Veterinary Technologist

Conduct veterinary diagnostic serology testing using ELISA and rapid plate agglutination methods, and process raw material, environmental samples, animal-derived samples and processed products for the detection and/or isolation of Salmonella spp and other microbes relevant to poultry, in accordance with approved methods, quality requirements and laboratory safety procedures.

Required Knowledge & Skills:

• Knowledge of veterinary diagnostic serology principles, ELISA methodology, rapid plate agglutination reactions and interpretation of control and sample results.
• Knowledge of microbiological processing of environmental and animal-derived samples for Salmonella spp. testing, including contamination control and aseptic technique.
• Ability to prepare and handle reagents, controls, media and reference materials in accordance with approved instructions.
• Ability to recognise invalid test runs, atypical reactions, contamination, equipment malfunction and deviations from acceptance criteria.
• Competence in accurate pipetting, dilution preparation, sample traceability, technical recordkeeping, calculations and data review.
• Ability to operate and perform routine checks on ELISA and microbiology equipment and to escalate faults appropriately.
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 requirements relevant to personnel competence, equipment, metrological traceability, externally provided products and services, method verification/validation, handling of test items, technical records, ensuring validity of results and reporting.
• Knowledge of laboratory biosafety, biosecurity, chemical safety, biological waste management and contamination prevention.
• Computer literacy and the ability to capture, review and report laboratory data accurately.
• Clear written and verbal communication in English, with the ability to communicate technical information professionally.

Required Qualification and Experience:

• Matric certificate
• National Diploma or Bachelor of Technology/Degree in Veterinary Technology, or an equivalent qualification recognised for registration in South Africa.
• Current registration with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) as a Veterinary Technologist, where required for the scope of practice.
• Documented training and demonstrated competence in the assigned ELISA, rapid plate agglutination and Salmonella spp. test methods before independent testing or result authorization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Receive, verify, register, label and assess samples against applicable acceptance criteria, while maintaining sample identity, integrity and traceability.
• Prepare samples, reagents, controls, media and equipment for ELISA, rapid plate agglutination and microbial testing in accordance with approved standard operating procedures and test methods.
• Perform ELISA testing, including plate preparation, addition of samples and controls, incubation, washing, reading and interpretation of results against approved validity and acceptance criteria.
• Perform rapid plate agglutination testing, including preparation of samples and controls, reaction assessment and recording of results according to the approved method.
• Process environmental samples, animal-derived samples, raw material and processed product for Salmonella spp. and other microbe testing, including the applicable sample preparation, enrichment, selective culture, examination of suspect colonies and confirmatory activities specified in approved methods.
• Receive, verify, register, label and assess samples against applicable acceptance criteria, while maintaining sample identity, integrity and traceability.
• Prepare samples, reagents, controls, media and equipment for ELISA, rapid plate agglutination and microbial testing in accordance with approved standard operating procedures and test methods.
• Perform ELISA testing, including plate preparation, addition of samples and controls, incubation, washing, reading and interpretation of results against approved validity and acceptance criteria.
• Perform rapid plate agglutination testing, including preparation of samples and controls, reaction assessment and recording of results according to the approved method.
• Process environmental samples, animal-derived samples, raw material and processed product for Salmonella spp. and other microbe testing, including the applicable sample preparation, enrichment, selective culture, examination of suspect colonies and confirmatory activities specified in approved methods.
• Apply positive, negative and other required quality controls; assess run validity and promptly investigate or elevate invalid, atypical or out-of-specification results.
• Accurately capture raw data, calculations, observations, quality-control outcomes and test results in laboratory worksheets and/or