Technologist, Life Science Laboratories

Conestoga College; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 31,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

Conestoga College seeks a Technologist for Life Science Laboratories to manage and support all Life Sciences lab operations. The role covers material prep, setup, maintenance, and cleanup, with supervision of students’ practical skills and safety emphasis.

The position is regular part-time, eight months per year, Monday to Friday, 24 hours weekly, on the Doon campus in Kitchener. On-site work and collaboration with faculty ensure high-quality experiential learning.

Qualifications

• Two-year diploma in Biotechnology or related Life Sciences required.
• Two years wet laboratory experience including operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting instrumentation.
• Excellent organization and planning for lab activities.
• Strong communication with students, faculty and staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare laboratory materials including solutions, media, chemicals, cultures and tissue preparations.
• Clean and maintain lab spaces and equipment.
• Assist in evaluating students' lab performance against program standards.
• Provide remedial skill assistance to students and document outcomes.
• Assist Lab Manager with ordering equipment and consumables.
• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment per manufacturers' specs and requirements.
• Ensure lab safety equipment is functional and conduct quality control analyses.
• Maintain inventory records and support safe, clean lab environment.

Skills

Strong communication

Interpersonal skills

Organization & planning

Independent working

Initiative & adaptability

Education

Two-year diploma in Biotechnology or related Life Sciences

Tools

Lab instrumentation

Job description

Position Summary

Regular Part-Time Support Staff, replacement position

(First consideration for support staff and academic positions will be given to internal applicants in accordance with the respective collective agreements)

The School of Health and Life Sciences is looking for a Technologist, Life Science Laboratories to serve as a key technical resource supporting all Life Sciences programs. This role is responsible for coordinating and participating in all aspects of laboratory operations, including the preparation, setup, maintenance, and cleanup of laboratory activities. The incumbent provides technical expertise and support to faculty and students, and, where required, is responsible for the demonstration and supervision of students' practical laboratory skills. The Technologist also plays an important role in ensuring students develop the competencies and safe laboratory practices required to successfully apply their technical skills in workplace settings.

Through a commitment to operational excellence, safety, and student success, the Technologist contributes to the delivery of high-quality experiential learning opportunities across Life Sciences programs.

Successful candidates will be required to conduct work on-site Monday to Friday, 24 hours per week, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Conestoga's Doon campus, located at 299 Doon Valley Drive. This schedule is subject to change with proper notice. The Technologist, Life Science Laboratories, is employed for eight months each year, with an anticipated annual layoff of four months (May to August).

Responsibilities

• Prepare all laboratory materials such as solutions, media, chemicals, cultures, tissue preparations for the operation and maintenance of life science, BSL2, and clinical diagnostic laboratories, including student, researcher, and faculty lab exercises
• Clean and maintain lab spaces
• Under the direction of faculty, contribute to the evaluation of students' lab performance in relation to program standards
• Provide remedial skill assistance to students on referral from faculty; test student performance following remedial assistance, as well as return demonstration of a skill; document findings as required and consult with faculty and Chairs regarding students' ability to meet established standards
• Support the Lab Manager in maintaining and ordering lab equipment and consumables for life science, BSL2, and clinical diagnostic laboratory activities
• Assist in the assessment of capital and non-capital equipment and supplies
• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment within the life science, BSL2, and clinical diagnostic lab spaces in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and requirements
• Ensure lab equipment remains in good working order by identifying and conducting preventative maintenance and troubleshooting, as required
• Conduct quality control analysis where required to ensure laboratory equipment is operating efficiently
• Maintain a record of current inventory, quality status, and validation of all lab equipment
• Work in cooperation with other college departments to provide a safe, clean lab environment
• Monitor lab functioning in relation to student and program needs and revise operations to increase efficiency and effectiveness
• Monitor functionality of lab safety equipment such as eye wash station, safety shower, and first aid kits
• Obtain clinical specimens from requisite sites at the direction of the Lab Manager
• Participate in the development and review of Standard Operating Procedures relevant to the requisite laboratories
• Participate in committees relevant to the School Health & Life Sciences (e.g., accreditation committees, Occupational Health & Safety review, lab safety committee)
• Contribute to curriculum development by faculty related to lab resources through input at team meetings
• Train on medical equipment
• Participate in program promotional activities related to prospective students
• Document scheduled and non-scheduled hours of lab usage, equipment usage and other data
• Compile an annual report for specific college personnel
• Recognize the need for continuous self-growth and development, and establish goals for annual development activities

Qualifications

• A two-year diploma in Biotechnology or a related Life Sciences discipline is required
• Minimum two years of wet laboratory experience, including operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting clinical and analytical instrumentation
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for working with students, faculty and staff
• Excellent organization and planning skills for activities in the lab
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and commitment to maintaining a high-quality learning environment