Laboratory Coordinator - University of Alberta, Edmonton

About this opportunity

The University of Alberta is seeking a dedicated Laboratory Coordinator to support the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry in Edmonton. This vital role is central to the success of MLSCI courses with a laboratory component, as well as supporting LMP graduate programs. Based in-person at the North Campus, this position ensures that all teaching laboratories are fully prepared, safe, and equipped for student learning. The coordinator will work across various disciplines including hematology, clinical chemistry, medical microbiology, histology, transfusion medicine, genetics, and cell culture, making a significant impact on the educational experience of future medical laboratory science professionals.

What you'll do

As a Laboratory Coordinator at the University of Alberta, your responsibilities will be diverse, focusing on three key areas: lab preparation, administration, and safety. You will play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of teaching laboratories, directly supporting both instructors and students.

Lab Preparation – 85%

• Ensure the student labs are supplied with adequate amounts of appropriate PPE.
• Ensure the student labs are supplied with adequate amounts of soap and paper towels, stock laboratory gowns, and remove bagged gowns weekly.
• Ensure the student labs are equipped with adequate amounts of disinfectant for student use.
• Prepare reagents, solutions and media for MLSCI student labs and graduate lab components, according to common SOP, or SOPs provided by the instructor.
• Perform and document quality control on all lab methods prior to the student lab to ensure the student lab will be successful.
• Create and apply WHMIS labels for prepared solutions and media.
• Set up labs (laboratory equipment, reagents, mock patient samples, unknowns and consumables for student labs); assist instructors with student supervision during lab sessions; demonstrate to/train instructors and students on use of lab equipment or techniques as needed (e.g., autoclaves or other instruments); provides demonstrations and direction to students regarding, but not limited to, how to conduct laboratory procedures, sterile techniques, and the proper usage of lab equipment.
• Dismantle labs: Remove used equipment; if appropriate disinfect and prepare for long term storage.
• Remove reagents or other unneeded supplies from the student lab and properly store or discard in accordance with university procedures.
• Maintain clean and organized preparation room, workspace, storage rooms.
• Maintain clean and organized student lab spaces.

Administration – 10%

• Prepare, update and maintain an electronic database for processes and procedures used in the preparation of MLS student labs and course-based graduate students.
• Maintain accurate records of chemicals, prepared reagents; and of biologicals.
• Maintain accurate equipment, equipment maintenance, and equipment repairs and service contracts; perform routine maintenance and inspections of equipment according to appropriate schedule.
• Procure costing for lab supplies, order lab supplies and equipment.
• Ensure supplies and services are ordered within the established budget, seek guidance from program director or other designate as appropriate prior to major purchases.
• Attend MLS staff and Safety meetings.
• Facilitate chemical and biological disposal with appropriate university departments or external partners.
• Facilitate the short term loan of equipment (e.g., to APL sites) and facilitate the disposal of broken or surplus equipment.
• Provide access to secure areas to authorized University Staff and students.

Safety – 5%

• Follow all applicable federal, provincial and local laws and university and MLS policies.
• Maintain first aid and CPR certification annually – employer paid.
• Maintain U of A environmental health and safety certification relevant to lab and personal safety excluding radioactivity and lasers.
• Label all prepared reagents.
• Accurately maintain Pathogen Safety Data Sheets, Safety Data Sheets for all chemicals; prepare and update Safety Data Sheet for in-house prepared reagents and Hazard Assessments.
• Correctly store and label, and dispose of, all chemicals, and biologicals, lab waste.
• Transport chemicals and biologicals on University campus and with external partners.
• Properly handles compressed gases.
• Maintain spill and first aid kits and other safety supplies as per the schedule.
• Respond to chemical and biological spill involving MLS staff and or students, or graduate students who are training in the lab area.
• Ensure eye washes, emergency showers, fume hoods and biological safety cabinets are functional, as per university policy/established schedule.
• Carries the fitting of students and staff with appropriate safety glasses and gloves.

Skills and experience

To excel in this administration role supporting the university's laboratory operations, candidates should possess a strong background in medical laboratory science combined with practical experience in a post-secondary teaching environment. The ability to work independently while collaborating with a dynamic teaching team is essential.

• Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Science; Masters or Doctorate is an asset.
• General certification with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science required.
• Current registration with College of Medical Laboratory Technologists of Alberta required and maintained annually.
• 1-2 years of experience with clinical laboratory medicine.
• 5-8 years of experience in a post-secondary environment teaching laboratory.
• 1-2 years of instructional or instructional assistant experience an asset.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility, adaptability and able to take on new tasks.
• Ability to work independently as part of, and liaison with a dynamic teaching team.