Technologist, Molecular Microbiology

Role Responsibilities

Do you thrive at the intersection of science, precision, and public safety?

Join a high‑performing laboratory team where your expertise directly contributes to safer food and stronger markets across Alberta. In this role, you’ll perform and interpret complex molecular and microbiological testing to identify significant bacteria and viruses of animal origin—using advanced techniques, sound judgment, and a sharp analytical eye to ensure results are accurate, reliable, and defensible. Working within an internationally recognized ISO 17025 quality system, your work will support the Food Safety Branch’s key outcomes, assist scientists in implementing innovative laboratory methods, and help protect consumers while strengthening confidence in Alberta’s food producers and processors.

The Technologist, Molecular Microbiology position performs a variety of routine and specialized laboratory tests for the rapid detection, isolation and identification of different microorganisms (including bacteria and viruses) using various molecular and microbial techniques.

The successful candidate must be comfortable doing a variety of morphological, biochemical and serological tests, as well as employing various molecular biology/genetic techniques and test methods to detect and identify bacteria, bacterial isolates, and viruses. This position is in direct support of surveillance and regulatory programs and projects within the Food Safety (FSB) and Animal Health and Assurance Branches (AHAB).

Key Responsibilities: 

• Perform routine and specialized microbiological testing, including sample receipt, processing, identification, and interpretation of results using molecular and biochemical techniques.
• Perform routine and specialized molecular biological testing, including sample receipt and preparation, initial processing, detection, and genetic sequencing.
• Ensure accurate, traceable test results in compliance with ISO 17025 quality standards and laboratory SOPs.
• Conduct quality control, validation, proficiency testing, and participate in internal and external audits.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory and automated equipment; update related SOPs.
• Analyze, document, and report data using laboratory information systems and standard software tools.
• Provide outbreak and surge support, including work in high‑containment environments, while maintaining required certifications.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

• Agility: Works in a changing environment and takes initiative to change:
  • Takes opportunities to improve work processes.
  • Anticipates and adjusts behaviour to change.
  • Remains optimistic, calm and composed in stressful situations.
  • Seeks advice and support to change appropriately.
  • Works creatively within guidelines.
• Develop self and others: Works in a changing environment and takes initiative to change:
  • Takes opportunities to improve work processes.
  • Anticipates and adjusts behaviour to change.
  • Remains optimistic, calm and composed in stressful situations.
  • Seeks advice and support to change appropriately.
  • Works creatively within guidelines.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Works in an open honest manner with colleagues:
  • Creates sharing opportunities.
  • Actively shares, accepts and listens to others.
  • Recognizes conflict, respects and discusses opinions openly.
  • Supports group even to learn from mistakes.
  • Recognizes differing interpretations.
• Creative Problem Solving: Engages the community and resources at hand to address issues:
  • Engages perspective to seek root causes.
  • Finds ways to improve complex systems.
  • Employs resources from other areas to solve problems.
  • Engages others and encourages debate and idea generation to solve problems while addressing risks.

Qualifications

Required: 

• Two (2) year technical diploma in a related field, such as Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or Microbiology. 
• Two (2) years of directly related experience in lab environments, preferably in Molecular Biology.
• Must receive medical clearance to wear a respirator, and pass appropriate respirator fit testing.

Equivalencies: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education 

Assets:

• Sound knowledge and significant practical experience in molecular biology assay methodologies, particularly in Real Time PCR and whole genome sequencing/next generation sequencing.
• Demonstrated proficiency in proper micropipetting techniques, ensuring accurate and reproducible results.
• Experience maintaining and programming laboratory instrumentation, including real‑time PCR (qPCR) systems, magnetic bead‑based extraction platforms, and automated liquid handlers.
• Demonstrated ability to critically interpret/evaluate testing processes and results and troubleshoot issues that may arise.
• Working experience in Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology is an asset.
• Experience working in biological containment level 2 and/or 3 laboratories.
• Experience working in an ISO 17025 accredited lab environment.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Position Information: 

• Office Location: O. S. Longman Building, 6909 - 116 Street, Edmonton, AB T6H 4P2
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
• Monday to Friday (8:15 to 4:30 pm). 
• This position is expected to work occasional evenings and weekends when responding to food safety or animal health outbreaks or other events.

Other Application Information:

• A cover letter is required with your application, outlining how your education and experience aligns with the role.
• Final candidates may be required to undergo a practical laboratory-based testing, demonstrating skills and abilities following the interview.
• Medical clearance to wear a half or full-face respirator is required.
• This position will require final candidates to undergo a security clearance.
• Final candidates may be required to undergo a written test demonstrating writing skills and abilities pre or post interviews.
• Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.
  
  

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.