Laboratory Technician - Bacteriology

Ontario University Athletics; Guelph; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution is seeking a qualified Laboratory Technician to support its Animal Health Laboratory. Responsibilities include preparing and analyzing bacterial cultures and conducting PCR testing. The ideal candidate will have a diploma in laboratory technology and relevant experience, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and communication skills. This temporary full-time position runs from 10/10/2025 to 05/28/2027.

Qualifications

• One-year related experience or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Must be, or willing to be rabies immunized.
• Ability to work 5 days per week from 9 AM to 5 PM.

Responsibilities

• Receive and log-in samples into a computerized laboratory tracking system.
• Prepare and examine primary bacterial cultures.
• Perform appropriate antimicrobial susceptibility tests.
• Interpret and report test results.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills

Experience using semi-automated systems for bacterial identification

Demonstrated working experience in veterinary bacteriology

Good understanding of Occupational Health and Safety

Education

Two-year Community College diploma in laboratory technology

Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technologist

Job description

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The Bacteriology section of the Animal Health Laboratory seeks a qualified individual to perform complex and routine testing on a wide variety of samples.

Department: LSD Animal Health Laboratory
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

Temporary full-time from 10/10/2025 to 05/28/2027
Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

General Purpose

The incumbent will play a key role in supporting Laboratory Services Division’s values: Client Centered, Integrity, Individuals Matter, Shared Responsibility, and Committed to Evolving.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Laboratory Technician will perform a number of duties in the AHL Bacteriology laboratory including: receive and log-in samples into a computerized laboratory tracking system (LIMS); prepare and examine primary bacterial cultures for the isolation and identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens by morphologic, biochemical, serologic, and microscopic characteristics in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs); perform appropriate antimicrobial susceptibility tests; prepare diagnostic reagents; maintain records; maintain lab equipment; participate in quality assurance of laboratory procedures; inventory control; process samples according to Ontario Hatchery and Supply Flock Policy (OHSFP) requirements; perform nucleic acid extraction; perform conventional, real-time PCR and whole genome sequencing; interpret and report test results; and develop, validate and implement new tests.

Requirements

• Two-year Community College diploma in laboratory technology or related program
• One-year related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• Certification as a Medical Laboratory Technologist preferred
• Demonstrated working experience in veterinary bacteriology lab with emphasis on PCR and whole genome sequencing
• Experience using semi-automated systems for bacterial identification (i.e. MALDI-TOF MS), susceptibility testing and typing (i.e, IR Biotyper)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills to work effectively with clients, co-workers, and students
• Good understanding of Occupational Health and Safety and WHMIS legislation in a laboratory environment
• Must be, or willing to be rabies immunized.

Individual must be able to work 5 days per week (Monday to Friday and/or Tuesday to Saturday), 7 hours per day, from 9 AM to 5 PM.

The University of Guelph invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 10/07/2025
Closing Date: 10/14/2025