Public Health Technologist Parasitology

Public Health Technologist Parasitology

Parasitology

Vancouver, BC

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.

What you’ll do

• 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.
• Evaluates and verifies results according to established procedures.
• Performs molecular testing for parasites as determined by protocol or special request approved by Section Head and Program Head/Medical Microbiologist.
• 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.
• Performs special culturing techniques for blood and tissue parasites as determined by Section Head and Program Head/Medical Microbiologist.
• Prepares stock solutions and reagents following standard operating procedures.
• 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.
• 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.
• Maintains and documents maintenance of laboratory equipment. Recognizes and reports malfunctions in equipment.
• 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.
• Provides input in the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Analytical Section and making recommendations for changes.
• Assists with information management, such as surveillance data or workload statistics, through methods such as data collection, completing analysis and reporting information.
• Demonstrates routine laboratory procedures to post-graduate and undergraduate medical and non-medical students and technologists.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

What you bring

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.

Skills & Knowledge

• 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.

What we do

provides laboratory testing at 31 sites across the lower mainland and central coast of BC, including acute care hospital laboratories and specialty laboratories.

PLMS is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

PHSA and PLMS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

The Provincial Health Services Authority () 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:

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

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-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.