LHSO 21R - Laboratory Scientist, Virology & Molecular Diagnostics

Posting Title
LHSO 21R - Laboratory Scientist, Virology & Molecular Diagnostics

Position Classification
Laboratory/Hlth Science Of R21

Union
GEU

Work Options
On-Site

Location
Abbotsford, BC V2S 1H4 CA (Primary)

Salary Range
$67,728.87 - $77,012.22 annually

Close Date
6/15/2023

Job Type
Regular Full Time

Temporary End Date

Ministry/Organization
BC Public Service -> Agriculture and Food

Ministry Branch / Division
Science, Policy and Inspection Division

Job Summary

A great opportunity to take the next step in your career

The Plant and Animal Health Branch provides veterinary diagnostic laboratory and disease investigation services for the Province. The Animal Health Centre is the provincial veterinary diagnostic laboratory and, as a major part of the Plant and Animal Health Branch, has the mandate to provide diagnostic, monitoring, investigative, surveillance and regulatory programs for livestock, poultry and finfish production industries of British Columbia. The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being a part of an innovative, inclusive, and rewarding workplace.

This position is responsible for detecting, analyzing, and specifically identifying a wide range of viral pathogens from numerous animal species. The work requires making judgment decisions with emphasis placed on detection and identification of viruses using published standard methods in virology and molecular diagnostics.

Job Requirements:

• A minimum qualification - bachelor's degree in virology, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related discipline.
• One year of laboratory experience, preferably in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
• Experience working with animal viruses of veterinary significance.
• Experience in the production and maintenance of cell cultures.
• Experience with virus isolation and identification.
• Experience with virus neutralization and hemagglutination inhibition assays.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques, including PCR methods, DNA sequencing, and analysis.
• Experience in operation of a variety of laboratory equipment.
• Experience in data analysis, scientific reports, and SOPs writing.
  

Preference may be given to applicants with:

• Two or more years of experience in virology.
• Two or more years of experience in various cell cultures, like avian, mammalian, & insect cell lines.
• One or more years of experience in next-generation viral genome sequencing.
• One or more years of experience in Electron microscopy.
• One or more years of experience in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
  

Provisos /Willingness statement(s):

• Meets safety standards of Work Safe BC including WHMIS.
• Must be willing to participate in the PAHB rabies vaccination and surveillance program.
• Willingness to be trained on Transportation of Dangerous Goods and work in a Containment Level 3 (CL3) Laboratory.
• Willingness to be trained to conduct foreign animal disease and BSE testing through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
• Willingness to be cross-trained in various sections of the AHC based on the needs of the PAHB.
  

For questions regarding this position, please contact Khawaja.Ahmad@gov.bc.ca or Eduardo.Leite@gov.bc.ca .

About this Position:
This position has full time on-site requirements.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.

Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to applicants that self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, status or non-status, Métis, or Inuit) seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. For guidance on applying and interviewing, please contact IndigenousApplicants@gov.bc.ca or 778-405-3452.

The BC Public Service is an award-winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, amazing learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development opportunities. For more information, please see What We Offer .

How to Apply:

Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a comprehensive questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements. Include all relevant information about your educational accomplishments and employment history including job titles, start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and how you obtained your relevant experience. The questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes to complete.

Helpful tips, videos and more regarding the application process can be found on the Your Job Application page of MyHR. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, e-mail BCPSA.Hiring.Centre@gov.bc.ca , before the stated closing time, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Additional Information:
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.

Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on the Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies as outlined in the attached Job Profile located at the bottom of the posting.

Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Standard Time on the closing date of the competition.

Job Category
Scientific and Technical

Category

Government