Medical Laboratory Technologist 1 - WGS - 22-0092

To perform testing and provide accurate and timely reporting of clinical and environmental laboratory tests as part of a team of laboratory professionals, within quality policies and technical procedures.

Key Responsibilities-

• Conducts standardized medical/clinical tests and procedures for the isolation, quantification, identification, molecular testing and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of clinically significant bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses and associated antibodies.
• Reports and relays results to health care providers within acceptable turnaround time (TAT) as published by PHO Laboratory.
• Authorizes the release of laboratory test results and discusses test results with clients within the restriction of College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) regulations.
• Maintains privacy and confidentiality as outlined by PHO corporate policies.
• Carries out established quality assurance and control procedures including proficiency testing to ensure quality outcomes.
• Performs review of daily quality control (QC) materials and take appropriate actions to resolve any discrepancies in QC material that falls outside the acceptable ranges.
• Maintains and monitors equipment and supplies to ensure operability.
• Provides direction and guidance to Laboratory Attendants responsible for supporting MLTs and senior staff and assists with training new staff.
• Provides technical assistance to Senior Technologists and Operational Lead in carrying out testing and/or special projects.
• Performs activities to support the laboratory’s Quality Management Program and Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare (IQMH) requirements.
• Performs molecular assays including DNA extraction, RNA extraction.
• Sanger sequencing, next generation sequencing.
• Allele-specific PCR, reverse-transcriptase PCR, Quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
• Gel electrophoresis and analysis.
• Prepares reagents and controls using defined procedures.
• Maintains stringent pre and post PCR containment procedures at all times to prevent contamination.
• Performs other duties or projects as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills-

• Knowledge of computer applications to utilize standard and laboratory information systems.
• Knowledge of Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare (IQMH) requirements to ensure compliance in the conduct of laboratory testing.
• Knowledge of PHO policies and protocols and PHO Laboratory code of conduct to ensure confidentiality in the release of test results and discussions with clients.
• Oral communication and interpersonal skills to liaise with laboratory staff and with health care providers to relay laboratory test results.
• Interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with colleagues.
• Written communication skills to write standard operating procedures, complete records.

Education and Experience-

• Mandatory: Certification in good standing with the College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO).
• Certification with a Genetics license is preferred.
• Knowledge of and the ability to perform medical and/or environmental laboratory techniques/ procedures, laboratory safety practices and utilize medical laboratory equipment in the conduct of standardized medical/clinical tests and procedures.
• Experience with amplicon-based SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing (WGS) is preferred.
• Experience with automated liquid handlers (e.g. Biomek i7 automated workstation and Eppendorf epmotion 5075) is preferred.
• Experience with the Illumina platform (including both MiSeq and NextSeq) and the Oxford Nanopore GridION is preferred.

Attributes and Competencies-

• Works within College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Ontario (CMLTO) regulations, PHO Laboratory Code of Conduct, and Institute for Quality Management in Healthcare (IQMH) requirements.
• Works independently to solve daily problems (e.g. quality control failures, instrument problems, status of client results), seeking advice and direction from an MLT2 or Operational Lead in solving more complex problems.
• Identifies the need for maintenance and repair of equipment, referring more complex problems to senior staff or vendor.
• Interprets clinician orders and determines testing to be conducted.
• Ensures quality assurance and control standards are met and evaluates quality control results, including unexpected or unusual test results.
• May be required to lift up to 10 kg.
• May be required to work within a biological safety cabinet or fumehood.
• Physical coordination and manual dexterity in the use of a keyboard, operate and maintain laboratory equipment, and perform testing of specimens.
• May be required to perform repetitive tasks such as pipetting.
• May be required to stand or sit for the period of one shift.
• Requires physical activity such as walking, lifting, stretching and bending.
• Works in a laboratory environment which includes exposure to hazardous and infectious materials, odors, noise generated from automated equipment, some temperature extremes, such as walk in fridges and freezers.
• Works shifts as assigned and scheduled.