LHSO 24R - Laboratory Scientist, TSE & Molecular Diagnostics - Closing Date Extended

Posting Title
LHSO 24R - Laboratory Scientist, TSE & Molecular Diagnostics - Closing Date Extended

Position Classification
Laboratory/Hlth Science Of R24

Union
GEU

Work Options
On-Site

Location
Abbotsford, BC V2S 1H4 CA (Primary)

Salary Range
$76,071.18 - $86,658.48 annually

Close Date
6/2/2024

Job Type
Regular Full Time

Temporary End Date
5/1/2026

Ministry/Organization
BC Public Service -> Agriculture and Food

Ministry Branch / Division
Plant and Animal Health Branch

Job Summary

Join dedicated professionals making valuable contributions to the lives of British Columbians

This position is required to detect, analyze, and speciate a wide range of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa from numerous plant and animal species with a special emphasis on detection of Prion induced Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and other Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) including Chronic wasting disease (CWD), scrapie of sheep, by non-routine molecular diagnostic procedures and supervises quality assurance according to the AAVLD and ISO/IEC 17025 standards within TSE section. The focus on sensitive and specific identification of BSE and other TSE requires using judgment to make independent decisions.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or a related discipline.
• Two years laboratory experience in microbiology/virology/serology/molecular diagnostics/Histology
• Experience in serological techniques such as ELISA.
• Experience in histology techniques such as tissue trimming.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques including, various PCR methods, DNA sequencing and analysis.
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of a variety of laboratory equipment.
• Experience in data analysis, scientific report, SOPs writing.

Preference may be given to applicants with any of the following:
• Training and certification from the CFIA to perform TSE/BSE testing using BioRad ELISA method.
• One year or more experience in a TSE laboratory with BSE/CWD testing.
• Tissue trimming experience.
• Experience in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
• Experience working with bacterial, viral and parasitic agents pathogenic to animals and humans.
• Experience in an accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025 or AAVLD).

Provisos/Willingness Statements:
• Meet safety standards of Work Safe BC including WHMIS.
• Must be willing to be trained and certified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to perform BSE testing.
• Willingness to be trained to conduct foreign animal disease (FAD) testing through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
• 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 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 .

About this Position:
Amendment May 17, 2024: Posting closing date extended to June 2, 2024.
This position has full time on-site requirements.
This is a temporary opportunity until 05/01/2026.
This position is based out of Abbotsford, BC.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.
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.

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 Time on the closing date of the competition.

Job Category
Scientific and Technical