Medical Laboratory Technologist - Masiphumelele at Desmond Tutu Health Foundation

Requirements

• National Diploma in Medical Technology, registration with the HPCSA as Medical Technologist/ Medical Laboratory Scientist
• Good Clinical Laboratory Practice Training certificate (GCLP)
• 2–5 years laboratory work experience
• Must be able to read gram slides and Nugent scoring
• Technical knowledge and skills  
• Knowledge of the use of chemical substances, biohazardous substances, and safe laboratory practices and knowledge of health and safety regulations
• To be mindful of confidentiality
• Interact with clinic staff daily
• Excellent time management skills and ability to take initiative
• Good communication and training skills
• Ability to organize own workload
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Computer literacy
• Be tactful and respectful
• Good administrative skills
• Able to work under pressure and adhere to deadline
• Willing to work overtime and weekends (If required)

Advantageous:

• Clinical trials/research experience
• Tertiary qualification in a life science field
• Transportation of dangerous Goods/ International Air Transport Association Training Certificate (IATA)
• Good Clinical practice (GCP) and Human Subjects Protection (HSP)

Responsibilities:

Monitoring, evaluating and reporting

• Responsible for performing weekly internal quality control (IQC) on all rapid test kits according to
• SOP’s and Laboratory Quality Management Plan.
• Perform external quality assurance (EQA) on a rotational basis as per SOP’s and Laboratory Quality Management Plan
• Report laboratory related incidences as per site SOP’s and workplace guidelines
• Report to study coordinators or doctors of abnormal on-site rapid test results as per study protocols (e.g. positive or discordant HIV result)

Laboratory testing and processing

• Ensure appropriate labelling of collected samples (blood, swabs, urine, etc.)
• Check sample identification against laboratory requisition forms (internal and external)
• Ensure correct processing of samples in the laboratory as per specific protocol requirements (e.g. correct centrifugation speeds are used)

Laboratory facility maintenance

• Perform weekly and monthly preventive maintenance on all laboratory equipment (e.g. cleaning of centrifuges)
• Ensure clean and safe working environment (e.g. checking eyewash bottles for contamination).
• Record and monitor laboratory temperatures daily.
• Respond to temperature SMS alerts when required.
• Assist with up-to-date inventory control (e.g. alert senior technologists when orders need to be placed)

Laboratory administration

• Liaise with study coordinators when resolving queries with local and international laboratories (e.g. samples need to be re-tested).
• Ensure testing log sheets and QC documentation are correctly filled in and filed according to SOP’s and Laboratory Quality Management Plan.
• Participate in site meetings and sponsor calls.
• Undergo training in new and updated research protocols.