Laboratory Assistant, Microbiology

at  PHSA

LABORATORY ASSISTANT, MICROBIOLOGY

Microbiology
Surrey, BC
The Laboratory Assistant, Microbiology performs Laboratory Assistant duties mainly for the Microbiology Section of the Laboratory; performs Laboratory Assistant duties for other areas of the Laboratory as required.

WHAT YOU BRING

Qualifications

• Grade 12, successful completion of a recognized Lab Assistant training program plus one year’s recent, related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Ability to type at 25 wpm.

Skills & Knowledge

• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

WHAT WE DO

Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS) provides laboratory testing at 31 sites across the lower mainland and central coast of BC, including acute care hospital laboratories and specialty laboratories.
PLMS is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).
PHSA and PLMS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.
Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA is committed to equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently marginalized groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.
One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’kula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.
Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and marginalization faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and self-determination of Indigenous communities. PHSA must uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents such as including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study

• Performs microbiology specimen plating on the required media according to established procedures.
• Prepares specimens for analysis by centrifuging, aliquoting, and distributing specimens by priority including Microbiology, Pathology, Cytology, and Paracytology specimens and assisting with gross
• exams. Stains, mounts, and labels slides.
• Performs clerical duties as required including computer data entry for patient information and tests. Communicates test results to designated parties and handles inquiries from other health team members.
• Cleans, operates and maintains equipment such as temperature checks on fridges, incubators, autoclaves and water bath. Informs appropriate staff of problems with equipment as per established
• procedure.
• Prepares reagents, media, and specimen collection material and distributes as required. Receives, stores and ships specimens and other materials. Prepares, handles, and transports specimens for preanalytical
• and post-analytical storage, including discarding specimens as per accepted protocols.
• Loads specimens for analysis on barcode enhanced automated and semi-automated equipment only.
• Performs laboratory tests such as urine dipsticks and glucose tests using urinalysis machines and glucose meters. Performs simple tests such as occult blood and pregnancy tests.
• Maintains a clean and safe work area according to established policies and procedures including stocking adequate levels of supplies at workstations.
• Assists with clerical functions such as counting inventory and notifying appropriate staff of inventory levels as per procedure.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.