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.