Development Laboratory Assistant III

This is an on-site position located at 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, Ontario.

Job posting ID: 9453

​Employment status: Temporary full-time
Position's anticipated start date: 2027-01-11
Position's anticipated end date: 2028-04-28

Salary/Rate of pay: $75,100 - $88,300

Application deadline: 2026-11-22

• This external job posting may close earlier than the advertised deadline. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
• We recommend you save a copy of the job posting for reference throughout the recruitment process.

Application requirements:

• Your up-to-date resume.
• Job specific cover letter.

Do you currently work for Canadian Blood Services? All employees must apply via the internal career page.

Together, the work we do connects people and changes lives — including your own.

Be part of a dynamic, collaborative and caring organization committed to saving and improving lives. Thousands of patients depend on us every day for reliable access to safe blood, plasma, stem cells and organs and tissues.

About the role
Canadian Blood Services is looking for a Temporary full-time Development Laboratory Assistant III to join our dynamic Innovation & Portfolio Management team in Ottawa, Ontario.

The Development Laboratory Assistant, netCAD Blood for Research Facility, is responsible for performing duties across the donor clinic, product and process development laboratory, and testing laboratory. Responsibilities include participating in the planning and effective operation of netCAD whole blood and apheresis donor clinics, the product and process development laboratory, and the testing laboratory. The role also involves supporting the provision of blood and blood products to CBS-affiliated and external researchers, as well as internal and contract product and process development activities.

The Development Laboratory Assistant III also contributes to specific projects and initiatives, including components of major, complex projects. Responsibilities may include coordinating project activities, monitoring progress, analyzing and reporting on related issues and risks, and providing guidance and advice to team members.

Formula for success

• Leveraging your interpersonal and organizational skills, you will coordinate donor clinics, recruit and schedule donors, prepare clinic operations, register and assess donor eligibility, and support donor screening and blood grouping activities in accordance with Blood4Research requirements.
• Drawing on your phlebotomy and donor care experience, you will perform whole blood and apheresis collections, monitor donor well-being, manage donor reactions, provide post-donation care, and collaborate with the clinic team to ensure a safe and seamless donation experience.
• Using your customer service and communication skills, you will deliver a positive donor experience through professional service, donor engagement, and appreciation.
• Applying your knowledge of blood products and laboratory processes, you will plan and conduct experiments, process and distribute blood components, and provide blood products to internal and external research partners.
• Leveraging your laboratory experience and technical skills, you will operate and maintain laboratory and production equipment, develop procedures, analyze data, troubleshoot issues, and provide technical training and support.
• Applying your knowledge of laboratory testing and quality practices, you will perform blood product quality testing, microbial testing and identification, operate laboratory equipment, support data analysis and troubleshooting, develop procedures, and provide technical training.
• Demonstrating your commitment to quality and safety, you will ensure compliance with operating procedures, study protocols, GMP requirements, and health and safety standards.
• Using your administrative and organizational skills, you will perform inventory control activities, place orders, monitor equipment performance, maintain quality, training and documentation records, and support the development and implementation of new procedures, equipment, and policies.

Desired education and skills

• Post-graduate degree in a relevant discipline (preferably microbiology) from a recognized institution is preferred
• Minimum 7 years’ related experience working in a research and development laboratory
• Experience with blood component processing and/or testing is an asset
• Previous experience contributing to specific projects/initiatives and/or components of major, complex projects
• Ability to work independently and with a team,
• Excellent skills in planning, organization as well as attention to detail.
• Experience with a variety of laboratory methodologies, particularly with microbiology techniques, equipment and pipetting.
• Experience with blood product manufacturing methods and quality standards.
• Ability to mentor and train team members.
• Provide leadership for an operational area (i.e. clinic, production, testing).

What we offer you

• Percentage in lieu of vacation and benefits.
• Defined benefit pension plan.
• Annual performance award up to 6%.
• Employee discounts, wellness program, professional resources.

What you can expect

• This is a fully onsite role located at 1800 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, Ontario.
• Physical requirements - ability to lift weight up to 10 kg (22 lbs.).

If this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply by providing your up-to-date resume. This could be your first step towards a meaningful and inspiring career. Come to work each day knowing that you save lives.

We acknowledge that the work of Canadian Blood Services spans many Territories and Treaty areas across the country, and we are grateful for the Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who have guided us in this important work. We recognize the land and waters that have inspired our work and offer gratitude to those Indigenous peoples on whose territory we work, live and play.

Diversity and inclusion play a vital role in ensuring health equity for patients across Canada. We are committed to reflecting Canada’s population in our organization and fostering an environment where all employees can be their authentic selves, with equal opportunities to succeed and contribute.

Canadian Blood Services may use an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool to support the screening stage of its recruitment process. All AI use is performed in accordance with our privacy policies. AI supports the screening process; hiring leaders retain discretion over which applications move forward.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those considered for an interview or those invited to participate in an assessment will be contacted. Emails are sent directly from our system, to ensure you receive them please add [email protected] and [email protected] to your safe senders list.

Applicants who require accommodation should discuss their needs with us.

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