Medical Technologist Cytogenetics, Diagnostic Genetics - VGH Labs
Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services
Shape the Future of Health Care in Beautiful British Columbia, Vancouver
In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values, Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The cytogenetic technologist performs a variety of tests and procedures on specimens submitted for cytogenetic analyses using cytogenetic and molecular techniques in the context of the organization’s quality management system
What you’ll do
- Assigns patient identification number and checks various regional databases for previous relevant analyses
- Validates and maintains inventory, and prepares reagents used for test procedures.
- Sets up and harvests cultures for cytogenetic analyses
- Prepares slides and performs various banding techniques such as G-banding, C-banding
- Prepares slides and performs fluorescence in situ hybridization
- Performs DNA/RNA extraction and molecular techniques
- Performs troubleshooting on related techniques to consistently achieve high quality
- Performs analyses and prepares computerized images of karyograms.
- Prepares final cytogenetic laboratory reports to send out to physicians.
- Validates, operates and performs preventive maintenance for a variety of laboratory equipment/instrumentation
- Performs all duties following standard operating procedures and Quality Management Systems (QMS)
- Maintains clean and safe working area
- Notifies Team Lead or Technical Coordinator of any equipment malfunction, patient safety learning occurrence or non-conformance to standard operating procedures.
- Maintains awareness of current developments in the cytogenetic field by continuing education (attending seminars, conferences, workshops…)
- Improves, develops, evaluates and/or validates new cytogenetic techniques under the guidance of the Technical Coordinator
- Participates in training of staff, medical laboratory students, residents and fellows
- Performs other related duties as required
What you bring
Qualifications
- Successful completion of recognized competency assessment exam, registration in the fields of Cytogenetics & Molecular Diagnostics in accordance with the Canadian Alliance of Medical Laboratory Professionals Regulators (CAMLPR) pathways or current registration with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) as a Clinical Genetics Technologist or certification with the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Sciences in Clinical Genetics and graduation from the post graduate diploma program in Clinical Genetics from the British Columbia Institute of Technology or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Field of Practice: Cytogenetics and Molecular genetics
- Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.
- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within Provincial Lab Medicine Service contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system
Core Competencies
- Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
- Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong communication, adaptability, and a commitment to patient care excellence in a fast-paced environment.
- Recent working knowledge of the assigned section or sections.
- Knowledge of laboratory procedures and technical competence to perform tests used in the assigned section of the laboratory, including quality control and safety.
- Basic awareness of the research process.
- Interpersonal skills including; the ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to organize and prioritize workload.
- Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
- Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
- Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.
What we bring
Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
- Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
- Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
- Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
- PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
Job Type: Casual (on call with no guaranteed hours)
Wage: $38.08 - $47.55 / Hour + 13% in lieu
Location: This position supports a Vancouver Coastal Health site and is located at 855 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver General Hospital
Hours of Work: 07:00-15:00/08:00-16:00/09:00-17:00 Monday through Friday
Requisition # 194990E
Make BC Your Home if it isn't already – and PHSA your employer of choice!
Ready to combine an exciting career with an unmatched lifestyle? Shape the future of patient care in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Apply today and start your next chapter in British Columbia if you haven't already!
Should you be interested please apply online or contact [email protected] to learn more!
What we do
Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS), part of Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), is at the forefront of diagnostic testing in BC, operating across 31 sites in the Lower Mainland and Central Coast. From hospitals to specialty labs within Vancouver Coastal Health, Provincial Health Services Authority, Fraser Health Authority, and Providence Health Care, our dedicated teams deliver fast, accurate results that drive critical patient care and medical innovation. Whether detecting diseases, guiding treatments, or supporting groundbreaking research, PLMS plays a vital role in advancing healthcare and saving lives across the province.
PHSA plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.
Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.
One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at [email protected].
Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.
