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JOB PROFILE
Position # 00036113
TITLE: LABORATORY SCIENTIST, VIROLOGY & MOLECULAR
CLASSIFICATION: LHSO 21
DIAGNOSTICS
MINISTRY: AGRICULTURE
WORK UNIT: PLANT AND ANIMAL HEALTH BRANCH
SUPERVISOR TITLE: VETERINARY VIROLOGIST
SUPERVISOR POSITION #: 00035794
CONTEXT
The Plant and Animal Health Branch provides veterinary diagnostic laboratory and disease investigation
services for the Province. The Animal Health Centre is the provincial veterinary diagnostic laboratory and, as a
major part of the Plant and Animal Health Branch, has the mandate to provide diagnostic, monitoring,
investigative, surveillance and regulatory programs for livestock, poultry and finfish production industries of
British Columbia.
JOB OVERVIEW
This position is responsible for detecting, analyzing, and specifically identifying a wide range of viral pathogens
from numerous animal species. The work requires making judgment decisions with emphasis placed on
detection and identification of viruses using published standard methods in virology and molecular diagnostics.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
 Prepares samples such as tissues, swabs, lesions and body fluids from food producing animals, poultry,
fish, wild animals and marine mammals for virology and molecular diagnostic test procedures.
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Prepares and inoculates suspect virus samples into cell cultures and embryonated chicken eggs.
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Observes cell cultures for development of virus cytopathic effect (CPE) and examines egg
fluids/membranes for lesions.
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Performs a variety of test procedures on suspect tissue culture or egg fluids for virus isolation and
identification.
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Performs serological tests for specific viral antibodies.
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Prepares and stains samples and performs direct Electron Microscopy.
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Performs appropriate DNA and RNA extraction procedures to isolate and purifies target pathogen
nucleic acid from clinical samples.
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Uses a variety of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures for detection of veterinary pathogens.
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Identifies pathogens by DNA sequencing.
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Produces special media, buffers, agars, and other solutions for tissue culture, serological and other
immunological procedures; washes, packages and sterilizes glassware.
Reviewed by:
Date:
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Produces and maintains a variety of primary and continuous cell cultures from different species for
isolation of animal viruses.
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Fulfills all Quality Assurance (QA) requirements of the Animal Health Centre.
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Safely directs and manipulates virulent viruses many of which are communicable to humans, to ensure
the safety of laboratory staff and the environment.
Correctly handles infectious material of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites.
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Follows WHMIS Regulations and maintains MSDS sheets, as required, in accessible files.
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Assists in providing laboratory support functions such as assessing and determining equipment needs,
arranging for repair of equipment and record keeping of requisitioned reagents, kits, and other
supplies.
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Provides technical assistance to contract project technicians and university science co-op students.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
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Bachelor of Science degree in virology, microbiology, molecular biology or a related discipline.
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One year laboratory experience preferably in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
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Experience working with animal viruses of veterinary significance.
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Experience in the production and maintenance of cell cultures.
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Experience with virus isolation and identification.
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Experience with virus neutralization and hemagglutination inhibition assays.
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Experience with molecular biology techniques including, various PCR methods, DNA sequencing and
analysis.
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Operation of a variety of laboratory equipment.
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Preference may be given to candidates with laboratory experience in virology or molecular diagnostics
Preference may be given to candidates with experience in an accredited laboratory (ISO 17025 or
AAVLD).
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills required for the development and communication of
program-related documents.
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ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
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Meet safety standards of Work Safe BC including WHMIS.
Willingness to be trained on Transportation of Dangerous Goods and work in a Containment Level 3
(CL3) Laboratory.
Willingness to be trained to conduct foreign animal disease and BSE testing through the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Valid B.C. driver’s licence.
Successful completion of security screening requirements of the BC Public Service, which may include a
criminal records check, and/or Criminal Records Review Act (CRRA) check, and/or enhanced security
Reviewed by:
Date:
screening checks as required by the ministry (Note: It is important that you read the job posting
carefully to understand the specific security screening requirements pertaining to the position).
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
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Analytical Thinking is the ability to comprehend a situation by breaking it down into its components
and identifying key or underlying complex issues. It implies the ability to systematically organize and
compare the various aspects of a problem or situation, and determine cause-and-effect relationships
("if...then…") to resolve problems in a sound, decisive manner. Checks to ensure the validity or
accuracy of all information.
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Results Orientation is a concern for surpassing a standard of excellence. The standard may be one’s
own past performance (striving for improvement); an objective measure (achievement orientation);
challenging goals that one has set; or even improving or surpassing what has already been done
(continuous improvement). Thus, a unique accomplishment also indicates a Results Orientation.
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Teamwork and Co-operation is the ability to work co-operatively within diverse teams, work groups
and across the organization to achieve group and organizational goals. It includes the desire and ability
to understand and respond effectively to other people from diverse backgrounds with diverse views.
Decisive Insight combines the ability to draw on one’s own experience, knowledge and training and
effectively problem-solve increasingly difficult and complex situations. It involves breaking down
problems, tracing implications and recognizing patterns and connections that are not obviously
related. It translates into identifying underlying issues and making the best decisions at the most
appropriate time. At higher levels, the parameters upon which to base the decision become
increasingly complex and ambiguous and call upon novel ways to think through issues.
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Reviewed by:
Date: