Description

Clinical Biochemist

Title: Clinical Biochemist

Department: Chemistry

Position Number: 50061603

Hours of Work: Full-Time Position

Salary: 162,326.97 - $194,141.61

Union: Non-Union

Location: Kingston General Hospital Site

PRIMARY FUNCTION

Clinical Biochemistry is the division of laboratory medicine that deals with the measurement of chemicals (both natural and unnatural) in blood, urine and other body fluids. These test results are useful for detecting and diagnosing health problems, determining prognosis and guiding the therapy for patients.

Clinical Biochemists ensure that laboratory tests including Point-of-care testing (POCT) are established and used appropriately for high quality patient medical care, and ensure that accurate and precise test results are consistently provided. Clinical Biochemists lead the development and implementation of laboratory quality management systems that encompass all aspects of the testing process. Also Clinical Biochemists ensure that new technologies and new tests are developed and implemented to benefit patient care.

Clinical Biochemists work collaboratively with the Division Heads and medical staff consisting of Physicians and Laboratory Scientists. You will be required to build relationships and provide prompt and expert consultative services to physicians and other health care providers, while providing case interpretation, technical oversight and monitoring of compliance with IQMH requirements and guidelines, participating in new test development and implementation, collaborating on Division, hospital and provincial initiatives pertinent to biochemistry, and participating in quality and other administrative committees.

The successful candidate must demonstrate effective communication and leadership skills, and an ability to work in a fast paced, team-orientated environment. This individual will participate in the undergraduate and post-graduate training programs at Queen’s University, and develop an ongoing research program that complements the activities of KHSC. With a recommendation for a Queen’s University faculty appointment in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, you will be expected to be actively engaged in academic teaching and research.

Clinical Biochemistry is a core discipline within Laboratory Medicine focused on the qualitative and quantitative analysis of biochemical markers in blood, urine, and other body fluids. These investigations support the diagnosis, monitoring, prognosis, and therapeutic management of a broad range of medical conditions across acute, chronic, and preventative care settings.

The Clinical Biochemist provides medical and scientific leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, and clinically impactful laboratory services. This includes oversight of both core laboratory testing and Point-of-Care Testing (POCT), ensuring that all assays are analytically valid, clinically appropriate, and aligned with best practice guidelines. The role is accountable for ensuring the accuracy, precision, and clinical utility of test results through the implementation and continuous improvement of a comprehensive Quality Management System (QMS), consistent with  Accreditation Canada Diagnostics (ACD), ISO 15189, and other relevant accreditation and regulatory standards.

The Clinical Biochemist leads and supports method validation and verification, assay development, test utilization optimization, total quality management, and the evaluation and implementation of new technologies and platforms. This includes ensuring appropriate clinical integration, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with institutional and provincial priorities.

Working in close collaboration with Division Heads, pathologists, physicians, and laboratory scientists (including clinical biochemist colleague(s), the Clinical Biochemist provides expert consultative services recommendations , including test selection guidance, interpretation of complex biochemical results, and clinical correlation. The role requires active engagement with interdisciplinary teams to support patient-centered care, contribute to diagnostic stewardship initiatives, and advance evidence-based laboratory practice.

The position includes responsibility for technical oversight of laboratory operations, including compliance with accreditation requirements, risk management, quality assurance, and continuous quality improvement activities across the total testing process (pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases). Participation in laboratory governance, hospital committees, and regional/provincial initiatives related to clinical biochemistry is expected.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES INCLUDE:

Knowledge expert:

• Provides medical and analytical expertise in Clinical Biochemistry, including comprehensive oversight of core laboratory and Point-of-Care Testing (POCT) services. Responsibilities encompass instrumentation planning and procurement, assay selection, method development, and the validation and verification of analytical systems in accordance with regulatory and accreditation standards (e.g., ACD, ISO 15189).
• Leads and supports the full lifecycle of test implementation, including evaluation of clinical utility, analytical performance, and cost-effectiveness of new and existing assays across general chemistry and specialized testing.
• Participates in a rotational, hospital-wide 24/7 on-call schedule, providing expert consultation on the clinical interpretation and relevance of laboratory data, and supporting timely, evidence-informed patient management decisions.
• Provides advanced interpretation of biochemical investigations, including both in-house and referred-out testing within the scope of Clinical Biochemistry. This includes complex test algorithms and reflexive testing strategies (e.g., serum protein electrophoresis [SPE] and immunofixation electrophoresis [IFE]) and ensures appropriate application and follow-up.
• Leads and contributes to test utilization management initiatives to promote appropriate, evidence-based ordering practices, optimize resource utilization, and enhance patient care outcomes.
• Collaborates effectively with clinical programs, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams to design, implement, and continuously improve laboratory services that are responsive to evolving clinical needs and aligned with institutional and regional priorities.
   

