Serology Technician, Diagnostic Services Unit

University of Calgary; Calgary; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Calgary is seeking a Serology Technician for its Diagnostic Services Unit in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. This full-time position involves supporting laboratory activities, performing immunological and parasitological tests, and contributing to quality assurance. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in veterinary diagnostics. The role requires flexibility and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a veterinary diagnostic lab or relevant education.
• Ability to lift 20-40 lbs.
• Experience in writing SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze samples for ELISA test results.
• Maintain quality standards and participate in QA programs.
• Interact with stakeholders under the direction of the Poultry Pathologist.

Skills

Immunological techniques

Parasitological techniques

Veterinary pathogen diagnostics

Quality assurance programs

Technical error detection

Laboratory safety standards

Education

Bachelor of Science in a related field

Certification as Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT)

Tools

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Job description

Serology Technician, Diagnostic Services Unit

Join to apply for the Serology Technician, Diagnostic Services Unit role at University of Calgary

Job Title

Serology Technician, Diagnostic Services Unit

Application Info

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Serology Technician, Diagnostic Services Unit role at University of Calgary

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Description

The Diagnostic Services Unit in the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine invites applications for a Serology Technician. This full-time fixed-term position is for approximately 1 year (based on grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

The Serology Laboratory Technician is a member of the Diagnostic Services Unit (DSU) of the University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM). Reporting to the DSU Manager and receiving day-to-day direction from the Poultry Pathologist and Veterinary Professionals, the Serology Technician supports activities in the serology and parasitology lab. The role involves working closely with the Poultry Pathologist to set up and grow a new lab supporting the livestock industry and veterinary community in Alberta. The work requires judgment, decision-making, confidentiality, and the ability to handle interruptions and varying priorities. The position involves varying complexity and may have peak periods and tight timelines.

The hours are typically Monday through Friday, 35 hours per week, with occasional schedule adjustments. Flexibility is required, and some work outside regular hours, including weekends, may be necessary. The position is based at the Clinical Skills Building (CSB) at the Spy Hill Campus, with potential travel to Foothills Campus.

Key Responsibilities

• Support teaching and service activities, interacting with stakeholders, under the direction of the Poultry Pathologist.
• Prepare samples, perform dilutions, process, incubate, read, and report ELISA test results for serum antibody detection.
• Label, process, centrifuge, and identify parasite ova, cysts, larvae, and adults using flotation and concentration methods.
• Identify pathogens in various mammalian, avian, and exotic species.
• Maintain and review results in the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and present findings to veterinary professionals.
• Participate in quality assurance and quality control programs, including writing and revising SOPs.
• Maintain quality standards, participate in proficiency testing, and ensure compliance with accreditation standards.
• Develop and validate new methods as initiated by the Poultry Pathologist or DSU Director.
• Manage inventory of consumables, PPE, reagents, and dispose of outdated stock properly.
• Oversee laboratory equipment maintenance and documentation.
• Follow biosecurity procedures for handling invasive and pathogenic organisms, some zoonotic.
• Dispose of pathogens safely, sterilize labware, and troubleshoot equipment issues.
• Identify and resolve problems independently or seek guidance as needed.
• Adjust service levels to meet workload peaks and deadlines.
• Perform tasks accurately and efficiently, interacting positively with faculty, staff, students, and clients.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in a related field or certification as a Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT), Medical Technologist (MT), Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS), or equivalent.
• At least two years of experience in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory or relevant education and experience.
• Knowledge of immunological techniques, parasitological techniques, and veterinary pathogen diagnostics.
• Experience writing SOPs and establishing quality assurance programs.
• Ability to detect and resolve technical errors, operate diagnostic equipment, and manage electronic records or databases (LIMS experience is an asset).
• Understanding of sanitation, disinfection, and laboratory safety standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Physical ability to lift 20-40 lbs.

Application Deadline

June 5, 2025

Additional Information

We thank all applicants; only those selected for further steps will be contacted. This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, in the Technical Job Family, Phase 2.

For more opportunities at the University of Calgary, visit our Management and Staff Careers website.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is a top research university located in Calgary, known for innovation, entrepreneurship, and research excellence. Founded in 1966, it hosts 36,000 students and fosters a rich learning environment. For more, visit ucalgary.ca.

The university is committed to Indigenous strategies and fostering a diverse, inclusive campus. We encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, visible/racialized minorities, and members of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Accommodations are available upon request during the recruitment process.

Additional Info

• Seniority level: Entry level
• Employment type: Part-time
• Job functions: Research, Analysis, IT
• Industries: Higher Education