JOB POSTING
Position Title:
Department:
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Job ID:
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Manager, Molecular Services
Toronto Public Health Laboratory
Permanent
81 Resources Road, Toronto PHL
13-0116
August 27, 2013
September 11, 2013
Position Summary:
The Public Health Ontario Laboratories (PHOL) are looking for talented individuals to join our dynamic
team as we prepare for the move of our Toronto lab to our new home in the MaRS Discovery District.
Located in the heart of Toronto, the new state of the art facility will house some of the wold’s most
advanced microbiology and virology laboratories and foremost infectious disease experts. Proven
leaders are needed to help PHOL transition into this new era of public health medical laboratory science
service in Ontario. Successful applicants will work from the current laboratory location at 81 Resources
Road in Etobicoke prior to the laboratory’s reallocation in 2014.
Reporting to the Manager, Molecular Services and Virology, the Manager of Molecular Services will
provide oversight in the management of day to day operations of the Molecular Services suites and DNA
Core facility at our Toronto facility.
Key Responsibilities:
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Manages and leads the day to day operations of molecular testing and the DNA Core Facility
(performing advanced nucleic acid sequencing) to support delivery of molecular based diagnostic
testing for public health laboratory services.
Provides technical oversight of processes, procedures and trouble-shooting for molecular and
sequencing technologies such as nucleic acid extraction (DNA, RNA); PCR and qPCR; gel
electrophoresis; DNA sample preparation and sequencing using Sanger sequencing, capillary
electrophoresis and whole-genome sequencing platforms and applications; use of software
associated with equipment and database software; DNA sequencing and analysis software (e.g.
BLAST).
Identifies and manages laboratory responses on matters of public health importance such as
potential and actual outbreaks, unusual urgent and critical situations.
Ensures implementation and compliance to all technical, regulatory, safety and accreditation
requirements (e.g. OLA,), policies, processes and procedures and that all staff are trained
appropriately.
Performs a variety of HR functions including recruitment, disciplinary, performance management,
and coaches and develops staff and fosters a positive employee relations environment. Monitors
work and performance of staff to ensure compliance with regulatory, safety and accreditation
standards.
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Manages and implements annual operating and capital budgets to meet program delivery goals.
Provides technical oversight into new projects that assess new/improved molecular methods or
techniques to enhance the accuracy, speed or economy of tests.
Oversees the implementation of approved new/modified tests and procedures, approves laboratory
manuals.
Oversees the preparation of scientific papers based on research performed.
Provides input into operational planning and policy development in relation to system wide public
health laboratory issues.
Responsible for continuous quality improvement as a member of PHOL Quality Management team
and participates in the development, implementation and monitoring of quality assurance and
performance measures.
Works with contract managers to prepare appropriate procurement documentation ( e.g. Requests
for Proposals) for procurement of equipment, goods and services e.g. courier, preventative
maintenance etc. Provides oversight for the evaluation and participates in vendor debrief sessions.
Provides and supports outreach and customer service/client management to partners, clients,
members of the public and stakeholders, e.g. public health units, hospitals, LTC facilities, physicians,
laboratories, clinics, academic partners, etc. to promote and maintain high quality reliable
laboratory services.
Analyses and comments on administrative and statistical reports on lab operations (e.g. workload
report) to inform resource planning and allocation.
Provides input into monthly financial variance report. Draws conclusions and forecasts future
budgetary requirements.
Participates on appropriate committees and work teams to advance PHOL activities and foster
broad stakeholder input and participation, where appropriate (e.g. public health units, Long Term
Care facilities, physicians, laboratories, clinics).
Skills and Knowledge:
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Knowledge of principles and practices of microbiology or laboratory disciplines/services in a public
health laboratory setting to provide technical oversight and lead day to day operations to deliver a
variety of public health laboratory services.
Knowledge of principles and practices related to molecular and sequencing technologies including
specimen processing such as nucleic acid extraction (DNA, RNA); PCR and qPCR; gel electrophoresis;
DNA sample preparation for Sanger sequencing, capillary electrophoresis and whole-genome
sequencing platforms and applications; DNA sequencing methodologies including Sanger, capillary
gel and whole-genome sequencing platforms; use of software associated with equipment and
database software; DNA sequencing and analysis software (e.g. BLAST) Candidates with
comparable/equivalent skills and experience will be considered.
Knowledge of Public Health Laboratory programs, standards, policies, applicable legislation, and
current issues affecting operations to recommend policies and improvements, and contribute to
long/short term planning.
Knowledge of the measurement indicators and collection tools and quality management tools
needed to ensure that the testing program or service is operating efficiently and effectively.
Leadership, team building and client relations management skills to develop and fosters a positive
employee relations and client/stakeholder partnerships.
Organization skills including priority setting and workload management to manage multiple
concurrent issues and projects and provides direction to the reporting staff.
Computer skills and good understanding of software including word-processing, database,
spreadsheet, project management, presentation, e-mail, and Internet applications in order to
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analyze information, prepare reports, and establish/utilize tools which support the analysis and
monitoring of operations.
Education and Experience:
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This position requires registration with the CMLTO and in good standing with a certificate listed as:
practicing.
Demonstrated advance technical training specializing in molecular diagnostic techniques, in
microbiology, virology, genetics, biochemistry or equivalent health sciences discipline.
3-5 years of management experience.
Clinical laboratory management experience within a union environment will be an asset.
Experience with quality tools such as lean principles and six sigma will be an asset.
Your cover letter and resume must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications and competencies of
the position.
To Apply: If you are interested in applying to this position, please go to www.oahpp.ca/careers and click
on the job title.
Thank you for your interest in this position, however, only qualified candidates will be contacted for an
interview. Please continue to view our website for new career opportunities with the Public Health
Ontario.
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