Description
Clinical Biochemist – Alberta Precision Laboratories
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alberta Health Services (AHS) and is the sole provider of lab services in the province of Alberta. APL in partnership with the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine (DPLM) at the University of Calgary (U of C) Cumming School of Medicine are seeking a full time (1.0 FTE) board-certified/eligible Clinical Biochemist to work in Clinical Biochemistry to oversee and provide vision of the general chemistry and POCT services in Southern Alberta. Experience in large-scale chemistry community testing, rural testing and/or POCT is an asset.
APL–South Sector includes the clinical biochemistry laboratories at all hospitals and health care centers throughout central and southern Alberta, as well as the comprehensive laboratory services provided in the academic hub laboratory located in the city of Calgary. In affiliation with the U of C, the successful candidate will have an opportunity to receive a Clinical Faculty appointment at the U of C based on academic credentials. The DPLM and APL, South Sector offer Clinical Biochemistry Fellowship Training Program, as well as residency and other fellowship training programs. The successful candidate will be involved with teaching and training of the clinical biochemistry fellows, pathology residents, and other visiting fellows.
Calgary is located within an hour’s drive of the Rocky Mountains, and within a half day’s drive of eight national parks. There are many opportunities for indoor and outdoor activities, including three nearby UNESCO World Heritage Sites, world class athletic facilities, and many cultural events.
The successful candidate will join a large team of clinical biochemists that support Clinical Biochemistry, alongside a group of >100 laboratory physicians and clinical doctoral scientists within Southern Alberta. Working primarily out of the Diagnostic and Scientific Centre in Calgary, the successful candidate will also work with another team of clinical biochemists to support a variety of POCT programs across the province. This position will report to the South Sector Clinical Biochemistry Section Chief, the South Sector Clinical Biochemistry Hub Lab Medical Lead, and the Provincial POCT Medical Lead.
Key responsibilities
1) Oversee and support clinical biochemistry testing, including testing at a high volume community site and select rural hospital laboratories, performing general chemistry and specialized chemistry testing.
2) Interpret and report protein electrophoresis, CSF oligoclonal banding, cryoglobulin typing, and thalassemia/hemoglobinopathy investigation.
3) Oversee and support POCT, including working with teams to support local and provincial program development, instrument troubleshooting, and quality-based activities.
4) Represent and support Southern Alberta on provincial initiatives and projects (e.g. instrument implementations, LIS and middleware activities, quality assurance activities, participation in working groups).
5) Contribute to the team that reviews and approves clinical referred out testing for Southern Alberta.
6) Contribute to the fellowship and residency programs by teaching and training trainees.
Selected accountabilities
1) Liaise with clinical users of the clinical biochemistry laboratory and POCT about medical and operational issues and decisions, including participation in the on-call service.
2) Contribute to planning, evaluation and implementation of instrumentation, software, and testing methodology in collaboration with other disciplines.
3) Support and participate in safety and quality activities for clinical biochemistry and POCT.
4) Conduct collaborative research and development including working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to enable clinical research.
5) Provide input on workforce planning, recruitment, quality improvement and strategic planning for the Clinical Biochemistry and POCT sections of APL.
6) Teach, mentor, and supervise laboratory medicine learners.
Eligibility criteria
- The successful candidate must possess an earned doctorate (PhD) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology or related disciplines, and a current certification (or eligibility) by the Canadian Academy of Clinical Biochemistry or equivalent (e.g. American Board of Clinical Chemistry).
- Demonstrates effective communication skills, applied problem solving, critical thinking, organizational ability, leadership skills, and an ability to work independently and within teams in a fast paced, changing environment.
- Strong track record of collegiality with coworkers, academic accomplishments, and evidence of ongoing continuing education and research in clinical biochemistry.
Compensation
APL provides an excellent remuneration package, including relocation assistance. Starting remuneration is commensurate with certification and experience. Salary range for Clinical Laboratory Doctoral Scientists in Alberta is $143,875 – $222,780 annually.
Any questions regarding this job posting may be referred to:
Dr. Allison Venner
Clinical Biochemistry Section Chief, South Sector
Provincial Medical Lead, POCT
Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Pathology & Lab Medicine
Email: allison.venner@aplabs.ca
Qualified candidates should submit their covering letter, curriculum vitae and 3 reference letters online to the Clinical Biochemist Board Certified PhD - Alberta Precision Laboratories Careers (albertaprecisionlabs.ca) You may also visit APL Career page and find the posting using the requisition number LAB00018358.
In accordance with the Canadian Foreign Workers requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) and the University of Calgary respects, appreciates, and encourages diversity. This position is available for AHS Sponsorship. This position will remain open until successfully filled.
Please note that all new staff to APL must provide criminal records check in compliance with the Protection for Persons in Care Act.
