Job Title: Principal Laboratory Technologist
Grade: H
Number of Positions: Six (6)
Responsible To: Manager Laboratory Services
Stations: Mokhotlong, Machabeng, Quthing, Mohale’s Hoek, Berea, and National Reference Laboratory
Organization: Ministry of Health
Closing Date: 14 March 2025
Overview
The Ministry of Health invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Principal Laboratory Technologist. Under the general supervision of the Manager Laboratory and Research, the successful candidate will oversee sectional laboratory operations—including point-of-care testing—to ensure compliance with regulatory and professional standards. This role is pivotal in maintaining quality control, managing laboratory resources, and optimizing workflow efficiency across multiple laboratory stations.
Key Responsibilities
Overseeing Laboratory Operations
-Ensure all laboratory sections function at full capacity.
-Adhere to the test menu as specified in the National Essential Diagnostic List.
-Facilitate the enrollment of External Quality Assessment (EQA) for all tests.
-Provide advisory services to clinicians.
Management of Resources
-Advise the Laboratory Manager on equipment purchases to enhance service efficiency.
-Prepare annual budgets for reagents and consumables.
-Develop monthly staffing plans and allocate resources effectively.
-Advise on staff appointment and professional development.
Professional Standards and Quality Control
-Update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reflect advances in analytical methodologies.
-Run monthly quality control programs to monitor turnaround times.
-Enforce daily safety measures, ensuring proper use of protective clothing and maintenance of a clean environment.
-Ensure all equipment is operated in accordance with relevant manuals.
Training and Staff Development
-Provide in-service training to newly employed staff and students.
-Develop programs for refresher and corrective training.
-Train subordinates to perform special tests and participate as a guest lecturer for medical laboratory science students.
Allocation of Responsibilities
-Prepare weekly staff rosters to ensure efficient task allocation.
-Allocate students to various working benches for hands-on training.
Research and Inspection
-Undertake research studies to establish norms and disease patterns.
-Develop research proposals and plan study modalities.
-Conduct quarterly inspections of laboratory records and reconcile monthly invoices with external investigations.
-Monitor equipment performance and troubleshoot issues as necessary.
Reporting
-Provide advisory consultations to medical officers on complex test results.
-Ensure daily sign-out of outgoing results to maintain control and accuracy.
Qualifications and Experience
- Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Biomedical Science/Technology or equivalent with at least 4 years’ work experience in a medical laboratory, OR
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Science/Technology with at least 10 years’ work experience, including a minimum of 5 years in hospital laboratory management.
- Additional Qualification: A management qualification in healthcare programs is an added advantage.
Knowledge and Skills
- Proficiency in Quality Management Systems.
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Computer literacy and effective communication skills.
- Ability to supervise, train, and manage staff efficiently.
Application Process
Deadline: Applications must be submitted on or before 14 March 2025.
Join the Ministry of Health and play a critical role in enhancing laboratory services and healthcare delivery across the nation. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.