Lab Assistant

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

This position assists the Laboratory Coordinator and instructors in the Medical Laboratory Science program and LMP graduate programs. It requires experience in the areas of hematology, clinical chemistry, medical microbiology, histology, transfusion medicine, genetics, and cell culture. The position involves preparation of reagents and materials for lab sessions; the clearing of biohazards, chemical hazards; the maintenance of physical spaces and equipment. In addition, the position involves the continued maintenance of on-line databases and inventories. This position will not be involved in teaching students but supports the day-to-day function of the program.

Lab Preparation – 90%

• Ensure the student labs are supplied with the adequate amounts of the appropriate PPE (stocking soap and paper towels, gowns, disinfectant)
• Prepare reagents, solutions and media for MLSCI student labs and graduate lab components, according to common SOP, or SOPs provided by the instructor, and as directed by the Lab Coordinator
• Create and apply WHIMIS labels for prepared solutions and media, produce additional labels (eg using Brady printer) as requested
• Set up and dismantle labs: Prepare laboratory equipment, reagents, mock patient samples, unknowns and consumables for student labs; remove used equipment; if appropriate disinfect and prepare for long term storage; remove reagents or other unneeded supplies from the student lab and properly store or discard in accordance with university procedures
• Maintain clean and organized preparation room, workspace, storage rooms, lab space
• Assist with maintaining safety supplies and cleaning/maintaining equipment according to established schedules

Administration – 5%

• Assist in updating electronic database for processes and procedures used in the preparation of student labs, maintain accurate records of chemicals, prepared reagents, biologicals
• Perform routine maintenance and inspections of equipment according to appropriate schedule
• Order lab supplies and equipment
• Attend MLS staff and Safety meetings
• Facilitate chemical and biological disposal with appropriate university departments or external partners
• Facilitate the disposal of broken or surplus equipment
• Provide access to secure areas to authorized University Staff and students

Safety – 5%

• Follow all applicable federal, provincial and local laws and university and MLS policies
• Maintain first aid and CPR certification annually – employer paid
• Maintain U of A environmental health and safety certification relevant to lab and personal safety excluding radioactivity and lasers.
• Label all prepared reagents
• Accurately maintain Pathogen Safety Data Sheets
• Accurately maintain Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals
• Prepare and update Safety Data Sheet for in-house prepared reagents
• Prepare and update Hazard Assessments
• Correctly store and label all chemicals, and biologicals
• Correctly dispose of all chemical, biologicals and lab waste
• Transport chemicals and biologicals on University campus and with external partners
• Properly handles compressed gases
• Maintain spill and first aid kits

Other duties as required.

• Medical Lab Assistant certificate or diploma required, Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science would be an asset
• 1-2 years of experience with clinical laboratory medicine
• Experience in a post-secondary environment teaching laboratory would be an asset
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Flexibility, adaptability and able to take on new tasks
• Ability to work independently as part of, and liaison with a dynamic teaching team

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.