Medical Laboratory Technologist (Microbiology)

JOB PURPOSE

The Medical Laboratory Technologist role involves processing and analysis of specimens from patients for the purposes of diagnosis, prevention, prognosis, and treatment of disease, and the entry, review and release of data pertaining to such specimens in the laboratory information system. The specimens include blood, urine, other body fluids, and tissue. The Medical Laboratory Technologist supports Junior Medical Laboratory Technologists, Senior Medical Laboratory Scientists, and pathologists in the total test process (pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical).

MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Laboratory Testing and Result Management

• Perform testing on patient specimens in accordance with approved laboratory policies, work instructions, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Review, verify, validate, and certify test results promptly, including critical values and unusual findings where required.
• Review relevant clinical history and previous laboratory investigations to support the interpretation of current results.

Equipment, Methods, and Quality Assurance

• Perform calibration, validation, and routine maintenance of laboratory analysers and equipment; review maintenance checklists and temperature records.
• Participate in External Quality Assessment and Proficiency Testing programmes, including CAP, RCPA, and other assigned quality assurance surveys.
• Investigate unsatisfactory quality assurance results and implement follow-up actions where required.
• Conduct lot-to-lot verification and method validation or verification studies in accordance with laboratory requirements.
• Assist in conduct audits for MOH license /CAP accreditation  

Inventory and Supply Management

• Maintain reagents, consumables, and laboratory supplies in accordance with inventory management practices.

Training and Competency Development

• Provide training, competency assessment, and supervision for students, interns, and junior Medical Laboratory Technologists, where applicable.
• Prepare, maintain, and update training materials.

Quality, Risk, and Operational Support

• Support incident investigations, risk assessments, and ongoing monitoring activities.
• Assist with internal audits and audit reports, and conduct selected audits as assigned.
• Generate and monitor key performance indicators and support change-management initiatives that sustain high-quality laboratory services.
• Assist with roster planning and support the Section Leader and senior staff in operational and administrative matters.
• Perform other laboratory duties as assigned.

General

• Perform duties in a professional manner, commensurate with academic and technical skills and training.
• Adhere to laws, regulations, and hospital procedures and policies.
• Uphold the visions and practices of Woodlands Hospital.
• Propose improvements to laboratory programme and services, co-lead Quality Improvement (QI) projects and initiatives, and participate in service quality improvement projects.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education and Professional Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical science or equivalent

• Diploma with at least six years of experience and proven competency
• Experience in culture reading is highly preferred.
• NTU Degree in Laboratory Science
• Certification such as ASCPi is preferred.

Relevant Experience

• Minimum of two years’ relevant experience in a clinical microbiology and or molecular laboratory, with the ability to perform assigned work independently and escalate complex or unusual findings appropriately.
• Experience in routine microbiology and or molecular laboratory workflows, quality control, laboratory information systems, and analyser operation is preferred.

Technical Knowledge and Competencies

• Demonstrated knowledge and competency in culture reading, including assessment of colony morphology, recognition of significant growth, selection of appropriate identification or susceptibility testing, and escalation of clinically significant or unusual isolates.
• Demonstrated competency in preparing, performing, interpreting, and reporting Gram stains, with appropriate correlation to specimen type, culture findings, and clinical information.
• Knowledge and practical competency in molecular testing workflows, including nucleic acid extraction, assay set-up, operation of relevant platforms, quality-control review, basic troubleshooting, result interpretation, and contamination-prevention practices.
• Sound knowledge of microbiology specimen requirements, acceptance and rejection criteria, biosafety, infection-control precautions, and biological and chemical hazard management.
• Able to recognise critical, discrepant, or unexpected findings and take appropriate action in accordance with laboratory procedures.

Professional Licence (if any)

• Not applicable.
• Professional Attributes
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound professional judgement.
• Able to work independently, prioritise competing demands and remain accurate in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective team player with clear communication skills and a commitment to patient safety, service quality and continuous improvement.

Others

• Able to perform rostered shift work, including weekends and public holidays, where required by service needs.
• Able to stand for extended periods while performing laboratory duties.
• Able to work safely in an environment with potential exposure to biological and chemical hazards, using required personal protective equipment and established safety controls.