Lab Assistant

University of Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The University of Alberta is seeking a Laboratory Support role to assist the Medical Laboratory Science program and MLS graduate programs at North Campus Edmonton. You will prepare reagents, manage safety labeling, and support day-to-day lab operations without direct teaching responsibilities.

Responsibilities include lab setup and teardown, inventory maintenance, and disposal of chemicals and biologicals in coordination with university departments.

Qualifications

• Medical Lab Assistant certificate or diploma is required.
• BSc in Medical Laboratory Science would be an asset.
• 1-2 years of experience with clinical laboratory medicine.
• Experience in a post-secondary environment teaching laboratory would be an asset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility, adaptability and able to take on new tasks.
• Ability to work independently as part of, and liaison with a dynamic teaching team.

Responsibilities

• Lab preparation and PPE stocking for MLSCI labs and graduate components.
• Prepare reagents, solutions and media for MLSCI student labs and graduate lab components according to SOPs.
• Create and apply WHMIS labels for prepared solutions and media.
• Set up and dismantle labs, prepare equipment, samples and consumables for student labs.
• Maintain clean and organized preparation room and lab spaces.
• Assist with maintaining safety supplies and equipment according to schedules.
• Update electronic database for processes and procedures used in lab prep.
• Perform routine maintenance and inspections of equipment and order lab supplies.
• Attend MLS staff and Safety meetings and facilitate chemical/biological disposal.
• Provide access to secure areas to authorized staff and students.

Skills

Lab experience

Communication skills

Adaptability

Independence

Teamwork

Education

Medical Lab Assistant certificate

BSc in MLS asset

Job description

Job Description

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day.

Job Description

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day.

Location

This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

This position assists the Laboratory Coordinator and instructors in the Medical Laboratory Science program and LMP graduate programs. It requires experience in the areas of hematology, clinical chemistry, medical microbiology, histology, transfusion medicine, genetics, and cell culture. The position involves preparation of reagents and materials for lab sessions; the clearing of biohazards, chemical hazards; the maintenance of physical spaces and equipment. In addition, the position involves the continued maintenance of on-line databases and inventories. This position will not be involved in teaching students but supports the day-to-day function of the program.

Responsibilities

Lab Preparation – 90%

• Ensure the student labs are supplied with the adequate amounts of the appropriate PPE (stocking soap and paper towels, gowns, disinfectant)
• Prepare reagents, solutions and media for MLSCI student labs and graduate lab components, according to common SOP, or SOPs provided by the instructor, and as directed by the Lab Coordinator
• Create and apply WHIMIS labels for prepared solutions and media, produce additional labels (eg using Brady printer) as requested
• Set up and dismantle labs: Prepare laboratory equipment, reagents, mock patient samples, unknowns and consumables for student labs; remove used equipment; if appropriate disinfect and prepare for long term storage; remove reagents or other unneeded supplies from the student lab and properly store or discard in accordance with university procedures
• Maintain clean and organized preparation room, workspace, storage rooms, lab space
• Assist with maintaining safety supplies and cleaning/maintaining equipment according to established schedules

Administration – 5%

• Assist in updating electronic database for processes and procedures used in the preparation of student labs, maintain accurate records of chemicals, prepared reagents, biologicals
• Perform routine maintenance and inspections of equipment according to appropriate schedule
• Order lab supplies and equipment
• Attend MLS staff and Safety meetings
• Facilitate chemical and biological disposal with appropriate university departments or external partners
• Facilitate the disposal of broken or surplus equipment
• Provide access to secure areas to authorized University Staff and students

Safety – 5%

• Follow all applicable federal, provincial and local laws and university and MLS policies
• Maintain first aid and CPR certification annually – employer paid
• Maintain U of A environmental health and safety certification relevant to lab and personal safety excluding radioactivity and lasers.
• Label all prepared reagents
• Accurately maintain Pathogen Safety Data Sheets
• Accurately maintain Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals
• Prepare and update Safety Data Sheet for in-house prepared reagents
• Prepare and update Hazard Assessments
• Correctly store and label all chemicals, and biologicals
• Correctly dispose of all chemical, biologicals and lab waste
• Transport chemicals and biologicals on University campus and with external partners
• Properly handles compressed gases
• Maintain spill and first aid kits

Other Duties As Required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Medical Lab Assistant certificate or diploma required, Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science would be an asset
• 1-2 years of experience with clinical laboratory medicine
• Experience in a post-secondary environment teaching laboratory would be an asset
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility, adaptability and able to take on new tasks
• Ability to work independently as part of, and liaison with a dynamic teaching team

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

About Us

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit. The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide. Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more . At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

About The Team

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world’s top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.