Job Description

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 length of 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 carries out various activities that support the serology and parasitology lab. This individual will work closely with the Poultry Pathologist in the set-up and growth of a new lab to support the livestock industry and broader veterinary community in Alberta. The work requires a high degree of judgment, decision making, and confidentiality, all within an environment where there are interruptions and competing interests. The work is of varying complexity and may have peak periods and short timelines for completion.


The hours of work are normally Monday through Friday, 35 hours per week. Scheduling may vary on occasion; therefore, flexibility is required. On occasion, there may be the need to work outside of regular hours including weekends. The position is based out of the Clinical Skills Building (CSB) at the Spy Hill Campus, but travel to Foothills Campus may be required.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

(job functions include but are not limited to):

Works as part of a team to support teaching and service activities of the DSU, interacting with a variety of stakeholders. Responsible for working effectively under the day-to-day direction of the Poultry Pathologist Prepare samples, dilute, process, incubate, read and report test results from ELISA procedures for serum antibody detection Label, process, centrifuge and identify parasite ova, cysts, larva and adults using direct flotation and concentration methods Identify pathogens in a wide variety of mammalian, avian, and exotic species Maintain, record and review results from biological and physical testing of each submission into the LIMS. Presents results to the Poultry Pathologist or Veterinary Professionals Participates in development and adherence to quality assurance / quality control program for lab, including writing, reviewing and revising Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) Maintains quality standards and participates in proficiency testing to meet accreditation standards including acceptance/rejection criteria, report on non-conforming tests, adequate audit trail from receipt to disposal Develops and validates new methods initiated by the Poultry Pathologist or DSU Director. Research appropriate new methods for adoption by the lab for improved pathogen detection Maintains inventory for consumables, PPE, commercial identification systems, biochemical tests, and reagents. Disposes of outdated stock through HazMat and Chematix Oversees maintenance and operation of laboratory equipment and performs associated documentation of any work, alterations, enhancements, and calibrations Observes appropriate biosecurity procedures for invasive and pathogenic organisms, some of which are zoonotic Disposes of pathogens by sterilization and medical waste company; washes, prepares and sterilizes lab glassware Identifies problems and takes appropriate actions to resolve them independently or seeks the advice of the appropriate person Demonstrates flexibility and adjusts levels of service delivery to meet the timelines and varying peaks in workload Performs at a very high degree of accuracy and efficiency with an understanding that services have a direct impact on service, research and teaching. Interacts with faculty members, staff members, students and clients in an effective, positive and helpful manner

Qualifications / Requirements:

A Bachelor of Science degree in a related field or certification as a Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) (Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science-CSMLS), Medical Technologist (MT) (American Medical Technologists-AMT), Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) (ASCP), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) (ASCP), or equivalent A minimum of two years of experience in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory or combination of relevant education and experience is required Knowledge and experience with immunological techniques and terminology, theories and principles relevant to the methods used for the direct and indirect (antibody) detection of veterinary pathogens Knowledge and experience with parasitological techniques and terminology, theories and principles relevant to the methods used for diagnosis of veterinary pathogens Must have previous experience writing SOPs and setting up a quality assurance/quality control program for a laboratory Detect technical/analytical errors, systematically identify the source of the error and quickly resolve the problem to ensure compliance with SOPs and procedures Proficient in the operation, monitoring, maintenance and troubleshooting of diagnostic laboratory equipment Ability to tailor individual and unique support for a variety of stakeholder and project needs Ability to push, pull, lift or carry moderate weight- 20-40 lbs Ability to work with computers and knowledge of or ability to learn management of electronic records or database is required. Experience with a laboratory information management system (LIMS) would be considered an asset Sound knowledge of the principles of sanitation and disinfection or a willingness to learn is required. Understanding of and ability to work using industry specific laboratory safety standards Demonstrated ability to function as a productive team member as well as work independently is required

Application Deadline:

June 5, 2025

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.


This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the

Technical Job Family, Phase 2.


For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our

Management and Staff Careers website

.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.


The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (

equity@ucalgary.ca

) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (

hrhire@ucalgary.ca

).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.