Research Technical Specialist

Position Summary:
The laboratory technologist will be part of a group participating in a number of studies, both observational and randomized trials, industry and peer-reviewed, involving both asthma and COPD subject populations. The technologist will be responsible, with another part time technologist (MLT) to provide a clinical service of quantitative cell counts in sputum, and to participate in research projects in the Hargreave Nair laboratory, and will report to Professor Parameswaran Nair, the medical director of the laboratory.

Domains of practice

1. Practice and perform processing of sputum for inflammatory indices for clinical respirology clinics and report on counts and morphology
2. Practice and perform processing of sputum for inflammatory indices for research studies
3. Cytochemical staining of sputum cytospins for special stains such as for hemosiderin, lipids etc
4. Operate coulter cell counter to obtain and provide authorized complete blood results when needed
5. Additional laboratory skills in cellular and molecular biology and immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry would be assets.

Specific accountability

1. Co-ordinate and monitor laboratory workload and schedule clinical staff hours
2. Maintenance of laboratory quality control as required by HRLMP
3. Participate in research projects, participate in analysis and writing of manuscripts and presentation at scientific meeting (optional)
4. Participate in the development and implementation of new and/or improved methodology/technology
5. Collaborate with external professional associations
6. Incorporate new or improved methodologies into routine clinical practice
7. Respond to methodological enquiries and provide appropriate information to staff, fellows, and physicians nationally and internationally
8. Optimize the provision of service by using available resources in an efficient manner
9. Provide education to staff for practical application of sputum methodologies
10. Maintain a high level of technical expertise, professional growth and development through seminars, workshops and international collaboration

Qualifications

1. MLT (hematology)
2. Maintenance of certification with the college of medical laboratory technologists of Ontario
3. At least 5 years of experience as a cytotechnologist in a hematology laboratory with experience in cell morphology

This is a temporary part-time time (2-3 days/week, 8.30 am-4.30 pm) position