LHSO R - Laboratory Scientist, Bacteriology

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Posting Title

LHSO 24R
- Laboratory Scientist, Bacteriology

Position Classification

Laboratory/Hlth Science Of R24

Union

GEU

Work Options

On-Site

Location

Abbotsford, BC V2S 1H4 CA (Primary)

Salary Range

$80,703.86 - $91,936.08 annually

Close Date

10/9/2026

Job Type

Regular Full Time

Temporary End Date

7/30/2027

Ministry/Organization

BC Public Service ->
Agriculture and Food

Ministry Branch / Division

Plant and Animal Health Branch

Job Summary

The Team:
The Bacteriology Laboratory Section is an established, collaborative team of three Laboratory Scientists supervised by a Veterinary Microbiologist, working together to diagnose bacterial and fungal diseases that impact animal and public health. The team fosters an inclusive, respectful environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are valued, and where staff contribute to both routine testing and advanced diagnostic work using tools like PCR and DNA sequencing.

Their work has a meaningful impact—supporting animal welfare, food safety, and public health—while encouraging continuous learning, shared knowledge, and equitable opportunities to grow and contribute.

The Role:
In this role, you will carry out important daily laboratory work, including identifying bacterial and fungal pathogens, performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and using modern tools like molecular diagnostics to support accurate results. You will also help maintain quality standards, troubleshoot issues, and contribute to improving testing methods, all within a collaborative and supportive team environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences.

Your work will directly support veterinarians, animal owners, and communities by helping manage diseases, protect food safety, and reduce risks to public health. This is a meaningful opportunity to build your skills, contribute to equitable health outcomes, and make a real difference through science-driven, inclusive work.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or Medical Laboratory Science AND minimum two (2) years of experience in microbiology and molecular diagnostics, preferably in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory. An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be considered.
• Experience performing molecular biological techniques (e.g. convention and real-time PCR).
• Experience with new diagnostic tools (such as BIOMIC, MALDI-TOF and Whole Genome Sequencing).
• Experience operating a variety of technical equipment in microbiology laboratory.
• Maintains American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD) certification through participation in periodic internal and external proficiency test panels for quality assurance purposes.
• Meets safety standards of Work Safe BC including WHMIS, Transportation of Dangerous Goods and Containment Level 3 (CL3) Laboratory Biosafety training.
• Maintains certification to conduct foreign animal disease testing through the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease.
• Must be willing to participate in the PAHB rabies vaccination and surveillance program.

For questions regarding this position, please contact  .
About this Position:
This is a temporary opportunity until July 30th, 2027. This position may be extended or become permanent.
This position is located in Abbotsford.
This position requires full-time, in-person work.
Employees of the BC Public Service must be located in BC at the time of employment.
An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies in Abbotsford.
A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.

Working for the BC…