The Quality Systems Team at the Genome Sciences Centre works with the production laboratory groups to ensure quality service is provided to our internal and external clients. The QA group was initially established within the Sequencing group and now provides service to all production laboratory platforms including Illumina and Capillary Production sequencing, Functional Genomics Library Core, Functional Genomics Technology Development, Mapping and Vectorology.
Quality Systems
Projects
College of American Pathologists Certification
Coordinated the CAP accreditation project, which was initiated in 2011 for the GSC’s clinical pipeline involving ABI capillary sequencing instruments for testing BRCA1/BRCA2 breast cancer genes. Later in 2013, the clinical pipeline expanded to 16 gene panel testing with Illumina Sequencers, and now the GSC provides targeted capture panel testing for three cancer panels: hereditary cancer panel, onco panel and myeloid panel.
Immunotherphy CAR-T clinical trial
Working with various collaborators from Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and the Biotherapheutics Manufacturing Centre, coordinated activities for preparing the quality overview summary (QOS) of the clinical trial application, addressing all requirements set forth by Health Canada’s guidelines: For Clinical Trial Sponsors- Clinical Trial Applications and guidelines for Preparation of the Quality Information for Drug Submissions in the CTD Format- Biotechnological/ Biological (Biotech) Products.
Information Security Management System (ISMS), ISO 27001 Certification
Coordinated the ISO 27001 certification project by collaboratively working with various internal GSC staff and external certification body to implement ISMS systems, processes and policies in order to meet requirements prescribed under six main clauses and Annex A with 13 control objectives of the standard. The GSC was ISO certified in December 2018 with zero deficiencies.
Members
Faculty/Leaders
Hyun-Wu Lee
Open Positions
Quality Assurance Technologist
Canada’s Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre (GSC)
Today’s Research. Tomorrow’s Medicine.
The GSC is a department of the BC Cancer Research Institute and a high-throughput genome sequencing facility. We are leaders in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics in pursuit of novel treatment strategies for cancers and other diseases.
Among the world’s first genome centres to be established within a cancer clinic, for more than two decades our scientists and innovators have been designing and deploying cutting-edge technologies to benefit health and advance clinical research.
Among the GSC’s most significant accomplishments are the first publication to demonstrate the use of whole-genome sequencing to inform cancer treatment planning, the first published sequence of the SARS coronavirus genome and major contributions to the first physical map of the human genome as part of the Human Genome Project.
By joining the GSC you will become part of an exceptional and diverse team of scientists, clinicians, experts and professionals operating at the leading edge of clinical research. We look for people who share our core values—science, timeliness, respect—to join us on our mission to use genome science for the betterment of health and society.
Job Reference No. QAT_P00427_HSA183782_QMS_2025_05_15
Job Summary
In accordance with the Purpose, Vision, Values and Coast Salish Teachings, and strategic direction of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA. As such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Quality Assurance Technologist assists in the maintenance of Quality Assurance (QA) systems for the Genome Sciences Centre (GSC) production laboratories. These systems include, but are not limited to, document control, validation, auditing, corrective/preventative actions, and instrument calibration/preventive maintenance. The Quality Assurance Technologist receives guidance from the Quality Assurance Associate in prioritization and performance of these tasks.
Duties
- Assists in establishing QA functions modeled on ISO 9000:2000 standards and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP’s).
- Performs daily QA tasks and duties such as:
- Maintaining formal documentation of laboratory processes (SOPs).
- Conducting internal and external audits on a regular basis and reporting audit findings in an accurate and timely manner.
- Maintaining a comprehensive corrective and preventive action program.
- Maintaining a validation program for instrumentation and procedures.
- Scheduling and prioritizing repair and preventative maintenance of laboratory equipment
3.Communicates quality policy, metrics and trends to GSC staff.
4.Participates in the design and development of LIMS and other laboratory software.
5.Assists in conducting training sessions for production staff. Maintains training records.
6.Assists in the provision of input to the technology development staff regarding the development of improved laboratory workflow and procedures.
7.Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience
- Graduation from a recognized Diploma program in Biotechnology and one (1) years of recent related experience in a research laboratory including experience in a biotechnology/pharmaceutical Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) environment and familiarity with both standard molecular biology techniques and laboratory automation or an equivalent combination of education training and experience.
Skills and Abilities
- Ability to work effectively, independently, and as a member of a team.
- Demonstrated ability to organize work and establish priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrated skills in CPR techniques.
Benefits:
Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
- Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
- Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, which includes statutory benefits - Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance and WorkSafe BC plus the BC Cancer group benefits plan which includes medical & dental extended health, and group life insurance coverage, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
- Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
- PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
- Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.
Job Type:
Regular Full-Time, 7.5 hrs. per day
Salary Range:
$36.59 - $45.66/hour for the sixth year.
The starting salary for this position would be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education and experience, and would be in alignment with the provincial compensation reference plan.
Higher salary offers above the midpoint range require additional review and approval.
Apply
Please submit a detailed cover letter and resume to bcgscjobs@bcgsc.ca, using Job Reference No. QAT_P00427_HSA183782_QMS_2025_05_15 in the subject line of your email. As this is a union position, you will also have to apply either as an internal or external applicant through http://www.phsa.ca/careers using the posting reference 183782.
While we value and review all applications, please note that due to the volume of submissions only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. This posting will remain online until the position is filled.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
Important!
COVID-19 vaccines protect against infection from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) that causes COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccine has been added to the list of high-priority immunizations recommended for health-care workers. Health care workers should ensure they are up-to-date on all routine immunizations.
Please note all jobs at the GSC are based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Flexible work options may be available for this position upon request and is subject to change in accordance with GSC’s operational needs and PHSA’s Flexible Work Options Policy.
We believe that equity, diversity and inclusivity are essential for the advancement of human knowledge and science.
We welcome all applicants and provide all employees with equal opportunity for advancement, regardless of race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, conviction of a criminal or summary conviction offence unrelated to their employment.