A
Bench Lead | Microbiology | Westridge at Ampath
Ampath
September 30, 2026
Full-time
On-site
Closing date: 1 Oct 2026
What You Will Do
Coordinate and oversee the daily activities, workflow, and operational performance of a designated microbiology bench or laboratory section.
Ensure efficient specimen processing and timely result delivery to consistently meet turnaround time (TAT) requirements.
Maintain compliance with accreditation standards, quality management systems, and laboratory procedures.
Identify opportunities to improve bench processes and collaborate with the Team Lead or Technical Lead to enhance service quality, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
Perform bench-related testing and technical duties to support operational demands and maintain productivity.
Partner with specialists and relevant stakeholders on validations, verifications, reagent assessments, instrument evaluations, and the implementation of new assays.
Monitor laboratory consumables, reagents, instrumentation, and testing costs to support effective resource utilisation and cost management.
Promote knowledge sharing, technical excellence, and continuous learning within the team.
Coordinate training activities, provide mentoring, and support the ongoing development of laboratory staff.
Monitor performance within the bench area and provide meaningful feedback and insights to support staff development and operational effectiveness.
Support the Team Lead or Technical Lead in fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performing laboratory culture.
What you'll bring
Qualifications
Medical Laboratory Scientist (BHSc) qualification.
Current HPCSA registration as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in Microbiology or Clinical Pathology.
Strong leadership potential with the ability to guide and influence others, even without a formal management qualification.
Experience
Minimum 3 years' experience as a Medical Technologist, Medical Technician, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or Medical Scientist within a pathology laboratory environment.
Proven experience processing specimens in accordance with established laboratory standards, quality requirements, and operational procedures.
Experience working within a microbiology laboratory environment will be advantageous.
Knowledge & Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
Knowledge of HPCSA regulations and compliance requirements.
General understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.
Knowledge of laboratory accreditation standards, quality management systems (QMS), and associated processes.
Understanding of validation and verification methodologies.
Advanced knowledge of microbiology laboratory protocols, procedures, instrumentation, and testing practices.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively in English.
Excellent organisational and coordination skills with the ability to manage workflow, prioritise tasks, and allocate resources effectively.
Understanding of people management principles, including training, coaching, motivating, and supporting employee development.
Proven ability to influence, guide, and support teams without direct managerial authority.
Basic financial management awareness, including cost control, inventory management, and resource optimisation.
Strong problem-solving, analytical, and continuous improvement mindset.
What You Will Do
Coordinate and oversee the daily activities, workflow, and operational performance of a designated microbiology bench or laboratory section.
Ensure efficient specimen processing and timely result delivery to consistently meet turnaround time (TAT) requirements.
Maintain compliance with accreditation standards, quality management systems, and laboratory procedures.
Identify opportunities to improve bench processes and collaborate with the Team Lead or Technical Lead to enhance service quality, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
Perform bench-related testing and technical duties to support operational demands and maintain productivity.
Partner with specialists and relevant stakeholders on validations, verifications, reagent assessments, instrument evaluations, and the implementation of new assays.
Monitor laboratory consumables, reagents, instrumentation, and testing costs to support effective resource utilisation and cost management.
Promote knowledge sharing, technical excellence, and continuous learning within the team.
Coordinate training activities, provide mentoring, and support the ongoing development of laboratory staff.
Monitor performance within the bench area and provide meaningful feedback and insights to support staff development and operational effectiveness.
Support the Team Lead or Technical Lead in fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performing laboratory culture.
What you'll bring
Qualifications
Medical Laboratory Scientist (BHSc) qualification.
Current HPCSA registration as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in Microbiology or Clinical Pathology.
Strong leadership potential with the ability to guide and influence others, even without a formal management qualification.
Experience
Minimum 3 years' experience as a Medical Technologist, Medical Technician, Medical Laboratory Scientist, or Medical Scientist within a pathology laboratory environment.
Proven experience processing specimens in accordance with established laboratory standards, quality requirements, and operational procedures.
Experience working within a microbiology laboratory environment will be advantageous.
Knowledge & Skills
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
Knowledge of HPCSA regulations and compliance requirements.
General understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.
Knowledge of laboratory accreditation standards, quality management systems (QMS), and associated processes.
Understanding of validation and verification methodologies.
Advanced knowledge of microbiology laboratory protocols, procedures, instrumentation, and testing practices.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively in English.
Excellent organisational and coordination skills with the ability to manage workflow, prioritise tasks, and allocate resources effectively.
Understanding of people management principles, including training, coaching, motivating, and supporting employee development.
Proven ability to influence, guide, and support teams without direct managerial authority.
Basic financial management awareness, including cost control, inventory management, and resource optimisation.
Strong problem-solving, analytical, and continuous improvement mindset.