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November 2010 Laboratory Focus
Career sPotliGht Bio-economy Career Profile Compiled by BioTalent Canada Position: Director of laboratory operations and facilities Salary Range: $80,000 to $120,000 per year
Queen’s university shows theM how it’s done – delivering award-winning research
Queen’s University is responsible for award-winning research, which promises improvements to laser surgery. Paul Webster and Joe Yu shared first prize at the 29th Congress on Applications of Lasers and Electro-Optics poster contest. Low-cost imaging technology could essentially improve the safety of laser surgery in general. Other contributors to the project included graduate student Ben Leung, undergraduate students Logan Wright and Kevin Mortimer and principal investigator James Fraser. Lasers have the ability to be focused very tightly on a tiny spot, but their use is limited in some cases because the beam keeps going and it’s difficult to control cut depth. Amazingly, the researchers were able to create imaging technology that can look below the point of drilling and provide information that allows the surgeon doing the cutting from going too far. Looking ahead to the future, this technology could improve the safety of laser surgery or allow lasers to be used for more medical procedures. On the industrial side of the coin, welders can use the technology to judge how deep the weld is penetrating. The technology can even provide valuable information about the molten metal in the drilling hole. The winning poster was Canada’s only entry in a field of 50 from around the world. The technology stood out in part because it offered a low-cost system with industrial applications. The system cost less than $10,000 in parts and is integrated into the existing laser processing head. The imaging technology is delivered together with the cutting beam. Already a number of companies have shown interest in the research for both industrial and medical applications. The team is even looking at ramping up a major research operation to develop the proof of concept into a technology that is safe for surgeries and welding. “That is a big task, but there are a lot of positive signs that we can get the financial and personnel support we need to take the next step and really help a Canadian startup company,” said Webster.
What I do:
I manage a biotechnology research laboratory and facility, ensuring it’s well stocked and runs in an efficient and safe manner. My day-to-day work revolves around managing the laboratories and the GMP manufacturing facility. I oversee the ordering and purchasing of equipment and consumables required by the scientists. I am also responsible for the facility, including its maintenance and repairs, as well as hiring contractors to keep the building operating at full capacity. My role has also included assisting in the design and building of the original labs and the physical expansion of the operation from a 25,000square-foot facility seven years ago to approximately 55,000 square feet today, which is something I never imagined would be part of my career in biotechnology.
What education and skills do candidates need for this position?
I have a Bachelor and Master of Science, majoring in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biology. In this position, you require at least a Bachelors of Science in a variety of possible disciplines, but a Master of Science would allow you to advance more quickly within the industry. You need strong communication skills, as you deal with a wide range of people on a daily basis, from research scientists and senior management to maintenance and janitorial staff. You also require managerial skills, which help you prioritize your daily work as you deal with many different agendas and needs. Computer skills are definitely required in this position. Patience is something a person would need in abundance when dealing with the internal and external contacts. You also need to be a problem solver, very organized, efficient, and it is essential to have great attention to detail. I would encourage people interested in this position to continue working on upgrading their education whenever possible.
What are the best parts of your job?
My job is interesting and exciting for two reasons: the people I get to work with and my love of science. It is difficult to fully explain to people who do not work in this industry what it is that we do, but the fact that we can genetically modify a naturally occurring plant, known as Safflower, to produce recombinant proteins in the seed and extract to be used to improve people’s health and lives, is fascinating to most.
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