Laboratory Technician - Virology

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Guelph is seeking a technician for the Virology Section of the Animal Health Laboratory. The role involves performing immunologic and molecular testing, ensuring quality and safety protocols. Candidates must have a community college diploma and experience in laboratory testing. This temporary full-time position offers regular hours and values a collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience conducting a variety of immunologic and molecular tests.
• Excellent knowledge of personal and laboratory safety related to handling and disposal of infectious specimens.
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety and WHMIS legislation in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Handling and preparing various specimen types for testing.
• Performing analysis of specimens via ELISA, PCR, and other methods.
• Complying with LSD guidelines and policies including Health and Safety.

Skills

Immunologic testing

Molecular testing

Organizational skills

Written communication

Laboratory safety

Education

Three-year community college diploma

Tools

Automated laboratory systems

Computer software

Job description

Location:

Guelph, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: Laboratory Services Division

Requisition ID: 1689

Department: LSD Animal Health Laboratory

Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

Temporary full-time from 08/13/2025 to 07/31/2026

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant.

Career Opportunities (sapsf.com)

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 is seeking a technician to perform immunologic and molecular testing on various sample types, leveraging state of the art tools and technology. 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, 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 plus 18 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
  
  

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: Temporary

Position Number: 10923089

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: 08/13/2025

Closing Date: 08/20/2025