LHSO 24R - Laboratory Scientist TSE

The Team
The Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) Laboratory at the Plant and Animal Health Centre (PAHC) is an established, collaborative team within the Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s Plant and Animal Health Branch. You’ll work alongside a small, supportive group-including one dedicated laboratory scientist and several cross-trained staff-who come together during peak season to ensure timely, accurate testing for prion diseases like Chronic Wasting Disease and BSE. This team partners closely with a diverse range of professionals, from laboratory assistants to veterinary pathologists, and values respectful, inclusive teamwork where all contributions are recognized. Their work has a direct impact on animal and public health in British Columbia, and they take pride in creating a welcoming environment where different perspectives and experiences strengthen both the science and the service they provide.

The Role
In this role, you will carry out important laboratory testing and analysis for prion diseases such as BSE and Chronic Wasting Disease, helping to deliver accurate and timely results that protect animal and public health across British Columbia. You’ll contribute to a collaborative, inclusive workplace by supporting daily lab operations, maintaining quality standards, and working with a diverse team of professionals across the Centre. This is a meaningful opportunity to build your skills in an accredited laboratory while making a real difference for communities, with opportunities to learn and grow across other diagnostic areas as needs evolve.

Qualifications:
Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology or a related discipline.
• Two years laboratory experience in microbiology/virology/serology/molecular diagnostics/Histology
• Experience in serological techniques such as ELISA and/or histology techniques such as tissue trimming
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of a variety of laboratory equipment.
• Experience in data analysis, scientific report, SOPs writing.

Preference may be given to applicants with any of the following:

• Training and certification from the CFIA to perform TSE/BSE testing using BioRad ELISA method.
• One year or more experience in a TSE laboratory with BSE/CWD testing.
• Tissue trimming experience.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques including, various PCR methods, DNA sequencing and analysis.
• Experience in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory.
• Experience working with bacterial, viral and parasitic agents pathogenic to animals and humans.
• Experience in an accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025 or AAVLD).

For questions regarding this position, please contact Erin.Zabek@gov.bc.ca.

About this Position:
This is a temporary opportunity until February 28, 2027. This position may be extended or become permanent.
This position has full time on-site requirements.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.

Working for the BC Public Service:
The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

We are committed to ensuring that reasonable accommodations are available throughout the hiring process, including the assessment and selection stages. Please email the individual or contact listed on the posting if you require an accommodation to fully participate in the hiring process.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to Indigenous (First Nations [status or non-status], Inuit or Métis) applicants originating from the land now known as Canada, seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. Indigenous applicants can contact this service for personalized guidance on the BC Public Service hiring process including job applications and interviews.

The BC Public Service is an award-winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, amazing learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development opportunities. For more information, please see What We Offer.

To learn more about these B.C communities you can click on the Hello BC link here!

How to Apply:
Your resume and/or cover letter must clearly show that you meet the education and experience requirements. Highlight the required qualifications and support them with specific examples, such as your responsibilities, projects you've worked on, or accomplishments. Find more information on the recruitment process, including helpful tips and videos about the application process, visit the Your Job Application page of MyHR.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.

Questionnaire: YES - You will need to complete a basic questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.

Applicants who are selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on their knowledge, skills, abilities, competencies and other position related requirements as outlined in the Job Profile at the bottom of the posting. Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Time on the closing date of the competition. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, visit the Technical Assistance page of MyHR.