Applications are invited for the position of Research and Development Scientist, Provincial Public Health Laboratory, St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador. The Public Health Laboratory (PHL) is a division of the Provincial Department of Health and Community Services, providing a comprehensive range of reference, diagnostic and specialized services in clinical and public health microbiology including infectious disease serology, virology, mycology, bacteriology, parasitology, molecular diagnostics, water and food testing and Tuberculosis testing (Biosafety Level III). The PHL provides primary diagnostic- and reference services to each of the four Regional Health Authorities and leads provincial surveillance and outbreak response testing. The PHL works closely with Federal partners.
Duties:
The successful applicant will support public health laboratory testing and surveillance initiatives through test development, research and analyses. The applicant will also serve as the PHL Biosafety Officer. Duties include:
- Laboratory test development
- Evaluating new/novel laboratory testing technologies prior to implementation
- Performing molecular epidemiological investigations as part of PHL Outbreak and Surveillance team
- Analyzing laboratory generated data for research and surveillance purposes
- Analyzing laboratory data for process improvement initiatives
- Assist in continuing education and quality improvement initiatives
- Developing, implementing and enforcing biosafety policies and procedures
Qualifications:
Candidates must hold a PhD in Life or Biomedical Sciences with demonstrated experience in molecular biology techniques including real time PCR and DNA sequencing, and be familiar with manipulating pathogenic microorganisms. Applicants must have excellent communications and interpersonal skills, and the ability to interact and work collaboratively with various stakeholders.
