Lab Specialist (MLT)

True North Clinical Research

 Part-Time – Shared Services: Operations (Halifax In-Clinic)

Reports to: Study Team Lead

True North Clinical Research is dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes through innovative clinical research. Our team supports research opportunities across a variety of therapeutic areas, contributing to the development of new treatment approaches and a better understanding of complex health conditions.

The Opportunity

The Lab Specialist will support laboratory and biospecimen collection activities at our Halifax clinic, with primary responsibility for phlebotomy, blood collection, urine processing, and research biospecimen preparation. This flexible, in-clinic role will also provide opportunities to cross-train and assist with Research Assistant and administrative responsibilities when laboratory work is not scheduled.

This role is responsible for:

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• Phlebotomy and specimen collection
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• Urine and biospecimen processing
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• Packing and shipping samples
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• Research compliance and quality assurance
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• Research Assistant support
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• Administrative and clinic support
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Key Responsibilities

Phlebotomy and Specimen Collection

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• Perform venipuncture and blood draws for research participants in accordance with study protocols and collection requirements.
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• Prepare participants for collection; verify participant and specimen identifiers; and ensure all samples are accurately labelled.
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• Maintain a clean, organized collection area and ensure phlebotomy supplies are appropriately stocked.
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• Complete and maintain required Good Clinical Practice (GCP), TCPS 2:2022, Health Canada Division 5, and International Air Transport Association (IATA) training.
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Urine and Biospecimen Processing

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• Receive, process, aliquot, label, and prepare blood and urine specimens in accordance with individual study protocols.
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• Perform centrifugation, sample separation, and other required specimen preparation procedures; maintain appropriate storage conditions.
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• Prepare specimens for storage, transfer, or shipment and maintain accurate processing and specimen-tracking records.
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Research Compliance and Quality Assurance

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• Follow study-specific laboratory manuals, protocols, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and applicable safety requirements.
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• Maintain complete documentation and appropriate specimen tracking and chain-of-custody records.
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• Identify and escalate specimen discrepancies, collection issues, or processing deviations; maintain participant confidentiality.
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Research Assistant Support

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• Assist with research study activities during periods when laboratory services are not required, within the individual's training and delegated responsibilities.
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• Support participant visits, study documentation, data entry, participant scheduling, and follow-up coordination as required.
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• Complete additional research-related training to support the evolving needs of the research team.
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Administrative and Clinic Support

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• Provide general administrative support, including organizing clinic documentation, maintaining records, and managing study-related supplies.
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• Support general clinic operations and coordination of research activities, shifting between duties based on operational needs.
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• Complete other administrative or operational duties as assigned.
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• Diploma or degree in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) or a related field.
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• Registered Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) preferred; Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) candidates will also be considered.
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• Demonstrated phlebotomy and venipuncture skills are required. Candidates must be comfortable and competent performing blood draws independently within their scope of practice.
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• Experience with blood collection, specimen handling, processing, and laboratory procedures.
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• Knowledge of specimen identification, labelling, centrifugation, aliquoting, and storage procedures.
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• Ability to follow study-specific protocols, SOPs, and laboratory instructions.
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• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation.
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• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage changing priorities.
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• Willingness to learn and cross-train in Research Assistant and administrative responsibilities; previous clinical research experience is an asset.
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• Adaptability: Adjusts effectively to change and embraces new ideas and responsibilities. 
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• Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively; strong presentation and active listening skills. 
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• Dependability: Reliable, accountable, and consistently meets deadlines and commitments. 
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• Ethics & Integrity: Demonstrates honesty, accountability, and maintains strict confidentiality. 
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• Organizational Skills: Manages time effectively and maintains organized, efficient systems and workspace. 
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• Quality Focus: Produces accurate work and proactively identifies opportunities for improvement. 
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• Teamwork: Collaborates respectfully and contributes to shared team goals.