Public Health Technologist Parasitology

Job Summary:

The Technologist, Parasitology performs reference-level morphological identification of intestinal parasites, blood and tissue parasites, and ectoparasites that are of medical importance to humans. Parasitic culture, molecular testing, testing of clinical and environmental samples and other related tests will be performed in the Program and all technologists are expected to support this reference function. Participation in surveillance programs (West Nile virus, Lyme disease and outbreak monitoring) are carried out in this Program, with support required from all technologists. The evaluation, verification of results, preparation of related reports and participation in all External Quality Assessment Programs are required.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Participates in day-to-day work activities in Parasitology Program by processing and testing referred-in, reference, clinical and other samples using concentration, microscopic, culture, molecular and other techniques for the identification of parasites of medical importance.
2. Evaluates and verifies results according to established procedures.
3. Performs molecular testing for parasites as determined by protocol or special request approved by Section Head and Program Head/Medical Microbiologist.
4. Performs morphological identification of intestinal parasites, blood and tissue parasites, ectoparasites (arthropods), worms and proglottids, mosquitoes for West Nile surveillance, and ticks for Lyme disease.
5. Performs special culturing techniques for blood and tissue parasites as determined by Section Head and Program Head/Medical Microbiologist.
6. Prepares stock solutions and reagents following standard operating procedures.
7. Responds to requests and inquiries for all referred in tests. Seeks direction as required from the Technical Specialist, Section Head or Program Head/Medical Microbiologist as appropriate on customer service issues.
8. Performs all related functions required for the production of final reports such as preparing, testing and assessing quality control results prior to release of results and troubleshoots sample adequacy as required according to established procedures.
9. Maintains and documents maintenance of laboratory equipment. Recognizes and reports malfunctions in equipment.
10. Participates in Quality Assurance Programs for the Analytical 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 established procedures.
11. Provides input in the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Analytical Section and making recommendations for changes.
12. Assists with information management, such as surveillance data or workload statistics, through methods such as data collection, completing analysis and reporting information.
13. Demonstrates routine laboratory procedures to post-graduate and undergraduate medical and non-medical students and technologists.
14. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
• Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology and certification with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) OR Bachelor of Science in Microbiology or related biological science relevant to the assigned section plus one year of recent, related experience including experience in a research based laboratory or an equivalent combination of education, training and recent related experience.
Skills and Abilities
• Basic knowledge of microbiology, molecular biology and biosafety
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects independently and meet the demands of the section’s routine work schedule
• Demonstrated ability in writing scientific manuscripts an asset and performing literature searches
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot unexpected results
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated attention to detail and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated, manage time, and work independently
• Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment and use related software
• Knowledge of basic computer software
• Demonstrated physical ability to perform the job.