$37.80 to $56.50 per hour
Other benefits
Health Sciences Association of Alberta (HSAA)
Medical laboratory science degree, master’s degree, or PhD
Not required
Laboratory scientists conduct numerous processes including research and development, clinical trials and routine testing. They assist in preparing research proposals, selecting and implementing procedures and equipment and compiling results. These results, along with research summary reports, are then forwarded to other health-care professionals for interpretation.
Laboratory scientists are also responsible for establishing and maintaining quality control standards for new procedures and methodologies.
Occasionally, laboratory scientists may publish their results or present their studies at conferences and seminars. They may have to defend their methodology and results to peer reviews and management inquiries. Laboratory scientist II’s have additional responsibilities. These include identifying the need for and initiating changes to research and development processes. One of their job duties is to research the cost and viability of projects. They perform advanced or complex patient tests, and they also analyze data. Laboratory scientist II’s also direct installation, validation, calibration and maintenance of equipment.
Laboratory scientist III’s contribute to the advancement of diagnostic services and enhanced laboratory performance. They achieve this by implementing technological and process changes. They are tasked with overseeing complex project design, development and implementation. They also coordinate quality control procedures in addition to resolving safety related issues in the laboratory. The laboratory scientist III’s leadership roles involve the recruitment, training, supervision and evaluation of other laboratory staff. Finally, they assist with strategic planning and budgeting.
Laboratory scientists work in a variety of facilities, including hospitals, cancer care centres, research facilities and community and public health labs. They may work full-time or part-time hours. Shift schedules may include a combination of day, evening and weekend shifts. Laboratory scientists collaborate closely with other health-care professionals and scientists in their field, including physicians. Laboratory scientists may be required to lift and carry equipment and supplies from time to time. They may be exposed to bio-hazardous materials, radiation and chemical hazards. They may also be exposed to heat, cold and noise.
