Laboratory Assistant

Overview

Join Canadian Blood Services as a Temporary Part-Time Laboratory Assistant within the Distribution Ottawa team. This position plays a critical role in supporting manufacturing, releasing, and distributing blood products that provide life-saving treatments across Canada. You will be involved directly in the handling and technical support of blood components, laboratory equipment, and test instruments.

Primary Responsibilities

• Receive, select, issue, pack, and dispatch blood and blood components to hospitals following Standard Operating Procedures.
• Prepare shipments of units destined for fractionation plants.
• Maintain inventory of supplies and generate weekly supply orders using strong organizational abilities.
• Operate computer terminals and automated laboratory equipment and carry out routine maintenance.
• Apply end-labeling and proper storage protocols for blood products.
• Adhere strictly to laboratory hygiene and safety measures.
• Perform various department tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Completed secondary education with at least one year of laboratory work or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience; post-secondary science education preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office and aptitude for learning new systems and software.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow instructions accurately and maintain detailed records.
• Experience in food processing, pharmaceutical, or biologics manufacturing considered an advantage.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly wage set at $27.65.
• Payment in lieu of vacation and statutory holidays.
• Defined benefit pension plan participation.
• Employee discounts, wellness programs, and professional resources available.

Work Conditions

• Variable shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends, on-call, and statutory holidays, requiring scheduling flexibility.
• Physical demand includes lifting up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds).
• Position subject to criminal record and employment verification, meeting Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission standards.

Additional Information

This role supports Canadian Blood Services’ mission to save and improve lives through reliable access to safe biological products. The organization acknowledges and respects the traditional territories and Indigenous Peoples of Canada. Applicants requiring accommodations are encouraged to communicate their needs during the hiring process.

Only one opening is available for this temporary role, with employment anticipated to start on August 17, 2026, and conclude on March 26, 2027. Interested candidates should apply by August 5, 2026, providing an up-to-date resume and a job-specific cover letter.