effectively manage multiple complex projects.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and dedicated scientist. Proven interpersonal skills to foster strong working relationships and collaborations amongst members of the Laboratory as well as throughout the broader health care system. Outstanding communication skills, both verbally and in writing. Demonstrated capacity to communicate in a genuine, thoughtful, and respectful manner. Effective collaboration skills. Be open to taking direction and shifting priorities as required. Demonstrated ability to lead by example and provide technical direction.

Skills & Knowledge

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments 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 - and how they intersect across the health care system.
• Supports team members on their learning journey related to Indigenous-specific Anti-racism, Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility, DEI and anti-racism.
• Works collaboratively with appropriate Indigenous teams and Diversity Equity and Inclusion departments to ensure holistic application of culturally safe, equitable and anti-racist lenses.
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge 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.).

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

Salary Range: $88,990 - $127,923 /year. The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan. Salary will be prorated accordingly for part time roles.
Location: 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1
Closing date: Applications accepted until position is filled
Hours of Work: 0800-1600 (Monday to Friday)
Requisition # 176194E

What we do

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 – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

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

PHSA is committed to 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 marginalized groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya'kula 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 marginalization faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and self-determination of Indigenous communities. PHSA must uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents such as 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.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

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

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of December 10, 2024. 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.