QC Specialist Clinical Pathology

Introduction

• SANBS is looking for a QC Specialist Clinical Pathology to perform overall operations, testing and authorise the release of test results in the Haematology, Chemicalpathology, Microbiology and incoming goods and materials section of Quality Control department.
• Assist theHead of QC in their absence in handling complex technical functions.

Job description

KPA 1 Operational (Clinical Pathology And Critical Materials)
KPI

• Collect and/or Receive and perform Quality Control analysis of Blood products, Therapeutic donors, Biochemicals and Saline according to SOP with-in agreed turn-around times, including:
• Full Blood counts (Haemoglobin, Haematocrit, HCV, MCH, MCHC, Red Cell count, Platelet count, and White blood cell count).
• Flow cytometry testing for low level Leucocyte counts and Stem cell testing.
• Chemistry related testing for total protein levels.
• pH testing.
• Coagulation testing (Fibrinogen and FVIII levels) (if applicable).
• Microbiology Testing including: Sterility testing using direct inoculation methods/ culture plates, staining and identification (if applicable).
• Water purity testing by filtration method (if applicable).
• Environmental monitoring of all apheresis clinics and processing centres nationally to ensure effective disinfecting processes are followed. (If applicable).
• Transfusion Reactions (If applicable).
• Reconstitute controls and organism strains (Micro banking) and aliquot for storage (If applicable).
• Accurate entry and verification of results on Meditech.
• Check results and assign repeat or additional tests as required.
• Print outstanding reports and sign off.
• Schedule and perform maintenance and calibration on all instruments and equipment according to procedures
• Receive and perform CD34 testing on stem cell collections (CK only)
• Perform internal and external Quality Control, assess results and implement corrective action when required according to procedure.
• Perform accurate Quality Control (QC) of incoming goods, commodities and printed materials by travelling to warehouse on a weekly basis to sample materials.
• Test materials according to specifications, record results, enter and release results onto SAP and submit all documentation to head of QC according to procedure with-in agreed time frame.
• Perform calibration and revalidation of thermometers as per SOP and prepare certificates for thermometers.
• Validation testing of all critical materials, from suppliers, new equipment and processes according to validation protocol.
• Documents and reports non-conformances.
• Effective participation in internal auditing functions.
• Responsible for technical and administrative duties in the absence of the head of QC that is consistent with role and function of the position.

KPA 2 Quality Management

KPI

• Ensure operational compliance by the management of non-conformances through review of root cause analysis and implementation of required corrective action within agreed timeframes.
• Compile SOP's by reviewing new and revised versions within the required timeframe and validating procedures and maintaining competency for the stipulated SOP.
• Compliance to safety policies and procedures.
• Compliance to policies and procedures to ensure that accreditation requirements are implemented and maintained.
• Identify systems non-conformances and elevate problems and/or solutions to the Head of QC Laboratory
• Ensure ongoing compliance for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) requirements.
• Monitor and schedule maintenance and calibration programmes for the laboratory.
• Assist with resolving errors, deviations from SOP's and customer complaints according to the measures within the balanced scorecard.

KPA 3 Risk Management

KPI

• Assist the Head of QC Laboratory and various stakeholders with regards to problem solving and troubleshooting as and when required.
• Assist the Head of QC Laboratory on deciding on the appropriate action to be taken in the event of product or process failure.
• Assist the Head of QC Laboratory with the validation and implementation of new technologies within the laboratory.
• Attend and/or present lectures or educational seminars and attend congresses to update knowledge and accrue CPD points.
• Address queries from internal and external stakeholders timeously.
• Build and maintain effective relationships and provide good customer service

KPA 4 Deputation And Training Duties

KPI

• In the absence of the Head of QC Laboratory perform the following technical duties:
• Review results on Meditech.
• Check results for accuracy and interpretation and prepares reports for timeous dispatch when required.
• Liaise with the Apheresis and Processing centres regarding non-compliant products.
• In the absence of the Head of QC Laboratory assist with the following staff related duties:
• Organise and co-ordinate the testing of incoming specimens.
• Track and monitor the progress of testing and reporting to ensure service delivery.
• In the absence of the Head of QC Laboratory provide the following information/documentation as and when required:
• Submit information to the Finance Department for billing purposes.
• Provide operational statistics for the Balanced Scorecard to the QC Manager.
• Training and certification of relevant staff.
• Provides training (theoretical and practical) to external staff (registrars and medical students) when required.

KPA 5 Financial And Administrative Functions

KPI

• Monitor stock availability, usage and expiries.
• Submit CAPEX requirements for laboratories to the Head of QC Laboratory.
• Monitor stock and usage of test kits and reagents.
• Formulate requisitions and reservations for laboratory consumables and order via SAP.
• Distribute and file documents and reports.
• Archive Laboratory records.
• Generate laboratory reports monthly.

• Diploma in Biomedical Technology.
• Registered Medical Technologist in Clinical Pathology.
• Registration with a professional body HPCSA.

Experience and knowledge requirements 

• 3 years Clinical Pathology experience.

Other (knowledge and skills), e.g. understanding of relevant legislation; knowledge of relevant company procedures

• Be familiar with the accreditation guide (ISO:15189) for diagnostic purposes and (ISO: 17025) for lab
• Understanding of Blood Transfusion Standards
• Understanding of HPCSA regulations.
• Understanding of SANAS regulations and audit process.
• SAP and Meditech oratories and good laboratory practice.

Apply by: 12 November 2026