Lab Assistant, Central Lab Services

Specimen Procurement - Children's & Women's Labs

Vancouver, British Columbia

The Lab Assistant, Central Lab Services performs general laboratory and clerical procedures related to the collecting and accessioning of blood specimens for analysis by technologists.

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA, safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA’s Agencies/Divisions/Services, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position. The Laboratory Assistant, Anatomic Pathology performs a variety of site-specific laboratory and clerical duties related to the preparation and processing of tissue specimen slides for interpretation by laboratory technologists and pathologists, including tasks such as receiving and preparing pathology specimens for analysis, performing related cleaning and maintenance duties as delegated by the supervisor.

What you’ll do

- Perform venipuncture and micro blood collections from patients, collecting specimens according to the requirements of tests as indicated in requisitions.
- Process test requisitions by entering patient data into computer systems, issue current patient identification number where required and identifies duplicate record problems, obtain or clarify missing or questionable information, correct errors and omissions in patient demographic data and enter corrections into computer systems. Enter test requests into the Laboratory Information System (LIS).
- Verify that specimens meet acceptable identification criteria and verify specimen type according to established procedures, sort and assign laboratory numbers to specimens, in priority according to pre-defined criteria, and apply barcode labels according to established operating procedures.
- Perform sweat collection.
- Prepare specimens for testing in accordance with established procedures by performing duties such as preparing smears, staining and coverslipping slides, centrifugation, aliquoting (subsampling), and loading samples onto specimen racks.
- Receive telephone/fax/over the counter requests for information and answer or direct requests according to established procedures.
- Prepare, record, and send specimens and appropriate request forms to outside/referral laboratories and hospitals according to Transport of Dangerous Goods (TDG) and other regulatory requirements.
- Receive incoming specimens and requisitions and checks for accuracy and completeness of information such as personal health number, name, date of birth and tests required. Contact physicians or labs for missing information and makes necessary corrections. Organize, store, and retrieve specimens under appropriate conditions, document and ship samples to other laboratories and discard samples according to established procedures.
- Deliver samples and related documentation to and from in-house laboratory sections. Send lab results to wards, clinics and/or physicians according to pre-defined criteria.
- Respond to requests for test results, faxes same, as required. Forward requests for test interpretation to Medical Laboratory Technologist in accordance with established procedures.
- File and organize records, such as requisitions, statistical information and work schedules.
- Identify and communicate operational issues and computer/equipment related problems to supervisor.
- Order and receive supplies.
- Maintain laboratory equipment, such as refrigerators, freezers, centrifuges autostainers, coverslippers and testing equipment as directed by performing duties such as cleaning, and temperature recording. Perform maintenance procedures according to established procedures. Recognize malfunctions in equipment and reports these to the lead hand or designate.
- Maintain daily cleaning and disinfection of work areas and equipment according to established schedule and procedure by performing duties such as: preparing fresh disinfectant solutions; wiping bench tops and equipment following established procedures; cleaning centrifuges and testing and maintaining the section safety eyewash and shower according to established weekly and monthly procedures. Perform waste management duties as per standard operating procedures.
- Perform other related duties as required.

What you bring

Qualifications

- Completion of Grade 12, successful completion of a recognized Laboratory Assistant training program plus one year’s recent related experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples in social and health contexts, including supported by significant knowledge of Indigenous-specific mandates, including clear understanding of and commitment to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination and embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility.




- Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within health care settings. This involves familiarity and understanding Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within Specimen Procurement - Children's & Women's Labs contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study - BC Human Rights Code, BC Anti-racism Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies

- Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated initiatives in breaking down barriers and ensuring a safe environment ensuring a sense of belonging to all and informed by Indigenous Cultural Safety.
- Awareness of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (the Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

Skills & Knowledge

- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to deal with others effectively.
- Ability to organize work.
- Ability to operate related equipment.
- Ability to type at 25 wpm.
- Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others
- Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to deal with others effectively.
- Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
- Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and/or continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
- Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What we bring

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, including municipal pension plan, 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
Wage: $31.06 per hour

Location: BC Children's & BC Women's Hospital & Health Centre - 4500 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3N1

Closing Date: Applications accepted until filled
Hours of Work: 7.5 hr shifts between 14:00-23:00, Work Days: Monday-Friday
Requisition #: 203178E

** Please note: Support for nomination with the BC Provincial Nominee Program is not a guarantee, entitlement or an employee benefit after receiving a full time job offer with PHSA**

What we do

Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS), part of Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), is at the forefront of diagnostic testing in BC, operating across 31 sites in the Lower Mainland and Central Coast. From hospitals to specialty labs within Vancouver Coastal Health, Provincial Health Services Authority, Fraser Health Authority, and Providence Health Care, our dedicated teams deliver fast, accurate results that drive critical patient care and medical innovation. Whether detecting diseases, guiding treatments, or supporting groundbreaking research, PLMS plays a vital role in advancing healthcare and saving lives across the province

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA is committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at [email protected].

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

Attention current employees of PHSA:

You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.

The internal job posting expires on August 31, 2026 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail [email protected] with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail [email protected] with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.

If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at [email protected].

📌 Lab Assistant, Central Lab Services (Canada)
🏢 PHSA
📍 Canada