Quality:

• Provides leadership and oversight for the laboratory’s Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring alignment with ACD, ISO 15189, and applicable regulatory and institutional standards. Accountable for the development, implementation, regular review, and formal approval of QMS components, including policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), quality indicators, and document control processes. Establishes quality objectives and benchmarks, and monitors performance against defined metrics.
• Leads Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) activities, including the identification, prioritization, and execution of initiatives aimed at improving patient safety, test quality, turnaround times, and operational efficiency. Utilizes data-driven methodologies (e.g., quality indicators, audits, incident reporting, and root cause analysis) to drive continuous quality improvement across the total testing process (pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases).
• Ensures ongoing compliance through internal and external audits, proficiency testing programs, and participation in accreditation processes. Oversees investigation and resolution of non-conformances, implements corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and ensures sustained quality performance.
• Champions innovation and continuous improvement by evaluating, validating, and implementing new technologies, methodologies, and test offerings to enhance clinical service delivery and patient outcomes. Ensures that all changes are supported by robust scientific evidence, clinical need, and health system value.
• Maintains and advances laboratory standards of practice by regularly reviewing and updating SOPs, test methodologies, and quality processes in response to emerging evidence, technological advancements, and evolving clinical guidelines.
• Fosters a culture of quality, safety, and accountability through interdisciplinary collaboration, staff engagement, education, and adherence to best practices in Clinical Biochemistry.
   

Leadership:

• Provides leadership and active participation in hospital, regional, and provincial committees to support strategic priorities, quality improvement, and effective laboratory stewardship. This includes engagement with key internal forums such as the KHSC Utilization Committee, Joint Management Committees, Departmental and Divisional meetings, and the Clinical Biochemistry team, contributing subject matter expertise to decision-making, policy development, and operational planning.
• Represents Clinical Biochemistry at interdisciplinary and cross-functional tables, influencing initiatives related to test utilization, patient safety, quality, and system integration across the continuum of care.
• Participates in regional and provincial working groups, networks, and advisory bodies to advance standardization, harmonization of laboratory practices, and alignment with broader health system priorities.
• Maintains active involvement in relevant external professional organizations, committees, and accreditation bodies, contributing to the advancement of the profession, staying current with emerging trends, and ensuring integration of best practices into local operations.
• Demonstrates leadership in fostering collaboration, building strategic partnerships, and promoting a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement within the laboratory and across the organization.
   

Research and Development:

• Oversight of Assay development, validations and verifications for new and established assays, participating in laboratory proficiency and providing continuous education to KHSC and its partners. Roll out of testing and expanding test menu as clinical need arise.
• Conduct collaborative and/or independent clinical, translational or educational research.

Education:

• Resident Training (Endocrinology & Pathology); Medical Laboratory Technologists at KHSC and affiliated sites, and Medical Undergraduate Electives.
• Maintain medical knowledge through continuing education (ongoing maintenance of certification, as well as attend rounds, journal clubs and scientific meetings)

NOTE - The above duties are representative but are not to be construed as all-inclusive.

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Requirements

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• A qualified candidate will possess a Ph.D, a medical degree, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university, and will be eligible to hold an academic appointment at an Ontario University at the rank of an Assistant Professor or higher.
• Be certified (or eligible) as a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Clinical Biochemists (FCACB), or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 to 3 years of related experience in Clinical Biochemistry within a hospital or accredited laboratory environment, including experience with quality management systems, test interpretation, and laboratory quality initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of Clinical Biochemistry principles and practices
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience with laboratory quality management systems (QMS)
• Knowledge of accreditation and regulatory standards (ACD, ISO 15189)
• Ability to interpret complex biochemical test results
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams
• Experience with method validation and assay implementation
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proven ability to attend work regularly.
• Satisfactory criminal reference check and vulnerable sector search required.