Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

Under the general direction of the Section Manager and the scientific direction of the Biodiversity Conservation Unit Scientist and Senior Technician, to organize and carry out all technical aspects of the genetic laboratory of the Biodiversity Conservation Unit, and to assist with the planning of experiments, data handling and analysis and preparation of reports.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Assists the Unit Senior Technician with the operation and management of the genetics laboratory by:
• Assisting with the organization, scheduling and allocation of lab workload and resources
• Providing technical assistance to contract employees, students and collaborators
• Training contract employees, students and collaborators in standard laboratory procedures such as DNA extractions, PCR amplification of DNA, etc.
• Training contract employees, students and collaborators in the safe operation and maintenance of lab equipment such as automated DNA sequencers, centrifuges, electrophoresis equipment (horizontal and vertical gel electrophoresis rigs and power sources), PCR machines, pH meters, conductivity meters, freezers and coolers, etc.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies; maintaining sufficient supplies of chemicals and consumable supplies on hand
• Maintaining stock solutions of lab reagents; dispensing single-use aquilots of reagents
• Developing and updating lab Standard Operating Procedures
• Developing and updating sample tracking logbooks and databases of frozen and/or preserved tissues and extracted DNA
• Providing input to Unit Senior Technician regarding lab operations so as to ensure a safe working environment in compliance with H&S obligations under MNR safety policies and the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Providing input to Unit Senior Technician regarding proper operation and completeness of lab safety equipment (e.g. WHMIS records, fume hoods, eyewash stations, first aid kids, spill control kits, etc.)

• Under the direction of the genetics laboratory Senior Technician executes the technical work of the genetics laboratory by:
• Conducting laboratory work and data collection such as DNA extraction, quantification, precipitation, amplification, electrophoresis, and scoring, specifically including nuclear and mitochondrial markers such as microsatellite DNA and mitochondrial DNA sequence data collection.
• Assisting with the development and optimization of new laboratory techniques
• Operating genetic laboratory equipment such as automated sequencers
• Developing and maintaining electronic record keeping and genetic profile databases for individuals and populations in a format suitable for information retrieval and analysis
• Maintaining a current knowledge of laboratory techniques by reviewing the relevant literature and consulting with peers and the unit Senior Technician and Scientist.

2. Performs other related duties such as:
• Assisting with field projects
• Assisting with projects at the Codrington Fisheries Research Facility
• Conducting tours of the lab

The incumbent shall, while in the workplace, conduct themselves in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, and any workplace policies, procedures or practices as directed by their immediate supervisor, report any hazards of which they are aware to their immediate supervisor, report all work related injuries and illnesses to their immediate supervisor

Staffing and Licencing :

Valid Drivers license.

Knowledge :

• demonstrated knowledge of DNA amplification and electrophoresis;
• demonstrated experience troubleshooting biochemical reactions;
• demonstrated knowledge of laboratory methods used in fisheries and/or population genetics;
• knowledge of safe working practices around the laboratory use of hazardous chemicals;
• knowledge of sound data management principles;
• Knowledge of worker responsibilities as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

Skills :

• ability to use, modify and adapt equipment for various phases of genetics work;
• demonstrated ability to use personal computers for data storage and retrieval;
• demonstrated ability to prepare written data summaries;
• leadership and project management skills to coordinate and implement several research projects concurrently;
• 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;
• analytical and problem solving skills to troubleshoot problems in the laboratory;

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 Unit Senior Technician and Scientist 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 unit scientist and adjusted due to unforeseen priorities and workload changes;
• Direct supervision by Unit Senior Technician and Scientist 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 Unit scientist or Manger.