Medical Technologist

The Institute of Health Programs and Systems (IHPS) is a South African non-profit company (NPC) born out of the PEPFAR CDC Track 1 transition of the ICAP, Columbia University, Multi-country AIDS Program (MCAP) in South Africa in 2010. IHPS was established with a mission “to strengthen health and development systems through program implementation and partnerships” and, the vision is to ensure “optimal and sustainable health and development outcomes”. IHPS is a current Global Fund (GF) Subrecipient (SR) under the National Department of Health (NDoH), tasked to implement the Tuberculosis (TB) Program in the Johannesburg (JHB) Health District in Gauteng Province (GP) and Kenneth Kaunda District in the Northwest (NW) Province starting April 2022 ending March 2025. As such, IHPS seeks to recruit for the position outlined below, to be based at Johannesburg Health District.

Full Time
  • Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
  • Start Date: November 2023
  • Remuneration: R45 294.91
  • Level of Effort: 100%
  • Closing Date: 04 October 2023
Apply Now
Medical Technologist

Overall Responsibility

The Medical Technologist will be responsible for conducting and monitoring a variety of diagnostic analyses of patient specimens, to provide accurate laboratory test results to aid in confirming clinical diagnosis and treatment therapies.

Key Performance Areas:
  • Manage sample collection and suitability for analysis.
  • Monitors and controls outstanding work to ensure compliance with TAT
  • Ensure that equipment is maintained according to defined SOP and prepare reagents and media where applicable
  • Monitors and controls outstanding work to ensure compliance with turnaround time.
  • Monitors stock levels in the area of responsibility
  • Performs validations/ verifications of new tests.
  • Ensure that equipment is maintained according to the defined SOP and prepare reagents and media where applicable.
  • Manage data required for the efficient functioning of the lab in order to meet statutory and clinical requirements.
  • Maintain safety standards in accordance with OHSA
  • Ensure that quality services are supplied to customers by monitoring work, staff and equipment to obtain maximized outcomes.
  • Conduct, process and interpret tests in terms of prescribed procedures, monitoring quality at all times
  • Verify, report and authorize results (interpret where applicable) and ensure that results are delivered timeously.
  • Undertakes to troubleshoot where necessary with evidence of corrective action/root cause and preventative action.
  • Keep abreast with research to make informed decisions on existing lab tests and techniques.
  • Involved with training and development of peers and medical professionals to ensure the delivery of high lab service standards.
  • Reviews and deems staff competent which is under his/her supervision
  • Interprets laboratory findings and completes technical reports. 
  • Establish and monitor programmes that ensure data accuracy 
  • Maintains records and documentation of test results and patient information.
  • Operates various analytical equipment for medical microbiological tests. 
  • Monitors, calibrates and maintains devices according to relevant standards.
  • Establish and monitor programmes that ensure data accuracy
  • Adheres to quality assurance policies and procedures to ensure the accuracy of laboratory results. Coaches and provides technical support to Lab Technicians, Student Medical Technologists, Registrars, Pathologists and Laboratory Assistants
  • Liaise with healthcare Clinicians, Registrars and Pathologists.
  • Consults on the interpretation of results by phoning out critical and abnormal results.
  • Involved in the writing and review of SOPs’. 

Qualifications and Experience:

  • National Diploma in Medical Technology or Biomedical Technology or BSC in laboratory scientists
  • HPCSA registration as a Medical Technologist in Microbiology
  • One year experience as a Biomedical/ Medical Technologist (Experience in TB diagnostics will be advantageous)
  • Mobile testing within selected districts and available to travel
  • Perform sampling and analysis for Tuberculosis testing (i.e. sputum)
  • Preparation of samples for examination  
  • Knowledge for the usage of specialized instrumentation  
  • Knowledge of infection control and sterilization protocols 
  • Accurate interpretation of results
  • Establish and monitor programmes that ensure data accuracy
Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies:
  • Accuracy and organizational skills
  • Attention to detail strive for an error free standard
  • Ability to identify problems and troubleshoot
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Communication Skills (Verbal, written & presentation)
  • Computer Literacy
  • Time management and evaluation Skills
  • Mentorship and capacity-building

Employer’s Rights

This position description may not list all the duties of the job. If an offer is made, you will be presented with a detailed job description. Applicants will be evaluated based upon their demonstrated ability to perform the tasks listed above, their education and work experience. The employer reserves the right to revise this posting at any time.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should apply by e-mail only to HR@ihps-sa.org. Subject line should be the Position and District you are applying for, and a cover letter and resume or curriculum vitae (CV) should be attached. Submissions which do not follow the above instructions will not be considered.

Due to the extremely high volume of CVs expected, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. NO PHONE CALLS about these positions will be accepted.

Closing Date: 04 October 2023