Biomedical Specialist – Virology Reference Laboratory

Listing reference: sanbs_002473

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 17 October 2024

Industry: Non-Profit & Voluntary Sector

Job category: Medical Research and Laboratory Sciences

Location: Roodepoort

Contract: Fixed Term Contract

Business Unit: Constantia Kloof

Remuneration: R 530,872.00

EE position: No

The incumbent will perform specialized virology and molecular reference and confirmatory tests for SANBS and external customers. To validate and classify NAT and serology yields so that publications and presentations can be prepared. To participate in national and international research collaborations and to manufacture and supply Virology EQA panels for use in SANBS and SADC countries.

KPA 1: Provide Input Into The Virology Reference Laboratory (VRL) Business Plan/Maintain Financial Objectives.

1. Provide input with regards to plans and budget requirements of the department during the business planning and budget processes, assist in investigating any deviations incurred.
2. Contribute towards identification of risks and opportunities to the department.
3. Assist the Virology Reference Manager in obtaining information required for planned projects and/or research initiatives.

KPA 2: Specialist Operational Objectives.

1. Identify routine and specialized tests on all NAT and serology yield positive samples according to relevant algorithms.
2. Perform required additional tests including Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT), routine Virology including HBV antibodies, Qualitative and Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR's), Western Blots, HCV RIBA, dilution preparation and any additional tests required according to regulatory body and IPA requirements.
3. Co-ordinate testing with the NAT and Virology sections nationally as required.
4. Verify and report results for all tests performed in the laboratory.
5. Interpret and update all results on the Meditech system and change donor statuses accordingly.
6. Maintain NAT and serology yield reports and databases nationally.
7. Supply Yield reports to the Medical division timeously.
8. Request additional samples from the Bio Repository section.
9. Manage the storage of all samples in the VRL.
10. Assist in development of systems to ensure that all data and information is collated, archived and retrievable for publication and review.
11. Monitor and maintain reagent ordering, receiving, usage and stock for the reference laboratory.
12. Receive, prepare and ship samples for phylogenetic analysis for the Medical division.
13. Co-ordinate the shipping of samples to external reference laboratories for miscellaneous reference testing.
14. Co-ordinate testing of look-back plasma samples.

KPA 3: Total SHEQ

1. Contribute towards achieving and maintaining SANAS accreditation standards.
2. Compliance with SHEQ programs and standards of practice.
3. Investigations of non-conformances generated against the laboratory.
4. Assist in managing a system to ensure maintenance and calibration for the laboratory.
5. Assist in the content and revision of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP's).
6. Validate new equipment and assays by assisting with validation documents and testing samples to satisfy protocol requirements.
7. Monitor and maintain temperature control in the laboratory.
8. Maintain a sterile testing environment by adhering to Good Laboratory Practice and Aseptic technique.

KPA 4: Research Activities And Technical Expertise.

1. Provide technical expertise to internal and external customers related to the interpretation of VRL test results.
2. Training of new staff members.
3. Participation in research initiatives.
4. Execution of research projects and/or evaluations.
5. Separate Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC's) from whole blood and leukapheresis samples for immunological studies.
6. Maintain a biorepository of samples for international research collaborations.
7. Promote knowledge sharing and present papers, posters and lectures at congresses, seminar, meetings and lectures as required.

Cognitive:

• Analytical Thinking and Attention to Detail.
• Problem Solving.
• Planning, Organizing and Monitoring.
• Judgment and Decision Making.

Personal:

• Ethical behaviour.
• Personal Development.
• Resilience and Stress Management.
• Excellence Orientation.

Interpersonal:

• Customer Service Orientation.
• Communication.
• Teamwork.
• Engaging Diversity.

Professional Technical:

• Systems Competence.
• Research Skills.
• Best Practice Thinking.

Leadership:

• Practical Execution Management.
• Motivating people.

• National Diploma: Biomedical Technology.
• HPCSA registration: Blood Transfusion or Virology.

• 2 Years of Blood Transfusion or Virology or Molecular Biology Experience.

• Standards of Practice for Blood Transfusion.
• Quality Management.
• Molecular Biology.

• Technical expertise.
• Overtime as and when required.
• Required to attend after hours functions, including periods away from Head Quarters.