Medical Laboratory Technologist (Microbiology) - Locum

About the role

NHG is recruiting a locum Medical Laboratory Technologist (Microbiology). The role covers processing and analysis of patient specimens (blood, urine, other body fluids and tissue) for diagnosis, prevention, prognosis and treatment, and entering, reviewing and releasing data in the laboratory information system. It supports junior technologists, senior scientists and pathologists through the pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical test process.

Key responsibilities

• Perform testing on patient specimens according to approved policies, work instructions, accreditation standards and regulatory requirements.
• Review, verify, validate and certify test results promptly, including critical values and unusual findings, and review clinical history to interpret results.
• Maintain and calibrate analysers and equipment, review maintenance checklists and temperature records.
• Take part in external quality assessment and proficiency testing (CAP, RCPA) and investigate unsatisfactory QA results.
• Carry out lot-to-lot verification and method validation studies.
• Maintain reagents, consumables and supplies in line with inventory management.
• Propose improvements, co-lead quality improvement projects and perform other assigned duties.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in biomedical science or equivalent, or NTU degree in Laboratory Science.
• Diploma with at least six years' experience and proven competency, or minimum two years' experience in a clinical microbiology or molecular laboratory.
• Experience in routine microbiology or molecular workflows, quality control, laboratory information systems and analyser operation is preferred.
• Able to work independently, handle shift work including weekends and public holidays, and stand for long periods.

Required skills

• Culture reading: colony morphology, identification and susceptibility testing, and escalation of significant isolates.
• Gram stain preparation, performance, interpretation and reporting.
• Molecular testing workflows: nucleic acid extraction, assay set-up, platform operation, QC review, troubleshooting and contamination prevention.
• Knowledge of specimen requirements, biosafety, infection-control precautions and hazard management.