Locum Laboratory Technologist

Role Overview

This is an on-call laboratory post within a university medical department, brought in whenever service demand requires additional diagnostic capacity. The person in the role runs clinical investigations from specimen receipt through to verified results, giving doctors and nurses the laboratory information they need to diagnose and treat patients safely. Day to day, the work blends bench testing with documentation, equipment care and quality checks, because the credibility of every reported result depends on those steps being done properly and recorded.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out requested laboratory investigations on patient samples using approved methods, meeting agreed standards for accuracy and turnaround.
• Accession, label, prepare and store specimens correctly, applying safe handling and disposal practices at every stage.
• Prepare reagents and working solutions, monitor stock levels and storage conditions, and flag items nearing expiry or running low.
• Set up, run and care for laboratory instruments, performing routine checks and first-line troubleshooting, and escalating faults that cannot be resolved at bench level.
• Run internal quality controls, keep the associated records, and take corrective action when results fall outside acceptable limits.
• Record, verify and release results accurately, bringing unexpected or urgent findings to the attention of the requesting clinician without delay.
• Follow infection prevention, biosafety and waste segregation rules, and report incidents or hazards through the correct channel.
• Protect patient confidentiality, maintain legible and complete laboratory records, and raise any equipment, quality or service concern with the Head of Medical Department.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Medical Laboratory Technology, or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
• Current registration and a valid practising licence issued by the relevant professional regulatory body.
• At least two years of hands-on experience working in a clinical laboratory setting.
• Practical understanding of laboratory quality assurance systems, safety procedures and the professional standards governing diagnostic testing.
• Sound communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work constructively alongside clinicians, nursing staff and laboratory colleagues.
• Strong organisational habits and a meticulous approach to detail, record keeping and result verification.
• Demonstrated integrity and discretion when handling patient information and specimens.
• Able to manage a workload independently and work effectively with minimal supervision.

Terms of Engagement, Remuneration and Application

• Engagement is on a need basis, depending on the requirements of the University.
• Remuneration follows the existing policy for locum medical staff.
• No other benefits are attached to this position.
• Applicants should submit an application letter, copies of relevant academic and professional certificates, a copy of the National Identity Card, and any other relevant supporting documents.
• All documents must be combined into a single PDF file and submitted as one attachment.