JOB SPECIFICATION - ACTIVE VACANCY

Overview of Role

To conduct accurate, timely, and safe Near Patient Point-of-Care diagnostic testing for TB (and possibly other infectious diseases) at the healthcare facility level, ensuring patients are correctly tested, results are promptly communicated and linked to care, and all primary testing records are properly documented at source in line with study protocol and good clinical practice.

Responsibilities

Diagnostic Testing Service Delivery- Perform NPOC testing directly on specimens according to protocol, ensuring accessibility and timeliness of services

Device Operation, Maintenance & Consumables Management-Keep NPOC analyzers functional and adequately stocked for uninterrupted daily testing

Infection Prevention, Safety & Compliance -Ensure testing is conducted safely for both patients and staff, and in compliance with facility and study standards

Site-Level Quality Control -Perform routine quality control checks on testing processes to catch errors before they affect results

Documentation & Record-Keeping at Point of Care -Capture complete and accurate primary (source) records at the point of testing

Effective self-management and performance ownership

Qualification

Grade 12 with Biology or Life Science

Experience

Clear understanding of safe specimen handling, including infection control and biosafety practices to minimise the risk of infection to self and to others

Detail- and result orientated

Has data skills (paper registers and/or electronic systems such as REDCap) or is willing and very capable of learning these data skills

Clear understanding of, and the practical implementation of patient confidentiality and POPIA requirements.

Works efficiently and safely without direct supervision, with strict adherence to standard operating procedures while achieving targets

Personal Characteristics

• Accuracy and reliability perform tests and records results correctly and consistently
• Patient-centred care treats patients with respect, empathy, and clear communication
• Attention to detail captures complete, legible, and error-free documentation
• Time management: manages testing flows and turnaround efficiently
• Reliability and accountability follows protocol consistently and reports issues promptly
• Teamwork: works well with facility staff, the M&E Officer, and study coordinators
• Integrity: maintains honesty in testing, documentation, and reporting

Take Note

Able to work in a highly pressurized and challenging environment.

Comfortable working with potentially infectious material.

Able to communicate with Department of Health personnel (nurses, managers and others) outside of direct PHRU line management and where appropriate respond to instructions from same.

Motivated. Organized, Systematic and professional. Should be able to work under pressure and efficient in multi-tasking.

Must be willing to work night shifts and weekends