Laboratory Assistant I – Anatomic Pathology Department

Alberta Health Services (AHS); Calgary; On-site; CAD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant I for the Anatomic Pathology Department at the Diagnostic Scientific Centre in Calgary. The role involves handling a high volume of anatomical pathology specimens, processing in Histopathology/Cytology, and ensuring specimen integrity while following strict safety protocols.

You will join a collaborative, high-performing team with responsibilities including processing, testing, reporting results, QA, and LIS support.

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited Medical Laboratory Assistant program or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology acquired through education and/or laboratory experience.
• Experience performing complex laboratory specimen processing activities beyond routine specimen collection and receiving functions, including specimen preparation, accessioning, organization, tracking, distribution, and workflow support.
• Experience performing laboratory bench support activities, such as reagent management, quality control procedures, inventory management, and routine laboratory equipment operation and maintenance.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and documentation in a regulated environment.
• Training and/or experience working in accordance with laboratory safety practices, including the safe handling of laboratory chemicals, hazardous materials, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Experience supporting Anatomic Pathology and/or Cytology laboratory services, including specimen and tissue processing activities.
• Experience using Laboratory Information Systems, including EPIC Beaker or comparable systems.
• Experience handling confidential materials and documentation in a regulated healthcare environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide high quality service to clients of the clinical laboratory in an effective, efficient and safe manner.
• Procurement, handling, processing, dispatching and testing of specimens, performing procedures and reporting results.
• Support quality assurance, troubleshoot and escalate issues as needed, maintain records, and support training of students and staff.
• Work with the pathology Laboratory Information System.
• Other duties as required.

Skills

Anatomy knowledge

Medical terminology

Record-keeping

Safety practices

Education

Accredited Medical Laboratory Assistant program

Tools

EPIC Beaker LIS

Job description

Laboratory Assistant I - Anatomic Pathology Department

The Anatomic Pathology Laboratory at the Diagnostic Service Center is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our collaborative and high-performing team. As the central Anatomical Pathology Hub for Calgary and surrounding areas, our lab plays a vital role in supporting accurate disease diagnosis. The department processes over 840,000 paraffin-embedded blocks and 1.2 million slides annually, and with anticipated growth in Alberta, our volumes are expected to increase significantly. This is an exciting time to join a department that is evolving and expanding its impact on the delivery of quality patient care.This role is suited for individuals who are reliable, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a physically demanding environment. The work involves handling a high volume of anatomical pathology specimens, operating and maintaining automated equipment, and ensuring the integrity and correct identification of patient samples. The laboratory environment includes daily exposure to chemicals and reagents, including patient materials. The role requires strict adherence to safety protocols and appropriate use of PPE, while supporting safe work practices and contributing to process improvements. Responsibilities include performing quality assurance, troubleshooting, escalating issues as needed, maintaining records, participating in the orientation and training of students and staff, and working with the pathology Laboratory Information System. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Description:

As a Medical Laboratory Assistant I, you will provide high quality service to clients of the clinical laboratory in an effective, efficient and safe manner. You will be responsible for a variety of laboratory functions including procurement, handling, processing, dispatching and testing of specimens, performing procedures and reporting results.

• Classification: Laboratory Assistant I
• Union: HSAA FAC PROF/TECH
• Unit and Program: Diagnostic Scientific Centre Anatomic Pathology Department; Histopathology, Cytopathology, Immunohistochemistry
• Primary Location: Diagnostic Scientific Centre
• Multi-Site: Not Applicable
• FTE: 1.00
• Posting End Date: 30-OCT-2026
• Temporary Employee Class: Temp F/T Benefits
• Date Available: 16-NOV-2026
• Temporary End Date: 28-JUN-2027
• Length of Shift in weeks: 2
• Shifts per cycle: 10
• Shift Pattern: Evenings
• Days Off: As Per Rotation
• Minimum Salary: $25.91
• Maximum Salary: $32.30
• Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable

• Classification: Laboratory Assistant I
• Union: HSAA FAC PROF/TECH
• Unit and Program: Diagnostic Scientific Centre Anatomic Pathology Department; Histopathology, Cytopathology, Immunohistochemistry
• Primary Location: Diagnostic Scientific Centre
• Location Details: As Per Location
• Multi-Site: Not Applicable
• FTE: 1.00
• Posting End Date: 30-OCT-2026
• Temporary Employee Class: Temp F/T Benefits
• Date Available: 16-NOV-2026
• Temporary End Date: 28-JUN-2027
• Hours per Shift: 7.75
• Length of Shift in weeks: 2
• Shifts per cycle: 10
• Shift Pattern: Evenings
• Days Off: As Per Rotation
• Minimum Salary: $25.91
• Maximum Salary: $32.30
• Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable

Required Qualifications:

Completion of an accredited Medical Laboratory Assistant program or equivalent.

Additional Required Qualifications:

Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy and medical terminology acquired through education and/or laboratory experience.Experience performing complex laboratory specimen processing activities beyond routine specimen collection and receiving functions, including specimen preparation, accessioning, organization, tracking, distribution, and workflow support.Experience performing laboratory bench support activities, such as reagent management, quality control procedures, inventory management, and routine laboratory equipment operation and maintenance.Experience maintaining accurate records and documentation in a regulated environment.Training and/or experience working in accordance with laboratory safety practices, including the safe handling of laboratory chemicals, hazardous materials, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience supporting Anatomic Pathology and/or Cytology laboratory services, including specimen and tissue processing activities.Experience using Laboratory Information Systems, including EPIC Beaker or comparable systems.Experience handling confidential materials and documentation in a regulated healthcare environment.

Please note:

All postings close at 23:59 MT of the postingend date indicated.

Security Screening:

A satisfactory criminal record check and/or Vulnerable Sector Search is required prior to your first day of work. Additionally, all employees have an ongoing duty to disclose any charges or convictions that may occur during their employment with APL.

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