Job Openings at National Health Laboratory Services

Key job responsibilities

• Carries out different laboratory procedures for specimen in accordance with specified test required and standard operation procedures (SOP). Liaise with the registration area and relevant sites regarding errors made during data capturing and specimen registration. Check suitability of specimen for processing according to set standard operating procedures.
• Perform tasks in support of the analytical process as per discipline requirements e.g. preparation: glassware wash-up, replenishing of reagents such as xylenes, alcohols, decalcifying fluids on the relevant benches etc. to ensure efficient operation of the laboratory benches at all times. Labels and stores samples to ensure traceability in accordance with procedures of the laboratory.  
• Perform internal services on equipment as per the requirement. Dispose specimens and maintain disposal logs in accordance with SOP and legislation. Monitor stock availability of consumables to prevent stock out and disruption to lab procedures. Applies all safety and housekeeping regulations according to policy and legislation to ensure a safe working environment. Assist Pathologists to dissect tissue specimen e.g. put through of lung cases.  
• Receive and assist with the administration procedures involved in autopsy specimens. Maintenance of relevant equipment to ensure it is maintained and in good working order. Store, retrieve data, samples and media (where applicable), in accordance with procedures and as per operational needs of the laboratory.
• Disposal of chemical waste from laboratory to collection site in accordance with the NHLS waste policy. Monitor and request stock on the bench to ensure continuous supply of relevant stock in the lab.  Monitoring of environmental conditions such as laboratory temperatures, fridge temperatures etc. to ensure continual integrity of samples and reagents stored and to ensure optimal functioning of laboratory equipment.
• Comply with policies and procedures of the NHLS, Quality Standards and the Occupation Health and Safety Act.

Minimum requirements & key competencies

• Grade 12 or equivalent  Laboratory Assistant certificate  Registered with HPCSA in Anatomical Pathology as Laboratory Assistant (desirable)
•  At least 1-year prior experience in a laboratory environment Computer literate  Knowledge Health and safety regulations
• Technically orientated  Attention to detail  Team oriented  Communication skills  Interpersonal skills  Record keeping and filing skills

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Key Job Responsibility

• Co-manage research and development with a Medical Scientist or Pathologist. Publish peer-reviewed articles.
• Training and co-supervision of staff, intern scientists, technologists and students including involvement in the development and delivery of training programs and/or clerical staff. Ensure that the maintenance logs are accurate, up to date, accessible and retrievable.
• Conducts tests and/or procedure independently, interprets and authorizes results. Provide input into scientific changes, enhancements to SOPs. Participation in development and validation of new tests. Producing standard and complex reports.
• Solves standard / routine technical problems independently (e.g. controls not working); reports persistent problems. Perform equipment maintenance, root cause analysis and interprets results of internal quality assessment tests. Maintenance and administration carried out according to internal and external requirements.
• Participation in Quality Management which includes identification of quality related problems and resolving them and active participation in maintaining SANAS accreditation.
• Development and validation new diagnostic methodology or significant modifications to existing scientific applications/procedures.  Management of the electron microscopy unit.  Gross specimen macroscopy of uncomplicated excision specimens. 

Minimum requirements & key competencies

• MSc or equivalent in Medical Science.  
• Three (3) years’ experience as a Medical Scientist. Registered with HPCSA as a Medical Scientist in Anatomical Pathology Project leader on minimum 1 project protocol with evidence of co-managing project finances  
• At least 1 peer reviewed journal manuscript/s or book chapters as first author or at least 2 co-authored publications.
• Present at national (2 presentations) and (desirable) international (1 presentation) Successfully have supervised undergraduate and postgraduate students – BSc Hons, MSc. Experience in funding, development and validation of new tests, producing standard and complex reports. Co-managing project finances. Knowledge of laboratory instruments Knowledge of interpreting numerical laboratory results.
• Competency evaluations. Advanced Computer skills Strong written and verbal communication skills Excellent interpersonal skills Attention to detail Analytical Skills Good problem solving skills Ability to work under pressure and dealing with high work volumes while keeping abreast with academic literature Presentation skills People management skills Administrative skills Research Skills

