Scientific Lead - Genomics

Please note this role will work in a hybrid environment. The successful candidate will be working at one of our major site offices in Brampton (100 Parkshore Drive) or Toronto (67 College Street), and will be working a mixture of on-site and off-site work based on the parameters for our operations to meet the needs of our donors, our staff and our communities. Currently, employees are expected to have an in-person presence for at least 40% of their work time. This requirement may vary depending upon circumstances.

Job category: Supervisory and management
Job posting ID: 8169

​Employment status: Regular full-time
Classification: Medical
Salary/Rate of pay: $197,721.00 - $276,809.00. Please note, If you are a physician, provincial medical rates will apply.

Application deadline: Will remain open until filled.

• This external job posting may close earlier than the advertised deadline. We recommend applying as soon as possible.

Application requirements:

• Your up-to-date resume.
• Job specific cover letter.
• We recommend you save a copy of the job posting for reference throughout the recruitment process.

Do you currently work for Canadian Blood Services? All employees must apply via the .

Together, we can make all the difference in the lives of others.

Be part of a dynamic, collaborative and caring organization committed to saving and improving lives. Thousands of patients depend on us every day for reliable access to safe blood, plasma, stem cells and organs and tissues.

If you are looking for a rewarding experience with a values and mission-driven team, join Canada’s Lifeline and make a meaningful difference.

We acknowledge that the work of Canadian Blood Services spans many Territories and Treaty areas across the country, and we are grateful for the Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who have guided us in this important work. We recognize the land and waters that have inspired our work and offer gratitude to those Indigenous peoples on whose territory we work, live and play.

About the role

Canadian Blood Services is looking for a Regular full-time Scientific Lead – Geonomics to join our dynamic Innovation division.

In this role, you will provide clinically relevant direction and advice on all medical and technical services, policies and procedures in support of genomic testing, including all regulatory requirements. Close collaboration will be required with the Director, Testing Operations and the Medical Director, Laboratories. You will be expected to collaborate with the larger medical community at Canadian Blood Services.

In collaboration with the Medical Director Laboratory Services, the Director Testing, and under the guidance of the Chief Science Officer, you will co-lead the development of an ever-greening multi-year strategy and roadmap for the genomic testing of blood with regards to genes that affect transfusion biology and cellular therapies for both patients and donors. This includes but is not limited to, current technologies and gaps in the current state, assessment of NGS for patient testing, assessment of microarrays and or NGS for donor red cell and platelet testing. Working with the Chief Science Officer, you will be responsible for both the long-term future vision and interim solutions required as we evolve our capabilities. You will identify the need for resources, medical, scientific and technologic as these capabilities evolve, while staying cognizant of feasibility and practical implementation priorities. You will also be responsible for overseeing research initiatives and ensuring the successful implementation of genomics technologies.

Formula for success

• Provide high level perspective on protocols and pathways related to current genomics RBC platforms.
• Responsible for the development and standardization of procedures and practises related to current and future genomics testing.
• Provide direction on protocols and pathways related to reference molecular red cell patient testing.
• Provide recommendations on current outsourcing for NGS for patients.
• Provide scientific recommendation on all donor genomic testing.
• Work closely with operational leadership and quality teams to validate new technologies in NGS as outlined in the genomics business case.
• Develop necessary testing algorithms as required to support the development lab.
• Ensure that supporting divisions are aware of necessary inputs and impacts to their teams including but not limited to IT, legal and ethics.
• Work closely with testing operations leadership and quality teams to validate new technologies in NIPT and develop and advise one expansion of testing algorithms for these platforms.
• Work with the Medical Director, Laboratory Services to ensure that the evolving genomics roadmap aligns with established and evolving immunohematology practices to best meet patient needs.
• Support the development of an approach to complex transfusion case investigation where genetic testing platforms may assist.
• Provide consultative and collaborative advice to Canadian Blood Services’ medical team in areas of genomics and rare donors, if applicable.
• Provide input when requested into donor recruitment activities (including but not limited to potential donors with specific rare red cell or platelet phenotype/genotype, HLA status, IgA status, etc.)
• Foster effective relationships with internal stakeholders in all of Canadian Blood Services’ business lines for areas of responsibilities.
• Participate in medical and scientific training programs for Canadian Blood Services’ staff in areas of responsibility.
• Lead role in data collection, presentation and publication of results from Canadian Blood Services’ genomics and reference laboratories.
• Continually scan the external environment and remain the key subject matter expert in the areas of responsibility.
• Foster collaboration both internally and externally in the area of genomics.
• Represent Canadian Blood Services at international meetings and committees in the areas of responsibility.
• Understand and comply with GMP and all related regulatory requirements
• Perform other related duties as required.

Desired education and skills

• Expertise or training in Transfusion Medicine or a related field is essential.
• Expertise in molecular and cellular biology at a Ph.D. level is essential.
• If an M.D., a license in good standing to practice medicine in the province of residence and must meet all relevant provincial requirements as defined in legislation and by accrediting bodies for province of residence.
• A speciality certification in Hematology, Hematopathology, Transfusion Medicine or a related field would be an asset.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

What we offer you

• 4 weeks' vacation
• Comprehensive group health, dental and vision benefits for you and your family
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Employee discounts, wellness program, professional resources

What you can expect

• This role will work in a hybrid environment with requirements to be onsite at Canadian Blood Services location 40% of the time/2 days of the week.
• You may be required to travel for scientific meetings, manuscript preparation, speaking, conferences, etc. and as required.

Diversity and inclusion play a vital role in ensuring health equity for patients across Canada. We are committed to reflecting Canada’s population in our organization and fostering an environment where all employees can be their authentic selves, with equal opportunities to succeed and contribute.

If this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply by providing your up-to-date resume. This could be your first step towards a meaningful and inspiring career. Come to work each day knowing that you save lives.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those considered for an interview or those invited to participate in an assessment will be contacted. Emails are sent directly from our system, to ensure you receive them please add donotreply@blood.ca and system@successfactors.com to your safe senders list.

Applicants who require accommodation should discuss their needs with us.

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