Laboratory Assistant

Title

• Laboratory
• Assistant
• Department:
• Health
• Community:
• Iqaluit
• Requisition
• Number: 792
• Type of
• Employment: Job Share (3-month rotation)

Salary Range

$80,788 to $91,679 per year, 37.5per week shift schedule Northern Allowance: $16,328 per year Housing: Subsidized Staff Housing is Available Union Status: Nunavut Employees Union

Closing Date

June 26, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m. eastern time

This employment opportunity is open to all applicants.

For Medical Laboratory Assistant positions that is full-time and permanent, recruitment bonuses include: $3,000 on start date, $3,000 at 6 months of service, $5,000 at 1 year of service and $7,000 at 2 years of service. For Job shares, salary, bonuses/allowances are pro-rated in accordance with hours worked.

Reporting to the Laboratory Manager, the Laboratory Assistant registers patient’s visits and is responsible for the collection, sorting and distribution of laboratory samples and maintenance of patient results within the Laboratory. The incumbent will be required to follow the philosophy and objectives of the Department of Health to ensure that medical professionals have the test results necessary to diagnose, treat and manage diseases.

The Laboratory Assistant

• Collects laboratory samples on patients as part of the health care team, including collecting blood using a closed collection system, providing instructions to patients on the proper collection of biological samples, and performing pregnancy testing, urinalysis, and glucose point‑of‑care testing.
• Sorts and distributes biological samples collected within the Qikiqtani General Hospital and biological samples referred in from other health facilities within Nunavut using established standards of practice.
• Prepares biological samples for transportation to southern referral laboratories, adhering to established International Dangerous Goods Regulations, and follows TDG 6.2 class regulations.
• Assists in Microbiology set up of specimens, including selecting the appropriate media, planting the samples, and placing the inoculated media into the appropriate incubator such as O2 or CO2.
• Accesses Meditech database of patient files to enable the distribution and tracking of patient results/reports, verifies receipt of referred out test results, distributes and faxes reports, provides administrative and clerical support, and fills requests for supplies and prepares shipments.
• Assists the Manager in maintaining and ordering inventory required for the collection of biological samples.
• Disinfects Laboratory work areas using appropriate chemical agents and provides training to new Laboratory staff on the Laboratory Information System, ordering of inventory, transportation of specimens, and collection of specimens.

The knowledge, skills, and abilities required for this job are usually obtained through a recognized Canadian Laboratory Assistant Program along with a license to practice as Laboratory Assistant with the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science. Must also be able to acquire within a reasonable time frame and remain current with the following training and certifications: WHMIS 2015, Fire Training, Handwashing In-service. Completed courses in TDG 6.2 class, WHIMIS 2015 and Meditech knowledge are considered as assets. This is a Highly Sensitive Position and a satisfactory Criminal Record Check, along with a clear Vulnerable Sector Check is required.

The Official Languages of Nunavut are Inuktut, English and French. Applicants may submit their resume in any of the official languages of Nunavut. Fluency in one or more of Nunavut’s official languages is an asset. Knowledge of Inuit communities, culture, land,Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, Inuktut and experience working in a northern cross-cultural environment are also considered assets.

• An eligibility list may be created to fill future vacancies.
• The Government of Nunavut is committed to creating a representative workforce; therefore, priority will be given to Nunavut Inuit who self-identify as being enrolled under the Nunavut Agreement in accordance with the Priority Hiring Policy.
• Government of Nunavut employees serving a probationary period must obtain and provide written authorization from the deputy head of their employing department. The authorization from the deputy head must accompany your application for your application to be considered.
• Possession of a criminal record may not disqualify candidates from being considered. An assessment of the criminal record will be measured against the scope and duties of the position. This is only a requirement for positions that require a satisfactory criminal record or vulnerable sector check.
• Applicants may submit their resume in any of the Official Languages of Nunavut.
• Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
• The onus is on candidates in receipt of foreign post-secondary education credentials to have their foreign credentials assessed through a recognized Canadian education institution. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of their application.

The Government of Nunavut was selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, Top Employers for Young People and recent graduates. With one of the fastest growing and youngest populations in Canada, Nunavut is a dynamic, vibrant territory, committed to becoming an even better place for future generations. As a government, we are strengthening our unique model of governance - one that integrates Inuit societal values, promotes use of the Inuktut language, achieves a representative public service, and collaborates with partners to achieve the promise of Nunavut. Successful applicants will enjoy a competitive salary, medical and dental benefits, a defined benefit pension plan, relocation privileges and opportunities for training and career advancement.

Department of Health The Department of Health (HEA) is responsible for health services and social programming in Nunavut. Staff at HEA work to improve the health and well-being of Nunavummiut by addressing the differing needs of each community through culturally appropriate programs and services.