Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

As a team member of the Aquatic Research and Development Section under the general supervision of the Biodiversity Conservation Unit Scientists, to assume the administrative, operational, training and supervisory duties necessary for the operation of the genetics laboratory and to assist with the planning of experiments, data handling and analysis and preparation of reports.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Plans and organizes all technical aspects of the Unit's genetics laboratory research by:
• Assisting with hiring contract staff and students as required to meet specific research program objectives and providing technical direction;
• Provide technical advice in the planning and scheduling of each research project and determining the staff, equipment and logistics required for each project;
• Directing all laboratory aspects of research projects, including personnel, scheduling and time management;
• Organizing all purchasing of all laboratory equipment and supplies including sourcing, obtaining quotes and technical specification, through to purchase completion;
• Managing the Unit's budget, including base funding, capital funds and outside funding to meet the requirements of the work planning process, including maintaining up to date cost breakdown for all laboratory procedures;
• Management of multiple projects including budget, data collection, time allocation and scheduling including shared space and equipment with the Trent DNA Cluster;
• Tracking and invoicing for use of OMNR DNA sequencer and laboratory supplies by other laboratories/researchers including OMNR and university faculty;
• Supervision and training contract staff, students and graduate students in the safe operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment such as temperature control equipment, electrophoresis equipment, pH meters, conductivity meters, freezers and coolers, centrifuges, etc.;
• Ensuring the safe operation of all aspects of the genetics laboratory research program, as determined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations;
2. Leads the technical aspects of the Unit's genetics laboratory research program and ensures their completion on schedule by:
• Conducting and supervising laboratory work, such as DNA extraction, quantification, amplification, electrophoresis and visualization via fluorescence detection specifically including nuclear and mitochondrial markers such as micro-satellite DNA and mitochondrial DNA RFLP and sequence data collection;
• Optimization, using and maintaining automated laboratory equipment such as automated sequencers and robotic DNA extraction and amplification systems;
• Maintaining a current knowledge of laboratory techniques such as new electrophoresis techniques by reading relevant literature and consulting with peers;
• Developing, optimizing and implementing of novel and/or improved methods for genetic data collection, in order to use genetic marker systems to mark and differentiate between various species and stocks of fish;
• Analyzing and organizing all data generated by laboratory personnel;
• Developing and implementing improved methods of record keeping and tracking for genetic profiles and data of individuals and populations;
• Organizing, storing, and maintaining data records in an accessible electronic (database) format suitable for retrieval for summary and analysis of research projects;
• Organizing, supervising and carrying out field sampling of fish for research projects;
• Maintaining complete and up-to-date records of all frozen and/or preserved tissue and DNA samples on hand;
3. Coordinate and implement methods of information management for the biodiversity research group's genetic data:
• Maintaining and supervising the maintenance of complete and up-to-date records of all data collected by the Unit;
• Recommending and instituting improved procedures for the maintenance of data files, and summarizing data;
• Developing and implementing improved methods of record keeping and tracking for genetic profiles and data of individuals and populations;
• Organizing, storing, and maintaining data records in an accessible electronic (database) format suitable for retrieval for summary and analysis of research projects;
4. Under the leadership of the Research Scientists in the preparation of technical reports and formal scientific publications by:
• Assembling, summarizing and analyzing data collected by the Unit and writing relevant reports for inclusion in formal research publications;
• Acting as unit research lead for projects agreed on with Research Scientists;
• Participation in manuscript development and preparation of technical reports and summaries;
• Presenting research findings at conferences and agency workshops;
• Preliminary analysis of genetic data and preparation of draft reports;
5. Performs other related duties as assigned such as:
• Acting on behalf of the Research Scientist in his absence;
• Explaining program objectives to tour groups.
Note: The incumbent shall, while in the workplace, conduct themselves in compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act, and any workplace practices as directed by their immediate supervisor, and in accordance with IRS as outlined in the OH&S Act.

Knowledge :

• Demonstrated knowledge of DNA amplification and electrophoresis and laboratory methods in wildlife genetics to lead and train other staff and graduate students in the laboratory analysis of genetic samples, conduct analyses in the laboratory, prepare standard and safe operating procedures, and ensure quality assurance and control of work conducted in the aquatics genetics lab;
• Demonstrated knowledge in troubleshooting biochemical reactions to ensure genetic samples are appropriately analyzed and to ensure safe practices in the laboratory in the use of chemicals;
• Knowledge of safe working practices in laboratory around the use of hazardous chemical and laboratory equipment to ensure the health and safety of staff and students working in the lab, and to prepare safe operating procedures and lesson plans;
• Knowledge of sound data management principles to ensure data are captured and stored from multiple projects to provide accessible data and data security;
• Knowledge of legislation and administrative policies to oversee the administration and delivery of the unit's budget for the genetics laboratory, and to ensure all purchases and agreements meet procurement directives;
• Knowledge of provincial and federal wildlife and terrestrial ecosystem management and species at risk legislation and policies to understand the implication and interpretation of results produced by the lab in the preparation of scientific advice and to provide continuity of evidence and expert witness advice when dealing with enforcement infractions;
• Good working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and those Regulations made under the act that apply to the workplace and the work being performed to ensure work in the laboratory is conducted in a safe manner.

Skills :

• Planning and coordination skills to prepare short and long term operation plans including expenditure projections, human and equipment resource requirements, and to coordinate and schedule multiple projects conducted in the lab by MNR staff and graduate students;
• Project management to plan for and implement a project through to successful completion and within budget;
• Ability to use, modify and adapt equipment for various phases of genetics work on fish to ensure samples are analyze correctly;
• Demonstrated ability to prepare written technical reports to be shared with MNR clients and other researchers;
• Leadership and administrative skills to coordinate and implement several research projects concurrently, as well as lead a team of contract staff and graduate student's efforts in the lab;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with the public, staff and clients with tact and good judgment when explaining programs or training staff/students, and to work cooperatively in a shared lab space with Trent University researchers;
• Analytical and problem solving skills to trouble shoot problems in the highly technical laboratory and to analyze results of projects.

Freedom of Action :

• Works within the procedural controls of ministry and government policies, legislation, associated manuals, guidelines, directives and established practices and procedures;
• Results are formally reviewed in annual performance appraisal where target achievement is based on mutually agreed upon performance measures;
• Provides updates to Scientists and other team members through regular meetings, discussions and periodic reviews, to deal with problem areas;
• Targets and performance are regularly reviewed with manager and WRDS Coordinator and adjusted due to unforeseen priorities and workload changes;
• Direct supervision by WRDS Coordinator and Scientists is received as required for technical soundness of work;
• Works in team environment and is required to accept responsibility for actions taken and work carried out;
• Makes decisions on activities by identifying requirements, establishing resource needs, and following technical standard operating procedures;
• Situations not covered by Ministry policies or normal operating procedures are reviewed and recommended course of action is discussed with Scientists or Manager.