Clinical Scientist, Newborn Screening Ontario - Permanent Full-Time

CHEO; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 173,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

CHEO seeks a Clinical Molecular Scientist for the NSO molecular lab, a hybrid role with 40% remote work and 60% on-site at CHEO. Primary duties include interpreting newborn screening data, reporting findings, and leading assay development for Ontario's NSO program.

This academic position offers potential collaboration with the University of Ottawa. Qualifications include a PhD/MD with CCMG eligibility, strong data analytics, leadership, and a valid Criminal Record Check.

Qualifications

• PhD or MD with CCMG certification in Molecular Genetics or Genomic Diagnostics.
• Experience in genetic lab screening and diagnosis of pediatric disease.
• Strong data analytics, statistics, and programming skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Demonstrated leadership in a clinical lab setting.
• Criminal Record Check (Level 1) required.

Responsibilities

• Interpret and report data from the molecular lab of NSO.
• Collaborate with leadership to foster a productive environment.
• Evaluate variants identified on molecular testing and newborn screening.
• Draft diagnostic and screening reports with clinical content specialists.
• Oversee development and validation of assays in the molecular lab.
• Participate in QA and proficiency activities.
• Develop a scholarly program related to screening and diagnostics.

Skills

Data analytics

Oral and written communication

Leadership

Education

PhD in Molecular Genetics or MD with CCMG

Criminal Record Check (Level 1)

Job description

Ottawa is built on un-ceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. The peoples of the Algonquin Anishinabek Nation have lived on this territory for millennia and we honour them and this land. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. CHEO also honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their valuable past and present contributions to this land.

CHEO is one of the few stand-alone, global leaders in pediatric health and is home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives. Within its own walls and through partnerships with community providers, CHEO has transformed from a 20th century acute care hospital into a 21st century integrated child and youth health system.

Ranked in the top 1% of Canadian hospitals for the digitization of its clinical infrastructure, CHEO combines excellence in clinical care, research, and education to advance seamless care that’s provided where, when, and how it is needed. CHEO’s Research Institute is dedicated to world-class clinical, translational, and basic science research covering a wide range of children’s health concerns. CHEO has been named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024, 2025 and 2026 and is ranked second among Canadian hospitals on its list of Canada’s Best Employers for multiple consecutive years. For the 14th consecutive year in a row, the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers has recognized CHEO as a top employer in the National Capital Region. Every year CHEO helps more than 500,000 children and youth from Eastern Ontario, western Quebec, Nunavut and Northern Ontario.

POSITION SUMMARY

CHEO hosts several provincial and federal programs including Newborn Screening Ontario (NSO). NSO provides a comprehensive program of analysis, follow-up, education, research and development, ensuring that every newborn receives the highest quality screening and care. At NSO, we are leaders in screening through research, development, education, and innovation. The multidisciplinary team at NSO comprises dedicated clinical, laboratory, management, and administrative staff.

We are seeking a full-time, permanent clinical scientist within the molecular laboratory. The position is hybrid; approximately 40% can be performed from home and 60% is on site at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario.

Compensation Pay Range: $173,491 – $202,117 commensurate with academic rank

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

The core responsibilities of the Clinical Scientist - Molecular are the interpretation and reporting of data from the molecular laboratory of Newborn Screening Ontario. This includes:

• Collaboration with molecular laboratory leadership to foster a positive and productive working environment.
• Evaluation of variants identified on molecular diagnostic testing and/or through newborn screening.
• Review and/or draft diagnostic and screening reports in collaboration with clinical content specialists.
• Working with other clinical scientists and the Laboratory Director to identify errors, problems, or areas for workflow improvement or enhancement in the molecular diagnostic or screening pathways.
• Maintaining the flow of diagnostic and screening volumes to prevent service delays.
• Oversee the development and validation of assays for the molecular lab, including novel methods required to expand or improve the performance of newborn screening in Ontario.
• Participating in quality assurance and proficiency activities.
• Developing a scholarly program related to screening and diagnostic activities within the lab.
• Participate in the training of fellows, residents and medical students within the genetics and pediatrics programs as well as visiting molecular and biochemical laboratory trainees.
• Participate in the development of operating and capital budgets.
• Participate in periodic review of newborn screens including assay performance, disorder logic, and follow-up/diagnostic practices.
• Be physically present on the premises of the Laboratory for such a period of time as is necessary to discharge the responsibilities of the role and to ensure appropriate coverage when unavailable for a significant period of time.
• Relate and function effectively with applicable accrediting and regulatory agencies, appropriate administrative officials, the health care community, and the patient population served.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A PhD (or MD) scientist with certification or eligibility for certification by the Canadian College of Medical Genetics (or equivalent) in Molecular Genetics or Genetic and Genomic Diagnostics (Essential)
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in the genetic laboratory screening and diagnosis of pediatric disease (Essential).
• Excellent data analytic skills, including experience in statistical analyses and programming and interpreting custom reports, scripts, and algorithms (Preferred)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills (Essential)
• Demonstrated leadership skills (Essential).
• Demonstrated research and teaching skills (Preferred)
• Criminal Record Check (Level 1) (Essential)

This is an academic position. The Clinical Molecular Scientist is eligible for an appointment at the University of Ottawa commensurate with experience and may have the opportunity to develop a research program and participate in teaching at CHEO and/or the University of Ottawa.

Effective March 29, 2021, CHEO will conduct a more comprehensive pre-screening and evaluation process. This process may include more varied and multidimensional testing such as a written test, practical exam, or other assessment. All candidates who meet the essential and preferred qualifications may be tested.

Bilingualism (French/English) will be validated by a language proficiency assessment conducted by a third party provider. Candidates will be required to meet the minimum linguistic profile prior to the date of hire.

Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail]. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.