LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST

JOB PURPOSE

The Laboratory technologist will be responsible for conducting and monitoring a variety of diagnostic analyses of patient specimens, to provide accurate laboratory test results to aid in confirming clinical diagnosis and treatment therapies.

OBJECTIVES

• Manage sample collection and suitability for analysis.
• Enrol facility and participate on both IQC and EQA.
• Monitors and controls outstanding work to ensure compliance with turnaround time.
• Monitors stock levels in the area of responsibility
• Performs validations/ verifications of new tests.
• Ensure that equipment is maintained according to the defined SOP and prepare reagents and media where applicable.
• Manage data required for the efficient functioning of the lab to meet statutory and clinical requirements.
• Ensure that quality services are supplied to customers by monitoring work, staff and equipment to obtain maximized outcomes.
• To maintain safety standards in accordance with OHSA.
• Conduct, process and interpret tests in terms of prescribed procedures and always monitor quality.
• Verify, report and authorise results (interpret where applicable) and ensure that results are delivered timeously.
• Undertakes to troubleshoot where necessary with evidence of corrective action/root cause and preventative action.
• Keep abreast with research to make informed decisions on existing lab tests and techniques.
• Involved with training and development of peers and medical professionals to ensure the delivery of high lab service standards.
• Interprets laboratory findings and completes technical reports.
• Maintains records and documentation of test results and patient information.
• Operates various analytical equipment for medical microbiological tests.
• Monitors, calibrates and maintains devices according to relevant standards.
• Adheres to quality assurance policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results.
• Liaise with healthcare Clinicians, Registrars and Pathologists.
• Consults on the interpretation of results by phoning out critical and abnormal results.
• Involved in the writing and review of SOPs’.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform sampling and analysis of blood, tissue and body fluid.
• Preparation of samples for examination
• Knowledge of the usage of specialised instrumentation
• Knowledge of infection control and sterilization protocols.
• Accurate interpretation of results
• Establish and monitor programmes that ensure data accuracy.
• Accuracy and organisational skills
• Attention to detail strives for an error-free standard.
• Ability to identify problems and troubleshoot.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Communication Skills (Verbal, written & presentation)
• Computer Literacy
• Time management and evaluation Skills
• Work with the team to ensure that all data is collected and verified to ensure data quality.
• Set up and prepare for daily activities.
• Supervise the teams to ensure day-to-day direct service delivery.

Secondary responsibilities

INFORMING / REPORTING

• Reporting problems to supervisor
• Making a verbal report to a supervisor or manager
• Explaining a technical product in lay terms
• Contacting a manager or supervisor for authorisation
• Briefing individuals on tasks or situations
• Informing workers or staff of management policies
• Advising on technical points
• Providing spoken information about a problem/issue
• Providing written information about a problem/issue
• Presenting formal teaching or training sessions

MOTIVATING

• Emphasising the importance of reaching a work objective
• Encouraging a faster rate of work
• Creating a good team spirit
• Motivating individuals using threats or demands.
• Appealing to people to increase their motivation.
• Arousing enthusiasm for a project
• Getting an individual to carry out an unappealing task.
• Sustaining the interest of others in projects or continuing tasks
• Providing reassurance for those suffering anxiety.
• Gaining willing co-operation

 CO-OPERATING / LIAISING

• Liaising with supervisory grades
• Liaising between organisations or departments
• Liaising with clerical/manual worker grades
• Assisting others by holding objects steady
• Achieving co-operation at work from peers, colleagues
• Liaising with managerial/professional grades
• Encouraging co-operation between team members

CHECKING OBJECTS, WORK, PROCEDURES

• Examining products or items for gross defects
• Checking products to ensure satisfactory production quality.
• Checking all materials are available for a project.
• Examining products or items for fine defects
• Checking a physical process is carried out correctly.
• Checking adherence to schedules
• Checking work completion to a set standard
• Testing a complete system for the correct functioning
• Noting defects in an object or structure

DECIDING

• Deciding on levels of stock to be held
• Deciding whether to refer a problem to a superior
• Making decisions after thorough evaluation
• Choosing appropriate materials to complete a job
• Deciding a course of action in conjunction with others
• Deciding a course of action on own initiative
• Making quick decisions under time pressure 

ANALYSING / INTEGRATING / INTERPRETING

• Breaking down a procedure into logical steps
• Identifying faults/problems in equipment
• Locating faults or problems in equipment/machinery
• Diagnosing problems in a physical process/machine
• Analysing written information
• Critically examining information for accuracy/quality
• Interpreting information (e.g. to simplify or explain)
• Interpreting rules, laws, agreements, etc.
• Summarising numerical information
• Summarising verbal information
• Identifying faults/errors in the flow chart
• Analysing numerical information 

REJECTION ANALYSIS

• Maintain a record of the rejection analysis trends

QUALIFICATIONS:

• National Diploma: Biomedical Technology/ Bachelor of Health Science: Laboratory Science / NQF level 7 or above 

REQUIREMENTS:

• Current Registration with HPCSA
• Minimum of three years’ experience as a Biomedical Technologist
• Innovative thinking, initiative, and leadership qualities
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Package
• Good presentation skills
• Proficiency in verbal and written communication skills.
• Willing to travel and work after hours
• A valid driver’s licence

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES: 

• Familiar with WHO listing and prequalification process of products and equipment.
• Familiar with ISO requirements of equipment and any laboratory related product
• Familiar with the Laboratory accreditation requirements through the South Africa National Accreditation Systems (SANAS)
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Good interpersonal skills
• Ability to build relationships with clients and district/sub-district management team
• Non-judgmental, trustworthy, and empathetic personality
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Mentorship and capacity-building skills

Please note:

Kindly provide current and relevant references for background checks

These appointments are subject to the preferred candidates obtaining the necessary security clearance, reference checking and competency assessment. We embrace employment equity and are committed to achievement of fair and equal representation of our workforce. Preference will be given to internal applicants and candidates from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.

Aurum welcomes applications from all persons with disabilities

Whilst all applications will be carefully considered, only short-listed applicants will be interviewed. If you do not hear from us within 21 days of the closing date, this will mean that your application has been unsuccessful. All interviewed applicants will receive feedback as part of our continued drive towards people development.

Closing Date: 09 October 2023