About the job

Dedicated exclusively to children and their families, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is one of the largest and most respected paediatric healthcare centres in the world. As innovators in child health, we lead and partner to improve the health of children through the integration of healthcare, leading-edge research and education. Our reputation would not have been built - nor could it be maintained - without the skills, knowledge and experience of the extraordinary people who come to work here every day. SickKids is committed to ongoing learning and development, and features a caring and supportive work environment that combines exceptionally high standards of practice.

When you join SickKids, you become part of our community. We share a commitment and determination to fulfill our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to work alongside the world's best in paediatric healthcare.

The Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine (DPLM) at SickKids is a leading, world-class facility working towards reducing the impact of childhood illness by providing diagnostic information that allows for early selection of best treatment options. DPLM is a valuable and integral part of the SickKids team, generating original research and providing timely, specialized diagnostic services for health care providers in Canada and around the world. The department comprises of five divisions: Clinical Biochemistry, Genome Diagnostics, Haematopathology, Microbiology, and Pathology. All DPLM laboratories are accredited by Accreditation Canada Diagnostics.

The Laboratory Technician, reporting to the Team Leader and/or Resource Technologist, collects, receives, accessions and sorts specimens for testing. The Laboratory Technician is responsible for and performs a variety of laboratory procedures under the direct supervision of a Lead, Laboratory Technician. The position supports a 24 hour/7 days a week operation working all shifts on a rotational basis including weekends and holidays as scheduled. The Laboratory Technician will work in The Laboratory Technician will work in Media preparation, Bacteriology, Molecular microbiology Receipt and Dispatch within the Division of Microbiology.

The Division of Microbiology (Molecular Microbiology, Bacteriology, Mycology, Virology and Serology) specializes in paediatric microbiology, and maintains a wide portfolio of internal and external clients across the province. Key areas of excellence are molecular, microbial genomics and fungal diagnostics.

Our lab is uniquely positioned to be a leader in clinical development of Next Generation Sequencing platform. Automated and smart technologies are being constantly incorporated into our clinical and epidemiological investigations to increase efficiency and develop testing opportunities that meet required accreditation standards.

As a member of a large, collaborative team, you will have access to a wide arrange of learning and growth opportunities. Our team is heavily invested in mentoring and education of new staff, with activities including routine testing, new test validation, and supporting research and clinical studies.

Here's what you'll get to do

• Practice and perform a variety of laboratory procedures with accuracy and efficiency in accordance with the policies, processes and procedures of the Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine.
• Maintain competence in the receiving, handling, processing, identification, recording, labeling and dispatch of specimens for laboratory testing.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment according to DPLM procedures.
• Recognize failure, troubleshoot, take appropriate corrective action and maintain documentation of laboratory equipment.
• Actively participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement activities to meet DPLM objectives.
• Recognize unusual situations and reports immediately to an MLT.
• Work in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Recognize unsafe work practices, potential hazards and unusual occurrences in the work area.
• Assist in maintaining inventory control to ensure availability of adequate reagents and supplies.
• Maintain competency as a Laboratory Technician through participation in training and continuing education.
• Participate in special projects or other duties as assigned by an MLT, Resource Technologist or Team Leader.
• Follow all aspects of the Quality System.
• 
  

Here's What You'll Need

• Completion of high school (Ontario Secondary School diploma or equivalent).
• Certification or registration as a Laboratory Technician with the Medical Laboratory Professionals' Association of Ontario (MLPAO) preferred.
• Minimum of 1-2 years' experience with lab systems and processes.
• Strong typing/data entry skills.
• Ability to be a team player.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Attention to detail and high accuracy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable.
• Good manual dexterity and visual interpretation skills.
• Demonstrated commitment and actions in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion objectives.
• 
  

Here's What You'll Love

• This position is eligible for employee benefits coverage; including but not limited to, health, dental, insurance. The full benefits offered will be discussed at the time of offer.
• A commitment to continuing education and professional development through DPLM's Laboratory Professional Certification Reimbursement Program as well as several programs and resources through the Learning Institute.
• A culture of safety for both the patient and staff.
• A focus on employee wellness with our new Staff Health and Well-being Strategy. Self-care helps us support others.
• A hospital that welcomes and focuses on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• The opportunity to make an impact. Regardless of your role or professional interest, you will be making a difference at SickKids and contributing to our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.
• For more on why you'll love working at SickKids, visit our careers site.
• 
  

Employment type: Full-time

SickKids is committed to championing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do, fostering an intentionally inclusive and culturally safe environment that reflects the diversity of the patients, families and communities we serve. Learn more about workplace inclusion.

If you require accommodation during the application process, please reach out to our aSKHR team. SickKids can provide access and inclusion supports to eligible candidates to support their full engagement during the interview and selection process as well as to ensure candidates are able to perform their duties once successfully hired. If you are invited for an interview and require accommodation, please let us know at the time of your invitation to interview. Information received related to access, inclusion or accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

Technical difficulties? Email ask.hr@sickkids.ca with a short description of the issues you are experiencing. We will not accept resumes sent to this inbox but we are happy to respond to requests for technical assistance.

Tip: Combine your cover letter and resume into ONE document of 20 pages or less as you cannot upload multiple documents as part of your application.

Every application is reviewed by a human recruiter and all hiring decisions are made by people. In some cases, AI-assisted tools are used to help review applications based on job-related qualifications.

All positions posted on the SickKids Hospital's Careers Site represent current vacancies, unless otherwise posted in the job description.