Laboratory Technician - Virology

Ontario University Athletics; Guelph; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Extended health care

Pension plan

Vacation days

Tuition waivers

Wellness program

Job summary

University of Guelph is seeking a Virology Laboratory Technician to perform immunologic and molecular testing for diverse specimen types in a fast-paced environment. The role supports diagnostics, health monitoring, animal movement, and export, within a collaborative team.

Qualifications include a 3-year diploma or higher with 12 months lab experience, proficiency in ELISA/PCR, and strong safety knowledge. Rabies vaccination is required; 35 hours per week, Monday–Friday with some Saturday

Qualifications

• Three-year college diploma or undergraduate degree with 12 months of lab experience.
• Experience conducting immunologic and molecular tests.
• Knowledge of computer software and data management.
• Familiarity with safety, OH&S and WHMIS in the lab.
• Good written and verbal communication; organized.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and handle diverse specimen types for testing.
• Perform ELISA, PCR, sequencing, virus neutralization, agglutination, and cell culture.
• Maintain accuracy and timeliness of test results per SOPs.
• Troubleshoot laboratory equipment as needed.
• Ensure quality control on reagents and reagents inventory.

Skills

Immunologic testing

Molecular testing

Computer skills

Lab safety & WHMIS

Documentation & reporting

Automated lab systems (asset)

Education

Community college diploma or university degree

Tools

Automated laboratory systems

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

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 09/07/2026to06/01/2028
Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

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 tocover 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

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