Manager, Virus Detection, Molecular Diagnostics DNA
Location: PHO Corporate Office & Toronto Laboratory, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, ON
Department: Molecular, Virus Detection and Genomics Core
This posting is to fill a current vacancy.
The Laboratory Manager will coordinate and supervise clinical laboratory diagnostic, environmental, outbreak, surveillance, consultative and support services in the Molecular and Virus Detection Department at the PHO Laboratory in the Toronto laboratory site.
Take ownership to initiate and participate in the development, validation, continuous improvement and troubleshooting of laboratory methods and processes, in alignment with the PHO Laboratory Quality Management System.
Provide leadership to all staff and manage in a manner that motivates, guides and directs employees to the realization of PHO values, goals, objectives and performance expectations; ensures a work environment that promotes staff participation, team work and positive employee relations.
Key Responsibilities-
Provides technical and functional oversight and leads day-to-day operations to deliver a variety of public health laboratory services.
Identifies and manages laboratory responses on matters of public health importance such as potential and actual outbreaks, unusual, urgent and critical situations.
Ensures implementation and compliance to all technical, regulatory, safety and accreditation requirements (e.g., ACD, CALA, MECP), policies, processes, and procedures and that all staff are trained appropriately.
Responsible for continuous quality improvement and participates in the development, implementation and monitoring of quality assurance and performance measures.
Works with contract managers to prepare appropriate procurement documentation for RFX processes for procurement of equipment, goods and services e.g., courier, preventative maintenance etc.; provides oversight for the evaluation and participates in vendor debrief sessions.
Provides and supports outreach and customer service/client management to partners, clients, members of the public and stakeholders, e.g., public health units, hospitals, institutes, long term care facilities, physicians, laboratories, clinics, academic partners, etc. to promote and maintain high quality reliable laboratory services.
Analyzes and comments on administrative and statistical reports on lab operations (e.g. Workload Report) to inform resource planning and allocation.
Serves as a link between management and employees while maintaining a high level of communication across the organization.
Participates in and implements Joint health and safety programs and activities such as training, communication, inspection, investigation, and general safety promotion.
Facilitates change management, including operational changes, maintenance and new projects and coordinates building, IT, and other lab related initiatives.
Works with Front End Processing team, clients, couriers, logistics to provide seamless day-to-day operations in front end section.
Develops program operational plan and goals in support of PHO’s overall Annual Business Plan and Strategic Plan.
Manages budget, service and performance indicators and ensures consistency in corporate requirements and approval processes for financial, human resources, information technology, operational and business planning functions.
Builds and leads teams of multi-disciplinary staff in support of PHO’s activities;
Manages staff, congruent with PHO internal policies and procedures, professional standards, Collective Agreement requirements and other relevant standards, legislation or regulations.
Assigns staff responsibilities setting clear performance objectives and measures, evaluating performance; advises on training needs, participates in recruiting/selection of staff; addresses performance and disciplinary issues, responding to grievances in conjunction with PHO Human Resources management programs; establishes and implements work/vacation schedule; builds and leads a team of multi-disciplinary staff who support PHO’s activities.
Models organizational values and organizational culture and embeds values into area of responsibility.
Act as a designated lead and/or subject matter expert on cross functional PHO teams to ensure linkages and collaboration across PHO.
Represents the Unit, its initiatives and services and PHO in consultations, relationships and collaborative partnerships with government, other provincial agencies, non-governmental organizations, professional associations and other academic and community partners. Liaises with Ministry staff on planning and performance matters where applicable.
Ensures alignment of unit goals, objectives and activities with other PHO initiatives, goals and objectives.
Contributes to the development and implementation of the department’s mandate and operating procedures by taking a significant role in the identification of new programs and projects that fit PHO’s mandate; suggests areas for improvement in internal processes along with possible solutions.
Keeps abreast of the latest research and developments in area of specialty within PHO and at other agencies.
Supports PHO in the provision of response in an emergency, pursuant to responsibilities as delegated in an emergency response plan; supports PHO’s 24/7 incident and emergency response through shared participation in on-call schedule, as required.
Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Skills-
Knowledge of principles and practices of Microbiology or Laboratory Disciplines/Services in a public health laboratory setting to provide technical oversight and lead day-to-day operations to deliver a variety of public health laboratory services.
Knowledge of Public Health Laboratory programs, standards, policies, applicable legislation, and current issues affecting operations to recommend policies and improvements and contribute to long/short term planning.
Knowledge of the measurement indicators and collection tools and quality management tools needed to ensure that the testing program or service is operating efficiently and effectively.
Leadership, team building and client relations management skills to develop and fosters positive employee relations and client/stakeholder partnerships.
Organizational skills, including priority setting and workload management to manage multiple concurrent issues and projects and provides direction to reporting staff.
Computer skills and good understanding of software including word-processing, database, spreadsheet, project management, presentation, e-mail, and Internet applications to analyze information, prepare reports, and establish/utilize tools which support the analysis and monitoring of operations.
Education and Experience-
For clinical Laboratory sites or programs, the position requires a Practising certificate of registration with the CMLTO and in good standing
Six (6) years of relevant lab experience.
Five (5) years of progressive management experience.
Experience working in a unionized environment and Microbiology registration will be an asset.
Experience with quality tools such as lean principles, green belt, six sigma will be an asset.
Attributes and Competencies-
Written and oral communication, consultation and presentation skills are required to communicate with internal and external clients and staff.
Oral and written communication skills to work collaboratively with medical and non-medical clients and staff to provide advice and present technical/specialized information.
Written communications skills are required to write standard operating procedures and to prepare business cases, procurement documentation, memos, and briefing notes for operational purposes and to communicate with senior management.
Interpersonal and diplomacy skills to provide advice and consultation to staff and external stakeholders and develop/maintain positive and productive working/business relationships.
Duration: Permanent
Hours of Work: Full time, 36.25 hours per week
Compensation Group: Manager
Compensation Range: $91,807.00 - $114,730.00
Posting Date: 07-16-2026
Closing Date: 07-31-2026
Please note: applications will be received no later than 11:59pm on the date preceding the closing date as indicated on the Job Requisition.
Note: Internal candidates will be considered first.
While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose.
PHO is committed to ensuring equity in employment. Our goal is to create a diverse, inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to ensure our services and communications are accessible to all individuals. Any candidate who requires a job posting in an alternative format may email a request to [email protected]. Once an applicant has been selected for an interview, they can inform PHO about any accommodations they may require at any stage of the interview process.
