Canadian Blood Services is seeking a Medical Microbiologist to help further our mission, to be part of a dynamic, innovative, collaborative, diverse and caring organization committed to saving and improving the lives of Canadians. We are the connection between the sincere generosity of donors and the heartfelt appreciation of recipients. We offer the opportunity to contribute to systems-level changes in healthcare, providing the opportunity to contribute to the care of both individual patient and the larger Canadian population that we serve.

As a specialist in the field of medical microbiology, you will work with stakeholders to establish best practices, policies and guidelines. You will ensure that the medical, scientific and technical standards established for microbiology reflect industry developments and are in compliance with regulations.  You will be responsible for scientific support and guidance for the Donor Testing laboratories for infectious disease testing, provide scientific support in the areas of microbiology and transfusion-transmitted diseases within Canadian Blood Services as well as provide technical and scientific support as part of the Medical Affairs & Innovation (MAI) and supports various projects as required. 

Responsibilities include:

• Ensures safety of blood and source plasma, stem cell products and helps develop evidence basis for policies. Some involvement in development of best practices for organs and tissues.
• Provides scientific and technical support to the donor testing labs including interpretation of transmissible diseases donor test results and risk factors in donors, and preparation of donor surveillance data.
• Supports the development of recommendations and evaluation of donor eligibility and testing policies affecting the safety and security of the blood supply related to infectious diseases, known and emerging pathogens. 
• Assists in development of reports of possible infectious disease transmission from blood transfusion (i.e., donor notification, lookback and traceback).
• Supports and develops policies, procedures, and guidelines regarding microbiology in consultation with stakeholders and participates in risk-based decision making related to blood, stem cell, and organ and tissue donor criteria and testing related to transfusion-transmitted diseases.
• Follows national and international developments in emerging pathogens relevant for blood transfusion and transplantation and supports the development of possible risk reduction policies. 
• Provides expertise in the field of medical microbiology and clinical infectious diseases, including standardized guidance in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Supports relevant research in microbiology and participates in evaluative research projects with internal and external collaborators.
• Authors papers and reports and delivers presentations on areas relating to transfusion and transplantation transmitted diseases.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Certification with Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in medical microbiology and/or infectious disease (MD), or the Canadian College of Microbiologists (PhD and FCCM).  Equivalent education and experience will be considered. 
• Further specialization or understanding of epidemiology, public health, virology or transfusion medicine would be considered an asset including collaboration experience at the regional, provincial/territorial or national level. 
• Experience in development of best practices and quality initiatives with evidence of being able to effectively support practical projects focused on the impact of emerging infectious diseases.
• Training and experience in research and statistics would be an asset.
• An academic appointment with a recognized university, or the ability to obtain such an appointment is encouraged.

Demonstrated Skills and Abilities:

• Able to provide scientific and technical support to testing laboratories including assist in interpretation of transmissible diseases test results.
• Demonstrated experience in gathering evidence to support development of policy/
• Ability to create and present scientific material in a way that can be shared with the public.  
• Strong analytical abilities and problem solving as a subject matter expert on infectious disease, testing methodologies, results interpretation, and risk factors.
• Effective communication, collaboration and commitment to operating within a team environment.

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary range.
• Annual Performance Award.
• Generous paid vacation.
• Comprehensive group health, dental and vision benefits.
• Choice of defined contribution or defined benefits pension plan.
• Flexible remote working schedule
• Employee discounts, wellness programs and professional advancement opportunities.

If you are looking for a meaningful career where you will make a difference and support healthy lives with commitment and care on a national level – we would like to meet you.