Medical Technologist at National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)

REFERENCE NUMBER: NICDCCD0824/001-04

Key Job Responsibilities

Operational Efficiency of Laboratory:

• Conduct a range of virology-related diagnostic and environmental tests, including cell culture, virus isolation, microscopy, and PCR as part of routine testing in accordance with SOPs, monitoring quality at all times
• Manage data required for the efficient functioning of the lab to meet project, surveillance, and clinical requirements
• Ensure that quality services are supplied to customers by monitoring work, stock, staff, and equipment
• Maintain safety standards in accordance with OHSA
• Troubleshoot where necessary
• Verify and validate equipment and/or test methods for routine implementation
• Interpret laboratory findings and complete technical reports
• Maintain records and documentation of test results and patient information
• Operate various analytical equipment for medical virology tests
• Ensure efficient stock control on the bench
• Liaise with healthcare clinicians, registrars, and pathologists
• Manage database entry and ensure accurate distribution to stakeholders
• Attend to and close off customer complaints

QMS:

• Monitor, calibrate, and maintain devices according to relevant standards
• Perform preventive equipment maintenance as per set schedule
• Adhere to quality assurance policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results
• Log non-conformances, identify corrective and preventive actions, and determine root causes
• Conduct trend analysis of non-conforming events with appropriate corrective and preventive measures
• Participate in IQC/EQA up to review and distribution of results

Assessments of Results/Interpretation of Results:

• Verify and report results (interpret where applicable), manually and electronically, and ensure that results are delivered timeously
• Perform data checks as per SOP

Teaching, Training & Development of Laboratory Staff:

• Train, coach, and provide technical support to lab technicians, student medical technologists, registrars, pathologists, and laboratory assistants
• Be involved in 2 CPD presentations per annum/training presentations

Minimum Requirements and Key Competencies

• National Diploma in Medical Technology, Biomedical Technology, or Bachelor of Health Sciences: Biomedical Technology
• Registration with HPCSA in Clinical Pathology, Microbiology, or Virology
• Minimum 4 years post-qualification experience
• Perform sampling and analysis of human and environmental samples
• Prepare samples for examination
• Knowledge of the usage of specialized instrumentation
• Accurate interpretation of results
• Establish and monitor programs that ensure data accuracy
• Accuracy and organizational skills
• Attention to detail and striving for an error-free standard
• Ability to identify problems and troubleshoot
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation)
• Computer literacy
• Time management and evaluation skills
• Ability to accommodate overtime requirements to deliver timeous and accurate results