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JOB PROFILE
Position #00088462
TITLE: LABORATORY SCIENTIST, TSE & MOLECULAR
CLASSIFICATION: LHSO 24
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 and plant disease diagnostic laboratory and disease
investigation services for the Province. The Plant and Animal Health Centre laboratories of the Plant and
Animal Health Branch have the mandate to provide diagnostic, monitoring, investigative, surveillance and
regulatory programs for agriculture, livestock, poultry and finfish production industries of British Columbia.
JOB OVERVIEW
This position is required to detect, analyze, and speciate a wide range of viruses, bacteria, fungi, insect pests,
plant parasitic nematodes and protozoa from numerous plant and animal species with a special emphasis on
detection of Prion induced Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) and other Transmissible Spongiform
Encephalopathy (TSE) by non-routine molecular diagnostic procedures and supervises quality assurance
according to the AAVLD and ISO 17025 standards within TSE section. The focus on sensitive and specific
identification of BSE and other TSE requires using judgment to make independent decisions.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
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Performs testing and analysis for BSE and other TSE.
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Uses the Prionic PrioSTRIP protocol for detection of BSE in brain stem samples and the western blot
test for second tier testing when required.
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Records and analyzes test results; submits BSE test reports to the appropriate Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA) office.
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Selects and performs appropriate DNA and RNA extraction procedures using a variety of techniques to
isolate and purifies target pathogen nucleic acid from plant samples.
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Uses a variety of molecular diagnostic methods including conventional and real time Polymerase Chain
Reaction (PCR) techniques and DNA sequencing for the detection, identification and typing of viruses,
bacteria, fungi, plant parasitic nematodes and insect pests associated with plant health issues.
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Identifies plant pathogens by cloning of nucleic acids and DNA sequencing.
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Problem-solves and trouble-shoots plant pathogen tests and participates in conceptualizing new
monitoring tests by literature searches, laboratory testing and data analysis using advanced statistical
methods.
Reviewed by:
Date:
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Fulfills all Quality Assurance (QA) requirements as established under the TSE Network lab standards to
meet or exceed ISO 17025 and AAVLD requirements.
Maintains quality control in plant molecular diagnostic procedures and participates in periodic internal
and external proficiency test panels.
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Assists in assessing and determining equipment needs, establishing specifications for purchase,
arranging for maintenance and repair of equipment, and maintaining repair records.
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Maintains inventory control through requisition of reagents, chemicals, kits, etc. used in the BSE and
plant molecular diagnostic testing protocols and performs quality control analyses of the materials
used.
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Provides technical direction to contract project technicians and university science co-op students.
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Safely handles invasive and virulent prions, viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
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Follows WHMIS Regulations and maintains MSDS sheets, as required, in accessible files.
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Writes Standard Operating Procedures as required to support laboratory accreditation.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
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Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or a related discipline.
Training and certification from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) to perform BSE testing
using Prionic PrioSTRIP method.
Two years laboratory experience preferably in a veterinary or plant molecular diagnostics with one
year or more experience in a TSE laboratory with BSE testing.
Experience with molecular biology techniques including, various PCR methods, DNA sequencing and
analysis.
Experience working with animal and plant pathogens of veterinary and plant health significance.
Experience in the operation and maintenance of a variety of laboratory equipment.
Experience in an accredited laboratory (ISO 17025 or AAVLD).
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
 Meet safety standards of Work Safe BC including WHMIS.
 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
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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Problem Solving/Judgement is the ability to analyze problems systematically, organize information,
identify key factors, identify underlying causes and generate solutions.
Reviewed by:
Date:
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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.
Reviewed by:
Date: