Perform a variety of laboratory functions including specimen accessioning, processing for tissue culture, and RNA/DNA extraction. Manage materials, maintain a clean work environment, and coordinate the shipment of diagnostic and research specimens.
Requirements summary
Requires a High School Diploma, completion of a certified Medical Lab Assistant course, and CSMLS certification. Must be licensed or eligible for licensure with the NSRMLS and possess strong knowledge of phlebotomy and specimen procurement.
June 19, 2026 (Applications are accepted until 23:59 Atlantic Time)
IWK Health is a respected academic health sciences centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, providing tertiary and primary care for two million children, youth, adults and families each year across the Atlantic region.
We have a team of approximately 4000 employees, physicians, volunteers and learners at sites across Nova Scotia.
People build careers with IWK Health with our focus on training and mentorship opportunities.
We recognize each other’s talent and celebrate our successes.
We collaborate in modern facilities or virtually from home, align our work to our values, and enjoy access to enhanced benefits and wellness programs.
We are proud to support our patients, families and communities and are grateful for the generous donor support we receive.
Promoting an anti-racist environment, and calling out discrimination as we work and provide care, is important to us.
We are located in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people.
Working in Mi’kma’ki and providing care to those across Atlantic Canada is a shared privilege with the original inhabitants who have lived here for many thousands of years prior to colonization.
Benefits
Wellness Programs
Training and Mentorship Opportunities
Enhanced Benefits
There are 13 First Nation communities across Nova Scotia, and more than 50 historic African Nova Scotian communities who also have a long, deep, and complex history dating back over 400 years.
We have the highest percentage of people with disabilities in the country.
Nova Scotia has the highest proportions of transgender and non-binary people than any other province or territory in the country.
We are active in our work to eliminate discrimination, but have more work to do to build that trust, acknowledge our biases and reduce the barriers our diverse communities face.
We want IWK Health to be a safe and supportive space of equity and belonging in the care we provide and the employment we offer.
We welcome all interested persons who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply to support our goal for our workforce to be representative of the patients, families, and communities that we care for at all job levels.The Opportunity The Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) performs a wide variety of laboratory functions to meet operational requirements.
Responsibilities include: Accessioning specimens using Shire management System; cleaning and sterilizing work area and equipment; preparing media and solutions; Prepares and processes specimens for tissue culture; blood specimen processing including RNA and DNA extraction and preparing reagents.
Preparing samples and documentation for shipment of diagnostic and research specimens to destinations out of province, both nationally and internationally - including packing boxes for shipment on dry ice and arranging for courier pickup.
Performing Materials Management functions such as ordering, receiving, distribution and inventory control; Maintains an organized and clean work environment.
Performs other related duties as required.
Hours of Work 7.5 Hour shifts, 9am – 5pm, days.
Weekends / Call-back as required.
Your Qualifications Minimum High School Diploma or G.E.D. required, with English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or acceptable equivalents.
Completion of a certified Medical Lab Assistant course is required.
Certification as an MLA with the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is required.
Licensed or eligible to be licensed with the Nova Scotia Regulator of Medical Laboratory Sciences (NSRMLS) is required.
Demonstrated knowledge of principles, methods, and techniques related to procurement of specimens and a sound knowledge of Phlebotomy required.
Willingness to apply, perform and learn computer functions required for the position.
Demonstrated tact, the ability to work with others and the ability to work as a member of a team.
Demonstrated strong planning, organizational, analytical and communication skills.
Experience in a similar lab environment an asset.
MEDITECH experience an asset.
Competency in other languages considered an asset.
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Internal applicants currently employed as Medical Laboratory Assistants who do not hold certification will be consideredThank you for your interest in IWK Health.
Please note that we only contact applicants selected for interview/testing. If we invite you to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) you have the right to request accommodation. Please discuss your needs when invited to the assessment process.
This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position. Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions. Successful applicants changing unions, bargaining units or employment status, are advised to seek clarification regarding their seniority, benefits, and vacation entitlement and/or usage, prior to accepting the position.
An offer of employment is conditional upon the completion and satisfactory results of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.
If you are an employee of IWK Health, please apply through the internal careers page to ensure you are flagged as an internal applicant.
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