Lab Technician

For over 50 years, LifeLabs has been Canada’s leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and healthcare practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor and prevent disease. We are passionate about empowering healthier Canadians through accessible, accurate, and innovative diagnostic services.
We are committed innovators, operating Canada's first commercial genetics lab, and the country's largest online patient portal, with more than 8 million Canadians receiving their results online. More than 112 million laboratory tests come through LifeLabs’ laboratories annually, and our team of more than 6,000 passionate, caring, and diverse professionals works together as one to provide high quality testing and results that Canadians can trust.
We know that behind every lab requisition, sample being tested, or investment in technology is an individual and their family counting on us. At LifeLabs, you can make a meaningful impact on Canadians’ lives every day.
Our teams are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be recognized as one of Canada’s Best Employers, reflecting our deep commitment to our core values of caring, agility, teamwork, and a customer-centered approach. As part of this commitment, LifeLabs prioritizes the ongoing development of our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program to better serve the needs of our diverse workforce and the communities we serve. We continue to take steps to challenge ourselves to act with courage and integrity, and to create an environment where people can be their true selves.
These values are not just words on a page, they guide our actions and decisions every day and have come to define our team culture.
The Lab Technician is primarily responsible for pre-analytical and post analytical work processes to accurately prepare analyzers and samples for testing and then to store and dispose of samples. The Lab Technician provides daily support to each department by delivering and preparing specimens for the testing area, preparing necessary reagents, troubleshooting problems, performing maintenance, storing, retrieving, and disposing of specimens. In addition, the Lab Technician provides input to the Lab Ops Supervisors concerning team issues and opportunities for improvement.
**Status**: Temporary Full-Time Float (End Date: 1 year upon the start date).
**Shifts**: This is a full-time FLOAT position that can work Sunday to Saturday, mornings, evenings and nights.
**Number of positions**: 3
**Start Date**: ASAP
**Union**: This is part of the BCGEU collective agreement.
This vacancy is for an existing position.
**Core Accountabilities**:

- Ensures all specimens are prepared for testing following established procedures, including visua lQA of specimens
- Prepares reagents as per standard operating procedures on testing systems that do not require MLT to verify acceptability of reagent prior to patient result reporting
- Loads analyzers and instruments with patient, validation and/or QC samples according to departmental procedures and under the supervision of a certified/registered MLT
- Handles specimens in and out of specimen managers, including appropriate disposal
- Monitors, replenishes and orders as required supplies for testing areas
- Operates and maintains related preanalytical and post-analytical equipment as per standard operating procedures
- Performs wash-up duties to maintain Laboratory glassware for day-to-day operations, including acid-washing of glassware as required
- Performs equipment maintenance as per standard operating procedures. Maintenance must be followed by QC which is approved by certified/registered MLT.
- Performs tasks as required to maintain effective department operations, reviewing/updating protocols, participating in regulatory audits, participating in safety initiatives or meetings
- Resolve pending and overdue list in coordination with certified/registered MLT
- Perform routine deionized water sample collection and send out for testing
- Performs data entry for department statistics and analyzer validations under the supervision of a certified/registered MLT
- Maintains confidentiality involving information made available directly or indirectly about clients including physicians, patients, employees and the company
- Observes and executes all laboratory safety and security policies and regulations, including location and use of safety equipment, evacuation routes, disposal of biological or chemical materials
- Maintains knowledge of safety, WHMIS and Environmental Health and Safety standards
- Participate and support process improvement activities within the departments
- Training and orientation of all team members

**Skills/Qualifications**:

- Required Canadian Equivalent degree in Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) or BML Sc or BSc Chemistry/Biochemistry or BSc Microbiology. Preference will be given to IEMLT applicants with previous laboratory experience
- Excellen