Technologist, Molecular Microbiology

Job Information

Job Title: Technologist, Molecular Microbiology

Job Requisition ID: 82470

Ministry: Agriculture and Irrigation

Location: Edmonton

Full or Part-Time: Full Time

Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week

Permanent/Temporary: Permanent

Scope: Open Competition

Closing Date: April 27, 2026

Classification: Technologies 4

Salary: $2,516.23 to $3,295.45/bi-weekly ($65,674 - $86,011/year)

The Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation is responsible for policies, legislation, regulations, and services necessary for Alberta’s agriculture, food, and forest sectors to grow, prosper and diversify; inspiring public confidence in the quality and safety of food; supporting environmentally sustainable resource management practices; leading collaboration that enables safe and resilient rural communities.

For more information about the Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation please visit our website at: https://www.alberta.ca/agriculture-and-irrigation.aspx .

The

Agri-Food Assurance Section

operates laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 that provide laboratory analyses in support of animal health outbreaks and disease response, surveillance programs, export requirements and market access. Additional activities include outreach to provincially licensed meat and dairy facilities and conducting food and food safety policy analysis.

Role Responsibilities Do you thrive at the intersection of science, precision, and public safety? Join a high‑performing laboratory team where your expertise directly contributes to safer food and stronger markets across Alberta.

In this role, you’ll perform and interpret complex molecular and microbiological testing to identify significant bacteria and viruses of animal origin—using advanced techniques, sound judgment, and a sharp analytical eye to ensure results are accurate, reliable, and defensible. Working within an internationally recognized ISO 17025 quality system, your work will support the Food Safety Branch’s key outcomes, assist scientists in implementing innovative laboratory methods, and help protect consumers while strengthening confidence in Alberta’s food producers and processors.

The Technologist, Molecular Microbiology position performs a variety of routine and specialized laboratory tests for the rapid detection, isolation and identification of different microorganisms (including bacteria and viruses) using various molecular and microbial techniques.

The successful candidate must be comfortable doing a variety of morphological, biochemical and serological tests, as well as employing various molecular biology/genetic techniques and test methods to detect and identify bacteria, bacterial isolates, and viruses. This position is in direct support of surveillance and regulatory programs and projects within the Food Safety (FSB) and Animal Health and Assurance Branches (AHAB).

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine and specialized microbiological testing, including sample receipt, processing, identification, and interpretation of results using molecular and biochemical techniques.
• Perform routine and specialized molecular biological testing, including sample receipt and preparation, initial processing, detection, and genetic sequencing.
• Ensure accurate, traceable test results in compliance with ISO 17025 quality standards and laboratory SOPs.
• Conduct quality control, validation, proficiency testing, and participate in internal and external audits.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory and automated equipment; update related SOPs.
• Analyze, document, and report data using laboratory information systems and standard software tools.
• Provide outbreak and surge support, including work in high‑containment environments, while maintaining required certifications.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom\_downloaded\_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf .

• Agility: Works in a changing environment and ta