Laboratory Technician - Virology

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health care

Vacation & personal days

Wellness programing

Tuition waivers

Learning & development

On-campus activities

Job summary

The University of Guelph's LSD Animal Health Laboratory Virology section seeks a Laboratory Technician to perform immunologic and molecular testing on diverse specimen types, using ELISA, PCR, sequencing, and related methods. The role emphasizes accuracy, quality procedures, and timely reporting within a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

You will join a dedicated team, handle specimens, troubleshoot equipment, assist in method development, and maintain safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• Three-year community college diploma or undergraduate university degree plus 12 months of laboratory experience.
• Experience conducting immunologic and molecular tests.
• Proficiency with computer software and data entry.
• Knowledge of lab safety, WHMIS and analytical quality procedures.

Responsibilities

• Handling and preparing various specimen types for testing.
• Performing analysis of specimens via ELISA, PCR, sequencing, virus neutralization, agglutination, and cell culture.
• Conducting all techniques consistently to minimize errors.
• Producing accurate and reliable test results in a timely fashion following quality protocols, standard operating procedures, and work instructions.
• Troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Complying with LSD guidelines and policies including Health and Safety, and Quality Assurance.
• Identifying non-conformances and non-routine situations to Supervisor to support continuous improvement.
• Assisting with development and validation of new tests.
• Writing reports, ordering, and maintaining quality control on reagents and chemicals.
• Ensuring laboratory cleanliness and safety.

Skills

Immunologic testing

Molecular testing

ELISA

PCR

Cell culture

Software proficiency

Education

Three-year college diploma or undergraduate degree

Tools

Automated laboratory systems

Job description

Location: Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: LSD Animal Health Laboratory

Requisition ID: 2882

Department: LSD AHL Virology

Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

Temporary full-time from 09/07/2026 to 06/01/2028

Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

General Purpose

The Laboratory Services Division (LSD) provides diagnostic and testing services to clients in private industry, government and academic organizations. A diverse service laboratory, LSD consists of two operational units: The Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) and the Agriculture and Food Laboratory (AFL). The Virology Section within the Animal Health Laboratory delivers comprehensive laboratory services, specializing in the detection of antigens, nucleic acids, and antibodies for a wide range of mammalian and avian viruses, as well as bacteria, mycoplasmas.

The laboratory is seeking a technician to perform immunologic and molecular testing on various sample types, leveraging state of the art tools and technology supporting diagnostics, health monitoring, movement of animals, and export.

Join a talented and collaborative team of professionals and grow your expertise in laboratory testing.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Handling and preparing various specimen types for testing.
• Performing analysis of specimens via ELISA, PCR, sequencing, virus neutralization, agglutination, and cell culture.
• Conducting all techniques consistently to minimize errors.
• Producing accurate and reliable test results in a timely fashion following quality protocols, standard operating procedures, and work instructions.
• Troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Complying with LSD guidelines and policies including Health and Safety, and Quality Assurance.
• Identifying non-conformances and non-routine situations to Supervisor to support continuous improvement.
• Assisting with development and validation of new tests.
• Writing reports, ordering, and maintaining quality control on reagents and chemicals.
• Ensuring laboratory cleanliness and safety.

The Virology Section high-throughput environment is fast paced and highly collaborative. Candidates who bring a positive and service-focused attitude and who thrive managing multiple tasks and working within a team will be most successful in this role.

Requirements

• Three-year community college diploma or undergraduate university degree plus 12 months of experience in a laboratory environment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Demonstrated experience conducting a variety of immunologic and molecular tests
• Excellent knowledge of computer software
• Excellent knowledge of personal and laboratory safety related to handling and disposal of infectious specimens
• Demonstrated organizational, oral/written communication skills
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety and WHMIS legislation in a laboratory environment; good understanding of analytical laboratory quality procedures and statistics
• Knowledge of automated laboratory systems would be considered an asset

Why choose the University of Guelph

• Comprehensive Extended Health Care Benefits: Immediate enrollment in extended health and dental benefits as well as Pension Plan to cover yourself and your family.
• Time off: Strong vacation allocation, floater days and personal days.
• Wellness: In addition to extensive wellness programing, the University offers a yearly flexible spending credit that can be allocated to Health or Wellness Spending.
• Learning & Development: Educational opportunities such as access to tuition waivers, and the learning and development curriculum.
• On Campus Activities: Athletic subsidies, and access to networking events and team building opportunities.

Must be or willing to be rabies vaccinated.

Hours of work: 35 hours per week Monday to Friday with a rotational Saturday shift.

Employee Type: Regular

Position Number: 10482055

Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 5

USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University 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: 09/02/2026

Closing Date: 09/09/2026