Microbiologist

Job Summary

• Plainsview Hospital is seeking a qualified, competent and detail-oriented Microbiologist to join its Diagnostics Department. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering accurate, timely and quality microbiology laboratory services, including culture processing, microscopy, organism identification and antimicrobial sensitivity testing.
• The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong technical competence, attention to detail, commitment to patient safety, and adherence to laboratory quality management and biosafety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform microbiology laboratory tests, including sample processing, microscopy, culture, organism identification and antimicrobial sensitivity testing.
• Ensure proper sample handling, labelling, incubation, documentation and reporting in accordance with approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure timely reporting of microbiology results and promptly communicate urgent or significant findings through established channels.
• Maintain laboratory quality standards, including Internal Quality Control (IQC), External Quality Assessment (EQA), equipment monitoring and contamination control.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety protocols, infection prevention standards and laboratory waste management procedures.
• Collaborate with clinicians, nursing, pharmacy and infection prevention teams to support appropriate patient management and antimicrobial stewardship.
• Ensure accurate documentation and billing capture of all microbiology tests performed.
• Monitor and escalate issues relating to reagent wastage, stock-outs, delayed turnaround times and quality gaps.
• Maintain laboratory records and support compliance with SafeCare, ISO 15189 and other applicable quality standards.
• Participate in Continuous Professional Development (CPD), competency assessments, quality improvement initiatives and departmental training activities.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences or a related field.
• Valid registration and current practising licence with the relevant professional regulatory body.
• Training or demonstrated competence in clinical microbiology, culture and sensitivity testing, and laboratory biosafety.
• Previous experience in hospital microbiology, infection prevention support, laboratory quality systems and reporting.

Required Competencies and Skills

• Strong technical knowledge and practical skills in clinical microbiology.
• Competence in culture processing, microscopy and antimicrobial sensitivity testing.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control, EQA and accreditation requirements.
• Good understanding of biosafety and infection prevention practices.
• Strong analytical, documentation and reporting skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, confidentiality and accountability.
• Good time management and attention to detail.