JOB SUMMARY:

The Public Health Technologist, TB/Mycobacteriology, is responsible for Mycobacteriology isolates and identifying bacteria, from clinical and other specimens, performs biochemical, serological, molecular and other tests on clinical specimens, evaluates and verifies results, and prepares related reports.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience

• Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology and certification with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) OR Bachelor of Science in Microbiology or related biological science relevant to the assigned section plus one year of recent, related experience including experience in a clinical and research based laboratory or an equivalent combination of education, training and recent related experience.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to utilize sterile techniques and work in the Biological Safety Cabinet (BSC).
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated attention to detail and organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated, manage time and work independently
• Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment and use related software
• Knowledge of basic computer software
• Knowledge of basic PCR skills
• Demonstrated physical ability to perform the job

1. Participates in day-to-day work activities in Mycobacteriology by testing clinical and other specimens using various microscopy methods, culture and nucleic acid techniques in the biological safety cabinets, and evaluating and verifying results according to established procedures.
2. Identifies acid fast organisms using fluorescent microscopy, rapid amplification nucleic acid techniques and traditional mycobacterial culture methods.
3. Prepares stock solutions and reagents following standard operating procedures.
4. Performs culturing techniques for mycobacterial propagation and maintenance of stock cultures.
5. Performs nucleic acid techniques for mycobacterial identification and susceptibility testing and traditional susceptibilities methods.
6. Responds to requests and inquiries for all referred in tests. Seek direction as required from Section Head, Supervisor, Program Head, Laboratory Operations Manager, or Laboratory Director as appropriate on customer service issues.
7. Performs all related functions required for the production of final reports such as preparing, testing and assessing quality control results prior to release of clinical results, troubleshoots specimen adequacy and prepares dilutions as required according to established procedures.
8. Maintains and documents maintenance of laboratory equipment. Recognizes and reports malfunction in equipment.
9. Participates in the overall quality management system including quality assurance programs for the analytical section through methods such as gathering data on turn around times (TAT) for test procedures, and monitoring performance and quality indicators. Reports occurrences according to standard operating procedures.
10. Provides input in the development and maintenance of technical operating procedures (TOP) for the analytical section and making recommendations for change.
11. Assists with information management, such as workload statistics, through methods such as gathering information, completing analysis and recording information.
12. Packs specimens, collects clinical information from incoming requisitions and prepare documentations for dispatch of specimens to reference laboratories.
13. Demonstrates routine laboratory procedures to students and technologists.
14. Performs other related duties as assigned.