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Key Job Responsibility

• Contributes to the management of the laboratory in conjunction with colleagues in collaboration with a laboratory manager Implementation of short term projects.  Involvement in personal development and training of others in the department (entry level paths, technologists, scientists, interns). Work within a team to co-ordinate teaching modules.
• Involvement in under graduate and post graduate assessments/internal examiner. Successfully supervise postgraduate students – BSc Hons, MMed, MSc (successful graduation of 1 or more postgraduates and at least 2 currently under supervision/co supervision). Conduct consultative and diagnostic services. Supervise entry level pathologists. Provides input into changes and improvements to SOPs. Validates new instruments/tests for laboratory.
• Contribute to the adherence and compliance to quality systems and SANAS requirements. Delivered (i.e. presenting author) at least 2 national conference presentations in 3-year cycle, 3 – 5 peer reviewed publication over last 3 years (avg 1 -2 /year).
• Collaboration of research within own department/institution, either independently or under supervision. Co–investigator/collaborator on national grant. Review manuscripts, review research proposals, editorials, conference abstract reviewing, editorial board, NRF rating, etc. (1-3 activities for senior/year; sustained over 3 years). 

Minimum requirements & key competencies

• MBCHB and M Med/ FCPath within relevant discipline  
• Registration with HPCSA as Pathologist within relevant discipline (Independent practice category)
• Plus 3 years post qualification experience /qualification as pathologist consultant
• Knowledge: General medical virology Principles and practice of all diagnostic virology laboratory methods Laboratory safety Statistics and assay validation Research methodology Disease surveillance and outbreak investigation Quality assurance Laboratory management Scientific writing.

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Key Job Responsibility

• Provide an integrated Specialist Occupational Health Services Conduct educational campaigns on Occupational Health Services programmes that provide awareness to private and public sector.
• Provide Occupational Medical Clinical services for private and public industry requiring investigation and management of potential occupational diseases. Communicate and guide employees on relevant OHS policies and procedures. Ensure compliance with applicable Occupational Health and Safety Act, COIDA and other relevant Acts.
• Supervision, coordination and administration of Occupational Medicine and Public Health Registrar programmes. Contribute to teaching and training of undergraduate medical program, post graduate programmes including the Diploma in Occupational Health in line with the University requirements. Collaborate with the Ergonomics unit, through workplace risk assessments and NHLS projects.
• Provide outreach support and training on legislative frameworks and current Occupational Health trend to governmental departments, industry, the public and occupational health practitioners. Participate in surveillance and research (own and collaborative) for increase in scientific knowledge for the good of the public.
• Form part of NIOH Occupational Medicine Advisory Team/ Committees by providing private and public sector occupational medicine advice and engage in media campaigns as and when necessary.
• Operate in a timeous manner by responding to customer queries and those emanating from NHLS, NIOH, NICD and other agencies Strengthen NIOH relations with stakeholder engagement in both governmental and non-governmental structures. Participate in various projects as identified in the NHLS strategy.
• Clinical management of patients at Occupational Medical Clinic and provision of reports within SLA. Conduct Industry work-process reviews and provide reports within SLA. Participate in workplace Health risk assessment projects Initiate revenue generation activities.

Minimum requirements & key competencies

• Medical Doctor e.g. MBCHB Registration with HPCSA as Medical Practitioner/specialist with Fellowship in Occupational Medicine and an Mmed Minimum 3 years’ experience in occupational health environment
•  Experience in policy development and management (desirable). Understanding of policy/strategy/SOP development Occupational health and safety legislation knowledge Knowledge of teaching and training methodology Knowledge of research methodology Knowledge in management of occupational health services
• Management and leadership skills (desirable) Communication skills (verbal and written) Interpersonal skills Computer literacy (MS Office, health information systems) Report writing skills Analytical thinking Ability to make decision independently Drivers' license and own transport Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team Clinical skills