Job Summary
The overarching objective of the position is to provide high level technical expertise and support to the Ministry’s laboratory team especially the TB laboratory and the respective affiliated laboratories to ensure efficient planning and timely implementation of project laboratory activities.Under the general supervision of Chief Laboratory Technologist, the Medical Microbiologist is responsible for the institution of quality service system and safety precautions, conduct and monitor novel techniques, conduct trainings, monitor laboratory inventory management system, implement efficient laboratory data management, referral network systems and provide laboratory advisory services to clinicians.
Scope of work
- Contributes towards quality assurance performance within the department including taking part in all relevant external quality assurance programmes. The main priority of which will be facilitating the laboratories in achieving full accreditation with international recognized standards.
- Establish and maintain systems and procedures for smooth implementation and operationalization of project laboratory activities including strategic planning, assessment and introduction of new diagnostic methods and forward planning for laboratory equipment and consumables requirements.
- Undertake regular visits to project laboratories and other agencies supporting implementation (infrastructure unit, procurement and disposal units) to identify implementation bottlenecks and bring them to the attention of the Lab Manager for prompt resolution.
- Participate in Laboratory stakeholder’s meetings and in the laboratory and surveillance community of practice at country and regional level.
- Ensure adequate quality assurance procedures are maintained with respect to samples processing, reagent preparations and equipment use.
- Participate in the development, review and implementation of laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Supervise the performance of the complex microbiological, biological and chemical tests in addition to supervising specific units in the laboratories.
- Participate in regular mentorship to laboratory technologists based at the district laboratories In addition, facilitate regular trainings such as good clinical and laboratory practice (GCLP), laboratory safety, quality control and other relevant training to maintain acceptable standards of laboratory operations
- Conducting continuous laboratory education to existing staff at national and district level on new technologies including current trends in microbiology techniques.
- Strengthening linkages between laboratory and disease surveillance activities and clinical activities
- Assist in implementing best practices in having an integrated laboratory information management system (if present)
- Daily ensures availability and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Monthly conducts quality management reviews to monitor staff performance, equipment, and reagents.
- Quarterly conduct safety inspection and risk assessment.
- Periodically assess analytical methods to maintain acceptable turnaround time.
- Periodically conduct staff competency of both newly recruited and existing staff
through re-training and re-assessment
- Conduct refresher trainings for Junior staff
- Trains subordinates to perform special tests to improve their knowledge and skill.
- Undertakes research studies to establish norms and disease patterns in the population.
- Prevalence survey laboratory evaluation based on guidance from the PI
- Participate in the Ministry of Health’s research initiatives where necessary
- Weekly monitors equipment performance to establish reliability and good
- Performs special tests for further investigations or confirmation of preliminary findings to help in the diagnosis and treatment of patients
- Conduct monthly analyses of external quality control data to track quality improvement
- Provides advisory consultation to the medical officers on complex results for clarification and interpretation.
- Daily cross check and authorize patient reports to ensure that results released are accurate and reliable
Duration of Assignment
Initial two year contract subject to review after two years with possibility of extension dependent on performance.
Qualifications
- MSc in medical Microbiology plus two (2) years working experience in medical microbiology
- BSc Hon. in Medical Microbiology plus 4 years working experience in Medical Laboratory. Advanced degree in microbiology with speciality in TB desirable.
- Work experience in a busy public health laboratory in management and practice in a supervisory position will be an added advantage.
Required Competencies:
The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate the following competencies:
- Training in Quality Management System
- Problem solving and decision making
- Hands on capability to conduct and train personnel on advanced laboratory techniques
- Computer literacy, for example in Microsoft Office, Data entry packages for Research e.g. SPSS
- Strong quantitative skills and demonstrated capacity to perform outstanding original work.
- Familiarity with implementation of quality laboratory management systems and laboratory accreditation/WHO SLMTA and/or ISO certification processes.
- Familiarity with conventional and molecular biology diagnostic and Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST) techniques for the Microbiologist.
- Outstanding communication skills, verbal and written, in English.
- Proficient in computer applications and database management
- Demonstrate strong leadership skills and team player.
- Ability to design studies, analyse data and presentation of manuscripts on laboratory activities conducted at the laboratory
Compensation:
A competitive salary will be offered as per Kingdom of Lesotho norms for public officers and World Bank guidelines
Interested and suitability qualified candidates should forward their applications personally or electronically indicating the advertisement and position on the subject line of letter and envelope together with detailed curriculum vitae indicating work experience, current remuneration and copies of testimonials (day time telephone contacts, names and telephone contacts of 3 referees to reach the undersigned not later than April 7, 2017) to:
Procurement Manager
Procurement Unit
Ground Floor, Room G03
Ministry of Health
Corner Constitution & Linare Roads
Kingdom of Lesotho
Further information can be obtained from the following during office hours [08h00 to 16h30 local time]:Procurement Manager
Procurement Unit
Ground Floor, Room G03
Ministry of Health
Corner Constitution & Linare Roads
Kingdom of Lesotho
boopanentai@gmail.com, rangoananam@yahoo.co.uk and qlejota@gmail.com
Only shortlisted and successful candidates will be contacted.
