Medical Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology, Laboratory

Job Description

Accountabilities:

• Receives and unpacks specimens delivered by pneumatic tube system, courier, hospital staff (and outpatients if required)
• Registers patient information in computer as needed; accessions specimens; labels, numbers and aliquots specimens as required
• Uses positive patient identification to ensure that all requisitions, specimens, sample aliquots are traceable
• Applies specimen acceptance and rejection criteria as per established laboratory policies
• Enters add-on test requests in computer; retrieves specimens for further testing as required
• Answers phone inquiries and provides customer service to resolve issues
• Faxes reports according to protocol
• Prepares and ships samples to referral laboratories (includes documentation, labelling and packaging) in shipping containers at suitable conditions to maintain specimen integrity
• Proper storage and discarding of specimens in accordance with retention policies and biohazard waste protocols
• Reagent/stain preparation, reconstitution, and filtering according to procedures
• Familiar with COVID-19 sample preparation, including extraction
• Ability to run, maintain and troubleshoot COVID-19 specific equipment
• Performs quality control testing as required
• Operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment, including properly functioning quality controlled automated analyzers as applicable
• Reviews outstanding specimen reports (pending lists), and investigates outliers
• Transcription of results from worksheets/reports into computer for final verification by MLT
• Performs temperature monitoring of refrigerators, freezers and incubators
• Maintains knowledge of current policies and procedures in their assigned work area, completes action items, reads work-related emails, attends staff meetings, stays informed, etc.
• Understands and actively participates in maintaining the laboratory quality management system
• Participates in detecting, reporting, correcting and preventing unexpected occurrences, identifies opportunities for improvement
• Completes occurrence reports (DATIX), applies relevant markers and canned text comments
• Maintains confidentiality in accordance with Osler policy
• Washes glassware, performs general laboratory housekeeping, disinfects benches and equipment
• Biohazard waste containment, packaging and storage for pick-up
• Receipt of inventory and applies acceptance criteria; records and reports unacceptability
• Monitors and maintains inventory
• Participates in continuing education activities
• Other duties as assigned according to training and scope of practice
• May be required to cross-train into other lab areas based on operational need
• May be required to attend hospital during off hours to attend to emergency situations

Qualifications

• Successful completion of an Ontario secondary school diploma
• Graduate of an accredited medical laboratory assistant/technician program
• Current certification and registration with OSMT, CSMLS and/or CMLTO voluntary roster
• Minimum two years experience in microbiology preferred
• Recent experience working and/or clinical placement in a hospital laboratory receiving area required
• Knowledge of Meditech, Paradigm and Microsoft Office programs would be an asset
• Excellent organization and communication skills
• Proven ability to be a team player
• Strong multi-tasking and problem solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and maintain high level of productivity, competence and professionalism
• Must demonstrate Osler's Values of Respect, Excellence, Service, Compassion, Innovation and Collaboration
• Excellent attendance, punctuality and work record
• Required to travel between and work at all Osler sites
• Transport of Dangerous Goods knowledge and training

Additional Information

Hours: Currently days/evenings, nights including weekends and statutory holidays
(subject to change in accordance with operational requirements)

Salary:
Minimum: $31.13 per hour
Maximum:$37.05 per hour

Internal application deadline: [July 2, 2026]

#TPT - 6 months

#LI-SC1

Osler values inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources at human.resources@williamoslerhs.ca.

While we thank all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose.