Medical Laboratory Technologist 4, Operational Lead

Medical Laboratory Technologist 4, Operational Lead

Location: PHO London Laboratory, 1200 Commissioners Road East, Unit 102, London, ON

Department: London Laboratory

This posting is to fill a current vacancy.

The Role:

To coordinate and supervise clinical laboratory diagnostic, outbreak, surveillance, consultative and support services in the Public Health Ontario Laboratory.

To initiate and participate in the development, validation, continuous improvement and troubleshooting of laboratory methods and processes, in alignment with the PHOL Quality Management System.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinates and supervises diagnostic clinical laboratory services in a specialized clinical area or in all areas of a Regional PHOL, provides technical consultation and advice to staff, physicians, other health care providers, and private laboratories on the application of methodologies and the interpretation of laboratory analyses and results.
• Provide timely, cost-effective and quality testing for the identification of infectious disease pathogens to support patient diagnosis and treatment.
• Provides technical supervision to laboratory staff including establishing work schedules, assigning and monitoring work of staff, dealing with work quality problems or emerging issues, and providing technical guidance and training. Coordinates and oversees regular competency assessment for all technical staff. Provides assistance to manager by providing input for performance reviews and recruitment and selection, referring disciplinary and labour relations issues to manager.
• Works in conjunction with Medical or Clinical Microbiologists, Scientists, Molecular Specialists, research technicians and/or other clinical laboratory managers or staff to initiate and/or conduct projects to develop or improve testing methods or processes in order to enhance the accuracy, speed or economy of tests.
• Support of the Public Health Units in the investigation and management of infectious disease outbreaks.
• Supervises the implementation of validated and approved new/modified tests, policies and processes, and ensures documented training of all laboratory staff.
• Prepares or assists in preparation, monitoring and maintenance of all quality documents within the Quality Management System and provides input on quality control policies when circulated for feedback and identifies implementation issues when necessary.
• Prepares or assists in preparation of scientific publications, validation summaries or presentations based on research performed.
• Provides recommendations and support in laboratory operaton resources management including capital and materials procurement, recommending laboratory budget requirements and completing variance analyseis and ensures the maintenance, security and efficient utilization of all laboratory technical and office equipment and recommends the purchase of replacement or new equipment.
• Manages established contracts to ensure spending within contract parameters and provides feedback to managers as required.
• Provides laboratory training to medical residents, specialist-in-training, medical laboratory students, research technicians and other visiting individuals as required. Provides demonstrations, seminars/workshops for PHOL staff, or visiting professionals as requested and acts as a technical resource to branch laboratory staff in area of expertise and the use/interpretation of related tests.
• Ensures workplace safety and adherence to proper JHSC procedures for handling biologically hazardous materials, coordinates all relevant safety-related requirements including respirator fit testing, Level 3 laboratory orientation and training if required.
• Ensures compliance for IQMH requirements for laboratory accreditation by coordinating follow up on deficiencies, and collation and submission of relevant required documentation for internal or external audits.
• Ensures all proficiency testing is completed, documented and approved, reviews proficiency performance and identify issues or improvements based on results.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of relevant laboratory diagnostic methods and operational processes, technologies, laboratory information systems, quality management principles and biosafety procedures.
• Administrative and organizational skills with experience managing multiple resources within a budget
• Knowledge of purchasing/procurement practices, guidelines, policies.
• Knowledge of general computer software (Word, Excel, Powerpoint) and laboratory information systems.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety protocols, practices and standards.
• Knowledge of the PHOL Code of Conduct, Workplace Violence Prevention Policy, and Workplace Discrimination and Harassment Policy.
• Interpersonal skills to provide technical consultation and advice to staff, physicians, other health care providers, and private laboratories on the application of methodologies and the interpretation of lab