Laboratory Technician - Virology

University of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian university in Guelph seeks two full-time technicians for diagnostic and testing services in the Laboratory Services Division. The role involves performing tests on various samples and ensuring accurate results. Ideal candidates have a community college diploma and experience in laboratory environments. The position offers comprehensive health benefits and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive Extended Health Care Benefits

Strong vacation allocation

Wellness programs

Educational opportunities

Athletic subsidies

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in a laboratory environment for at least 18 months.
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety and WHMIS legislation.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot laboratory equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform analysis of specimens via ELISA, PCR, and sequencing.
• Conduct consistency checks to minimize errors.
• Write reports and maintain quality control.

Skills

Organizational skills

Oral/written communication skills

Ability to handle infectious specimens safely

Experience conducting immunologic and molecular tests

Education

Three-year community college diploma

Tools

Automated laboratory systems

Computer software

Job description

Location: Guelph, CA, N1G 2W1

Division: Laboratory Services Division

Requisition ID: 1766

Department: LSD Animal Health Laboratory

Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

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 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 two regular full time technicians 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 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

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.

Please note there may be multiple postings with the same job title. All candidates must apply to each role they are interested in separately.

Employee Type: Regular

Position Number: 10482054

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: 09/18/2025

Closing Date: 09/25/2025