Full-time Term Position- Diagnostic and Surveillance Microbiologist- Diagnostic Services- Atlantic Veterinary College
To commensurate with credentials & experience, and in accordance with Faculty Association Bargaining Unit #2
Starting as soon as possible to March 31, 2028
The AVC Diagnostic Services is seeking application from qualified candidates to fill the position of a Diagnostic and Surveillance Microbiologist at the Regional Diagnostic Virology Services (RDVS) and Diagnostic Services of the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC DS).
The individual will provide professional oversight on Swine Health Surveillance Systems for viruses at the Atlantic Veterinary College which has been initiated by AVC Diagnostic Services and AVC Swine Health Services. The surveillance system utilizes a multiplex assay (a low-cost assay with high sensitivity and specificity and fast turnaround time, for detection of multiple viruses and other infectious agents in one sample) for monitoring the presence or absence of specific agents in Atlantic Canada and reporting this information through surveillance databases and dashboards. The individual in this position will be involved in the development and implementation of Proficiency Testing for selected enteric viruses and respiratory viruses to veterinary laboratories in Canada in collaboration with the International Veterinary Proficiency Testing Center at AVC DS.
We are seeking a Diagnostic and Surveillance Microbiologist to fill a full-time term position as soon as possible to March 31, 2028. The individual will work closely with a diagnostic and surveillance team and with the Diagnostic Virologist of RDVS, Director of AVC DS, Swine Specialist at AVC and staff of RDVS, AVC DS and other departments and services at the Atlantic Veterinary College and UPEI.
Responsibilities:
The successful candidate is expected to perform the following:
- Strengthen the swine health surveillance system for economically important swine enteric viruses (SEV) through enhanced diagnostic validation of SEV multiplex assay developed recently in RDVS and AVC DS utilizing clinical samples, implementation of a proficiency testing program for SEV for veterinary laboratories across Canada and implementation of surveillance initiative for SEV in Atlantic Canada.
- Develop a new multiplex assay for Swine Respiratory Viruses (SRV) and incorporation of Porcine Sapovirus (PSV) to the existing SEV Multiplex Assay and its integration into the SEV Swine Health Surveillance System for Atlantic Canada.
- Expand of the Proficiency Testing for veterinary laboratories in Canada to include PSV and SRV targets.
- Expand the SEV swine health surveillance databases and dashboards by incorporation of PSV and SRV.
- Prepare grant applications and technical reports.
- Network with stakeholders and collaborators including the Canadian Pork Council (CPC), Agriculture and AgriFood Canada (AAFC), Canadian Animal Health Surveillance System (CAHSS), etc.
- Present at scientific conferences and to professional organizations (e.g. swine practitioners and animal health groups), stakeholders (industry), regulatory personnel (e.g. CFIA) etc.
- Contribute to financial reporting of grants and contracts related to diagnostic and surveillance work.
Qualifications:
The successful candidate must have a BSc in Microbiology and PhD in Microbiology.
Graduate certification in bioinformatics and experience in bioinformatic application for genomics and proteomics including Phyton programming and other bioinformatic tools.
Expertise in multiplex assay development using bead-based technology.
Experience and knowledge in the development and implementation of Proficiency Testing.
Expertise in molecular biology technologies such as traditional PCR, real time PCR, digital PCR, standard curves, sequence alignment, blast analysis and bioinformatic tools for DNA and protein analysis.
Knowledge and experience in the establishment of databases for surveillance applications.
Expertise in preparation of grants and partnerships application.
Well-developed skills of collaboration, collegiality and communication.
Industry experience related to product development, patent application, technology transfer and commercialization.
Skills and expertise in laboratory management, test development, budget management, preparation of summary reports and standard operating procedures.
Experience in diagnostic and surveillance planning, supervision and maintenance of a diagnostic and surveillance laboratory and coordination and establishment of a collaborative network for diagnostic and surveillance (epidemiologists, clinicians, veterinary laboratories, academia and government and regulatory agencies, etc.).
Skills in experimental data recording and quality assurance in connection with accreditation by the Standard Council of Canada.
The salary range and rank will be commensurate with credentials and experience and will be in accordance with the collective agreement between UPEI and Faculty Association Bargaining Unit #2. This appointment is subject to budgetary approval.
The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) is committed to teaching, research and service and is fully accredited by CVMA and AVMA. The AVC is the regional veterinary college for Atlantic Canada. There are 272 DVM students, 55 graduate students, 85 full-time faculty and a professional and technical team of 250 dedicated individuals (including full and part-time). The AVC Diagnostic Services is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory and provides convenient quality, timely services backed by state-of-the-art equipment, qualified and experienced professionals and a commitment to offer a breadth of routine and innovative veterinary tests and services. It manages the operation of the International Veterinary Proficiency Testing Center which is a global proficiency testing program specifically designed for veterinary laboratories, hospitals, and clinics
Nestled in the east coast of Canada, PEI is one of the world most beautiful islands, and is home to sandy beaches, championship golf courses, cycling and cross-country ski trails, and vibrant arts community. UPEI is on the unceded land of Mi’kmaq Nation, of the Wabanaki Confederacy, in the traditional district of Epekwitk. Find out more about Prince Edward Island, the University of Prince Edward Island and the Atlantic Veterinary College at : www.gov.pe.ca, www.upei.ca (http://www.upei.ca) and www.upei.ca/avc. (http://www.upei.ca/avc.)
Application Instructions:
Applicant should submit a letter of intent, current curriculum vitae and names and contact information of three references to:
Elizabeth Dobbin, Director
Atlantic Veterinary College - Diagnostic Services
University of Prince Edward Island
550 University Avenue
Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3
Email: edobbin@upei.ca
UPEI is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation and believes in providing a positive learning and working environment where every person feels empowered to contribute. UPEI is committed to the principle of equity in employment and encourages applications form underrepresented groups including women, indigenous peoples, visible minorities, person with disabilities, person of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engages with diverse communities,
In accordance with the Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
Closing date is February 25th, 2025; however, the competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified.
