CLSA Phlebotomist-Medical Laboratory Assistant (CLSA PhMLA)

Job Summary

The CLSA Phlebotomist-Medical Laboratory Assistant (CLSA PhMLA) will assist in the collection of data from study participants through the collection and processing of blood, urine and stool samples at the CLSA. They will contribute to achievement of overall project goals by successfully collecting blood and urine samples, and for some participants stool samples, and by assisting the CLSA DCS Manager (the Manager) and senior laboratory staff with administrative tasks, including those related to quality assurance of sample collection, laboratory management systems, laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration.

Organizational Status
The CLSA PhMLA reports directly to the CLSA Data Collection Site Manager (the Manager) and/or their delegate, i.e. senior lab staff and works collaboratively with other study personnel on data collection. The Manager reports directly to the UBC CLSA Site Principal Investigator, Dr. Teresa Liu-Ambrose, and the CLSA National Coordinating Centre at McMaster University.

Work Performed
Collecting urine and blood samples from study participants at the DCS.

• Prepares the arm for venipuncture, initiates and completes the blood collection process, and obtains specimens in accordance with regulatory requirements and CLSA standard operating procedures (SOPs), including monitoring for adverse reactions to phlebotomy, and summons assistance from senior lab staff or the CLSA Manager, and institutional support teams as required and according to regulatory guidelines, institutional and study (CLSA) specific SOPs.

• Receives stool samples from a subset of study participants who were given stool sample collection kits for home sample collection to bring to the DCS.

• Tracking of sample collection and processing, including sample labelling, pre-analytical processing and preparation of samples for frozen storage onsite, and weekly shipping of frozen samples to the CLSA’s central biorepository at McMaster University.

• Conducting routine laboratory tests and sample analyses at the DCS, as required.

• Daily cleaning, calibration and maintenance tasks needed to operate DCS laboratory equipment within expected CLSA and laboratory standards.

• May assist with weekly, monthly and annual testing, calibration, and maintenance of DCS laboratory equipment and other necessary non-routine quality control procedures.

• May assist with recording inventories of consumable supplies once per month and ordering supplies.

• Follows unit safety rules and procedures.

• Carries out any other duties as required in keeping with qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification, including refreshment of training as required to maintain performance standards, and as study protocols or technologies change.

• May assist with efficacy evaluation of the processes listed above.

Decision Making/Accountability

Works within clearly defined guidelines and procedures, and exercises judgment in establishing priorities, trouble-shooting problems, and carrying tasks through to completion; new or unusual problems are referred to the study Manager and/or senior lab personnel on the local team, or the CLSA National Biorepository Coordinator at McMaster University.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

• Inappropriate judgement would compromise the quality of research studies and related data acquisition and the reporting of research outcomes.

• Inappropriate judgement also could compromise the safety and wellbeing of the participants.

• Inappropriate judgement would compromise research success and affect the credibility of the Principal Investigator.

Supervision Received

Works under the direction of the Manager and CLSA PhMLT in carrying out all phases of duties and responsibilities; receives instructions from the Manager and CLSA PhMLT during orientation and on subsequent new assignments or changes in procedures, with a goal to achieving functional independence for all tasks and responsibilities; may also receive supervision and/or instruction from other study employees at higher classification levels than themselves and as deemed appropriate by the Manager.

Supervision Given

N/A

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a relevant technical program or a university degree in a relevant discipline and a minimum three years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• English fluency.

• Minimum 1 year experience with phlebotomy in a clinical or research laboratory setting using a variety of instruments and methods.

• Must demonstrate phlebotomy and sample handling proficiency, including technical and soft skills required for efficient and safe sample collection, accurate sample processing, and while maintaining a respectful, calm and reassuring relationship with study participants.

• Graduate of BC or Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Sciences approved program.

• WHMIS, TDG (air and ground), laboratory and biosafety training required (will be upgraded through UBC if necessary).

• Proficiency working with computers running Microsoft operating systems and software applications.

• Must be well organized, detail-oriented and able to adhere to detailed SOPs and keep concise records of all laboratory reagents, maintenance and calibration tasks.

• Must be reliable, independent and professional.

• Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends.

Other Requirements

• Must be willing to work some evenings and weekends.