Laboratory Specialist I

About SickKids

Dedicated exclusively to children and their families, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is one of the largest and most respected paediatric healthcare centres in the world. As innovators in child health, we lead and partner to improve the health of children through the integration of healthcare, leading-edge research and education. Our reputation would not have been built - nor could it be maintained - without the skills, knowledge and experience of the extraordinary people who come to work here every day. SickKids is committed to ongoing learning and development, and features a caring and supportive work environment that combines exceptionally high standards of practice.

When you join SickKids, you become part of our community. We share a commitment and determination to fulfill our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to work alongside the world's best in paediatric healthcare.

Position Description

The Department of Paediatric Laboratory Medicine (DPLM) at SickKids is a leading, world-class facility working towards reducing the impact of childhood illness by providing diagnostic information that allows for early selection of best treatment options. DPLM is a valuable and integral part of the SickKids team, generating original research and providing timely, specialized diagnostic services for health care providers in Canada and around the world. The department comprises of five divisions: Clinical Biochemistry, Genome Diagnostics, Haematopathology, Microbiology, and Pathology. All DPLM laboratories are accredited by Accreditation Canada Diagnostics.

The Hospital for Sick Children is hiring a Laboratory Specialist to join our innovative multi-disciplinary clinical diagnostics and academic team. The successful applicant will be part of a team that develops and implements new tests, analytic tools, and technologies to meet the needs of the clinical programs of the Hospital. The Laboratory Specialist will work in Clinical Molecular Diagnostics within the Division of Pathology.

The Division of Pathology and Clinical Molecular Diagnostics at the Hospital of sick children combines the analysis of cellular and molecular abnormalities underlying disease processes to deliver timely and life-changing diagnostic results. The Clinical Molecular Diagnostics lab is at the forefront of cancer diagnostics, employing advanced methods including next-generation sequencing and methylation arrays to identify genetic and epigenetic changes that drive patients' cancers. These tests are critical for providing accurate diagnoses and selection of the most effective treatments. As a valued team member, you will play a critical role in the Division's efforts to improve patient outcomes using precision oncology.

Here's What You'll Get To Do

• Conducts in depth analysis of data from clinical testing and drafts clinical report.
• Perform routine laboratory tests and procedures accurately and precisely within defined time expectations (TATs).
• Develop, evaluate, and implement new tests and technologies.
• Maintain complete and accurate documentation of data generated and work performed.
• Participate in the training of laboratory staff, trainees, and students at SickKids and higher education institutions.
• Understand the practice and theory of Quality Control, Quality improvement and Quality Assurance programs to support the effective operation of the diagnostic laboratory, and to ensure that safety guidelines are followed.
• Operate, calibrate and maintain relevant laboratory equipment.

Here's What You'll Need

• Previous experience in the fields of cancer biology and/or cancer genetics, germline genetics or genomics.
• A M.Sc. or Ph.D. degree in a relevant health sciences discipline.
• Proven competence and experience in a clinical or research laboratory setting, and demonstrated analytical and scientific competence with next generation sequencing (NGS) and cancer genomics reference databases.
• Familiarity with genomics and/or transcriptomics and/or proteomics technologies, cancer bioinformatics pipelines and proficiency in data interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and a team player with a high degree of independence and professionalism to provide high-level expertise to health care providers.
• Demonstrated commitment and actions in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion objectives.

Here's what you'll love

• This position is eligible for employee benefits coverage; including but not limited to, health, dental, insurance. The full benefits offered will be discussed at the time of offer.
• A commitment to continuing education and professional development through DPLM's Laboratory Professional Certification Reimbursement Program as well as several programs and resources through the Learning Institute.
• A culture of safety for both the patient and staff.
• A focus on employee wellness with our new Staff Health and Well-being Strategy. Self-care helps us support others.
• A hospital that welcomes and focuses on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• The opportunity to make an impact. Regardless of your role or professional interest, you will be making a difference at SickKids and contributing to our vision of Healthier Children. A Better World.
• For more on why you'll love working at SickKids, visit our careers site.

Employment type: Full-time

Our Commitment to Diversity

SickKids is committed to championing equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do, fostering an intentionally inclusive and culturally safe environment that reflects the diversity of the patients, families and communities we serve. Learn more about workplace inclusion.

Accessibility & Accommodation

If you require accommodation during the application process, please reach out to our aSKHR team. SickKids can provide access and inclusion supports to eligible candidates to support their full engagement during the interview and selection process as well as to ensure candidates are able to perform their duties once successfully hired. If you are invited for an interview and require accommodation, please let us know at the time of your invitation to interview. Information received related to access, inclusion or accommodation will be addressed confidentially.

How To Apply

Technical difficulties? Email ask.hr@sickkids.ca with a short description of the issues you are experiencing. We will not accept resumes sent to this inbox but we are happy to respond to requests for technical assistance.

Tip: Combine your cover letter and resume into ONE document of 20 pages or less as you cannot upload multiple documents as part of your application.

Every application is reviewed by a human recruiter and all hiring decisions are made by people. In some cases, AI-assisted tools are used to help review applications based on job-related qualifications.

All positions posted on the SickKids Hospital's Careers Site represent current vacancies, unless otherwise posted in the job description.