Specialty Technologist, Genetics - Temporary Full-Time (1.0) (until March, 2028)

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario - Ottawa Children's Treatment Centre; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 58,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

CHEO’s Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory in Ottawa is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join a dynamic team. The role involves performing diagnostic genetic tests across pediatric and adult populations using PCR, Sanger sequencing, NGS, MLPA, and cytogenetic methods, with strict attention to accuracy and timely reporting.

As part of the CHEO Regional Genetics Program, you will work under Laboratory Heads to maintain quality, manage workload, and participate in ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in/graduate of an accredited Clinical Genetics training program (Essential).
• CMLTO licensed technologist with molecular or clinical genetics designation, with CSMLS or CAMLPR certification (Essential).
• Experience applying genetic laboratory techniques to human disease analysis (Preferred).
• Ability to perform procedures with accuracy and precision (Essential).
• Ability to organize workload and set priorities (Essential).
• Ability to recognize abnormal results and take appropriate action (Essential).
• Ability to exercise good judgement and work well with others (Essential).
• Criminal Record Check (Essential).
• Bilingualism (English/French) (Preferred).

Responsibilities

• Perform diagnostic testing with accuracy following approved laboratory procedures.
• Analyze results, summarize findings, and draft reports per Laboratory Heads' specifications.
• Troubleshoot test results, identify discrepancies, and participate in corrective actions.
• Maintain an acceptable workload as determined by Laboratory Heads/Manager.
• Maintain technical and analytical competence; participate in QA and development activities.
• Attend team meetings and provide coverage as required; ensure documentation compliance.
• Maintain records confidentially and ensure proper documentation.
• Prepare for educational and professional development activities; be available for on-call weekends/holidays if required.

Skills

Genetics training

CSMLS/CAMLPR

Laboratory techniques

Lab workflow management

Quality & safety

Documentation & records

Bilingual English/French

Job description

Compensation Pay Range: $41.85-$51.77

Position Summary

As part of the CHEO Regional Genetics Program, the Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory provides comprehensive diagnostic genetic and genomic testing for both the pediatric and adult populations in Eastern Ontario, Western Quebec and Nunavut. The Laboratory provides testing for a number of inherited diseases through its Molecular Genetics section as well as testing for several constitutional conditions and acquired chromosome abnormalities through its Cytogenetics section. A wide variety of methodologies are currently performed in the Laboratory; these include PCR, Sanger Sequencing, Next Generation Sequencing, MLPA, Gel Electrophoresis, Optical Genome Mapping and Southern Blotting in the Molecular Genetics section, and Karyotyping, Tissue Culture, FISH, Microarray, QF-PCR, qPCR and MLPA in the Cytogenetics section. Technologists may rotate through different work areas as required. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who wish to use a variety of technical and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform assigned work and diagnostic testing with accuracy and efficiency following laboratory procedures and policies
• Perform analysis, summarize test results and draft reports to the specifications of the Laboratory Heads
• Perform basic troubleshooting of test results, recognize discrepancies and participate in developing effective corrective action
• Maintain an acceptable workload as determined by Laboratory Heads and Laboratory Manager
• Maintain and demonstrate technical and analytical competence
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and development work as required within the Laboratory
• Participate in team meetings and provide coverage for team members as required
• Maintain confidential and accurate records, and ensure completion of appropriate documentation
• Perform additional duties as required to ensure the efficient functioning of the laboratory, such as: equipment maintenance, ensure appropriate inventory levels for laboratory supplies, receipt and storage of supplies, ensure a clean and tidy work place Conform to all laboratory safety regulations, and work in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act Share in maintaining quality assurance including: regular review of procedures, identify need for equipment repair, identify and report errors/incidents to the Laboratory Heads and Laboratory Manager.
• Participate in educational and professional development activities
• Ensure availability for week-end and statutory holidays on-call duty, if required

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in/graduate of an accredited Clinical Genetics Training Program (Essential)
• CMLTO Licensed Technologist with a designation in Molecular Genetics or Clinical Genetics, with successful completion of either the CSMLS certification exam or the CAMLPR certification (Essential).
• Previous experience applying genetic laboratory techniques to the analysis of human genetic diseases (Preferred)
• Ability to perform laboratory procedures with accuracy and precision (Essential)
• Ability to organize workload and establish priorities (Essential)
• Ability to recognize abnormal or unusual test results, and take appropriate action (Essential)
• Ability to exercise good judgement (Essential)
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively with other staff members (Essential)
• Strong computer skills and knowledge (Preferred)
• Ability to maintain the strictest standards of safety, patient privacy and confidentiality (Essential)
• Criminal Record Check (Essential)
• Bilingualism (English/French) (Preferred)
• Timeline may be extended or shortened based on operational needs

Pre-screening

Pre-screening might include testing. Effective March 29, 2021, CHEO will conduct a more comprehensive pre-screening and evaluation process. This process may include more varied and multidimensional testing such as a written test, practical exam, or other assessment. All candidates who meet the essential and preferred qualifications may be tested. Bilingualism (French/English) will be validated by a language proficiency assessment conducted by a third party provider. Candidates will be required to meet the minimum linguistic profile prior to the date of hire.

Location: This position will be based out of Ottawa. Location may be subject to change at any time at the discretion of the employer.

CHEO values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process and welcome interest from all qualified applicants.

Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

CHEO is much more than a hospital. Our commitment to outstanding care and continued development impacts every part of a child and youth's health and well-being. We play a crucial role in building a healthy future for our community.

Working at CHEO means a rewarding career. A career at CHEO provides a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package unique culture that fosters dedication, communication, respect and teamwork place where your opinions will be respected, contributions valued and your initiatives rewarded family-friendly environment that supports you and your own family, as well as the children, youth and families we serve chance to grow — personally and professionally — through our comprehensive orientation program and on-the-job learning support for continued education and learning potential for a relocation reimbursement benefit truly unique work environment.

We are redefining what it means to be a hospital. Exceptional and integrated care is what families, children and youth deserve. We are committed to partnering with them and the community to provide this care — where, when and how it’s needed. CHEO continues to be selected by local, national and international competitions showcasing employers who lead their sector in offering exceptional workplaces for their employees. For the eleventh time, CHEO has been recognized as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers. We were given this honour based on our outstanding: workplace atmosphere benefits employee communications training and skills development community involvement.