Technical Specialist

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The technical specialist will work at our Winnipeg location to complement the duties of the Scientific Director by supporting test design and development (including laboratory developed tests), evaluation, validation, and verification. The employee will also assist in the implementation of new products and services into the routine production environment, including the development of SOPs and ongoing quality assurance program activities.

The technical specialist will act in a consultative manner with the relevant Operations Managers with whom they are supporting; always first seeking to understand and providing well-reasoned advice on methodologies in a collaborative fashion while ensuring quality processes are maintained in the department. This Technical Specialist will support said initiatives across Western Canada (e.g., Winnipeg and Kelowna laboratories).

Shift Details

Employment type: Permanent Full-Time (benefits eligible)

Work Style: Hybrid role

Shift hours: Monday to Friday; 9 am to 5 pm (flexible hours)

Location: Winnipeg, MB (100-830 King Edward St.)

Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities

• Evaluation of new methods/instrumentation/workflows as coordinated by the Microbiology Scientific Director and in collaboration with Chemistry and Hematology Scientific Directors, spanning microbiology, chemistry and hematology disciplines.
• Assess, develop and validate methods, operate, maintain, fine-tune and troubleshoot these techniques and associated instrumentation in a clinical setting
• Performs method verification/validation as outlined by the Director and, prepares and supports the preparation of necessary documentation to fulfill Quality Assurance and Accreditation compliance
• Submitting MFM requests
• Supporting LIS interface UAT testing
• Project leadership for implementing chemistry, hematology and microbiology initiatives, as required
• Effectively transfer the learning so that said methods are put into and maintained in operations, and act as a lead resource for planning, training, implementation and troubleshooting post implementation
• Undertake additional administrative activities in support of the operations and for the fulfillment of the business plan
• Identify, develop and assist with the implementation of new and innovative products and services in Western Canada in accordance with agreed upon business priorities
• Collaborate with private sector partners to mobilize research and development resources and funding which may be appropriate in realizing certain opportunities
• Coordinate project plans and activities, provide functional and technical expertise where needed, and provide feedback to the Director of Microbiology and collaborating discipline directors and other relevant stakeholders on the status of projects
• Ensure the delivery of optimal Product and Service Development results against appropriate performance metrics (systems, processes, procedures and activities)
• Establish, monitor, measure, and report performance metrics; analyze and identify issues impacting operational performance, and establish initiatives for continuous improvement to ensure products and services continuously meet or exceed customer expectation
• Maintain records of projects and assists with relevant documentation
• Conduct original research and prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
  
  

TIME ALLOCATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES/ACCOUNTABILITIES

• The successful applicant will be expected to distribute their time across the various Dynacare disciplines (i.e., Microbiology, Chemistry, and Hematology) as the need arises; however, there is no specific time commitment for a specific discipline.
  
  

Knowledge, Education And Experience

• Minimum BSc in a related scientific discipline or MLT with advanced training
• MSc or PhD preferred
• Knowledge of advance analytical techniques and instrumentation such as Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, Molecular Diagnostics, Immunoassay, Flow Cytometry, Cell Culture, etc., depending on the current requirements
• Knowledge and experience in managing complex projects
• Knowledge of fundamental diagnostic laboratory principles, specifically as it pertains to the disciplines of Microbiology, Chemistry, and Hematology
  
  

Skills And Abilities

Technical Skills

• Understanding and experience with diagnostic laboratory instrumentation and technology
• Proficiency in scientific writing, including drafting and submission of manuscripts for publication
• Oral presentation skills
• Technical skills to verify/validate methods, including both automation and manual, and understanding of best practice/technical guidance documents (e.g., CLSI)
• Knowledge of data analysis tools (e.g., EP Evaluator) preferred
• Project management skills preferred
• Knowledge of MFM submissions and LIS interface UAT testing requirements
• Quality Assurance principles
• Quality Control testing
  
  

Social Process Skills

• Honest and transparent communication (co-workers, stakeholders, collaborators)
• Sharing of knowledge to support and develop internal employees
• Attention to detail (evaluation of new methods, test validation, root cause investigation)
• Solution seeking (willing to consider alternative suggestions, creative approaches)
• Diligent, dedicated to completion of tasks/projects
• Adaptable to changing priorities or timelines in the department or the organization
• Enthusiasm to explore new methods and approaches
• Open to dialogue and constructive feedback
• Integrity