Laboratory Surveillance Data Analyst

Location: PHO Corporate Office & Toronto Laboratory, 661 University Avenue, Toronto, ON

Department: Employee, Laboratory Information

The Role

Public Health Ontario Laboratory (PHOL) generates large quantities of data relating to numerous infectious diseases. The laboratory surveillance data analyst extracts, transforms, and analyzes laboratory data to support the needs of the laboratory, PHO, and stakeholders to inform public health practice and research. The analyst also assists in the development and maintenance of systems that facilitate the use of laboratory data.

Key Responsibilities-

• Extracts data for projects by executing computer programs for data extraction and facilitates the creation of data sets that accurately reflect test results in their biological context using spreadsheets and statistical software packages (e.g., R, SAS, SQL).
• Formats, manipulates, and analyzes data using appropriate methods to meet client data needs including preparing data products for further interpretation within PHO and by external stakeholders.
• Prepares data sets, data summaries, reports, and other documentation according to applicable standards, guidelines, policies and legislation.
• Uses both commercial and custom built LIMS software (e.g., Labware) to understand laboratory data structure, interpret test results, and investigate issues.
• Provides support for outbreak investigations including data set development, data management, data quality and regular reporting as needed.
• Contributes to the ongoing development of clear and concise standard operation procedures for data set creation, analysis, reporting and quality assurance
• Works with epidemiologists, laboratory staff, and scientists to develop laboratory data product creation plans.
• Works closely with laboratory operations managers and staff to provide data products to monitor and improve laboratory testing processes.
• Assists in the development and application of data governance policies and data request intake processes.
• Supports the department's data quality assurance efforts through the application and development of proven analytical approaches to identify errors or limitations in the data and to improve data validity.
• Assists with development, testing and deployment of data tools as required including recommendations for improvement.
• Performs data quality troubleshooting and problem resolution including root cause analysis.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge And Skills-

• Experience with genomics is preferred.
• Knowledge of software packages and programming languages (R preferred) to develop programs as necessary for data manipulation, collection, reporting and analysis.
• Knowledge of laboratory processes and techniques related to clinical microbiological testing for data contextualization.
• Knowledge of the provincial public health laboratory system for understanding the limitations of PHOL data holdings.
• Skill and expertise in protocol development, data collection, analysis of large datasets, data validation, and interpretation.
• Knowledge of epidemiology and scientific research concepts to effectively understand and apply stakeholder requirements.
• Skill in effective time management methods to plan and execute data set creation and analysis plans for projects.
  
  

Education And Experience-

• Bachelor's degree in health science with preference given to Master's degree or other post graduate degree in public health or health informatics.
• Two or more years of experience working in a laboratory setting or with health data.
• Skill in the use of data sets, spreadsheets, databases and statistical software such as MS Office products, R, SAS, and Access to transform complex laboratory data into accurate, relevant datasets.
  
  

Attributes and Competencies-

• Works as a collaborative team member while developing professional networks/partnerships.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Exercises teamwork and leadership in maintaining effective linkages with all levels of contacts, both internal and external to PHO.
  
  

Duration: Permanent

Hours of Work: Full time, 36.25 hours per week

Compensation Group:Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario

Salary :$61,866.00 - $86,614.00

Posting Date: 02-9-2024

Closing Date: 02-24-2024

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 HR_Inquiries@oahpp.ca. 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.