Job Description

The AVC Diagnostic Services (AVC DS) is seeking applications from qualified candidates to fill a Molecular Diagnostic Technologist position at the Regional Diagnostic Virology Services (RDVS) and AVC DS. The individual will work as part of a team in RDVS and AVC DS in the performance of wastewater testing at the AVC UPEI Wastewater Atlantic Hub on Covid 19, Influenza, RSV and other targets in collaboration with the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML), Public Health Agency Canada (PHAC). The work involves latest molecular biology technologies including traditional PCR, qPCR, digital PCR, and automated nucleic extraction.RESPONSIBILITIES:The successful candidate will be expected to perform the following duties:

• Processing of wastewater samples for Covid-19, Influenza, RSV and other targets using Public Health Agency Canada (PHAC) Protocol including re-testing of samples in accordance with the quality guidelines directed by PHAC
• Performing automated nucleic acid extraction technologies (Roche and Life Technologies), digital PCR and qPCR
• Processing of wastewater samples in enhanced containment Level 2 area using aseptic Techniques
• Performing equipment maintenance utilized in wastewater testing
• Performing shipping and receiving of samples and other logistics
• Receiving wastewater samples, entering associated metadata of sample information into the Laboratory Management System of AVC DS and performing electronic delivery of results to National Microbiology Laboratory (NML), Public Health Agency Canada (PHAC)
• Archiving of wastewater samples and maintenance of an inventory of the archived samples
• Record keeping and archiving of results and raw data
• Meticulous preparation of reagents e.g. mastermix
• Performing general maintenance of laboratory and housekeeping work, re: storage and discard of samples, storage and inventory of reagents, biohazardous waste disposal, etc
• Preparing qPCR and digital PCR mastermixes including performing of standard curves and analysis
• Troubleshooting in connection with wastewater testing.
• Performing day to day tasks related to molecular diagnostic work such as aliquoting of primers, probes and positive controls

QUALIFICATIONS:The successful candidate must have the following qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree
• At least three years of work experience in the discipline of microbiology and molecular diagnostics
• Experience in a research and test development setting, e.g. diagnostic assays
• Capable of trouble shooting molecular diagnostic on technologies such as qPCR,
• traditional PCR and nucleic acid extraction
• Experience with molecular biology software tools including primer design, alignment, BLAST,
• cloning, qPCR, traditional PCR, etc. Programming in R is an asset
• Open to learning new techniques
• Detail oriented
• Experience in preparing diagnostic samples including documentation for shipment to external laboratories
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and experience to present professionally in scientific forum.
• Excellent organizational skills, and ability to collaborate with AVC DS, UPEI, PHAC personnel and
• others and adaptability in changing circumstances

Experience working in CL2 laboratoryApplication Instructions:Please submit electronically a cover letter, quoting the competition number, a resume and reference list to be received no later than the closing date via the link below.If you are unable to apply online, you can drop off your resume to the Human Resources Department, Kelley Building, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4P3, Fax Number 902-894-2895.UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. If you require accommodation in any part of the process, please direct your inquiries, in confidence, to our HR Officer, . Applications will not be accepted via email.Only those applicants who are invited to an interview will be acknowledged.Note that this site is not compatible with some mobile browsers (e.g. iPad, iPhone). Upon successful submission of your application, you will receive an auto-reply to your email address advising your application has been received. If you do not receive an email, please check your spam folder and/or try submitting your application via a different web browser (Google Chrome, Firefox, etc).

University of Prince Edward Island