The posting
To perform routine clinical molecular diagnostic testing and related laboratory activities to deliver high-quality, accurate and timely diagnostic services for patient care. The incumbent will support the day-to-day operations of a clinical molecular diagnostics laboratory, participate in quality and continuous improvement initiatives, and have opportunities to gain exposure to emerging genetic and genomic testing technologies within a CAP-accredited clinical laboratory.
Job Responsibilities
1. Receive, accession and assess clinical specimens for suitability for molecular diagnostic testing according to established laboratory criteria.
2. Perform routine molecular diagnostic procedures, including but not limited to:
- Nucleic acid extraction and quantification
- PCR and real-time PCR assays
- Sanger sequencing
- NGS library preparation and sequencing workflows
- Other molecular diagnostic techniques as required by the laboratory
3. Operate the Laboratory Information System (LIS) for test registration, result entry, result verification and result enquiry.
4. Perform laboratory testing in accordance with approved SOPs, quality standards and turnaround-time requirements.
5. Review assay quality metrics and quality control results and escalate test failures, discrepancies or non-conformities to senior staff where appropriate.
6. Ensure critical and urgent test results are communicated according to laboratory policies.
7. Resolve routine enquiries from clinicians, healthcare professionals and other stakeholders.
8. Perform routine preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting of molecular diagnostic instruments and equipment.
9. Maintain accurate and complete laboratory records, worksheets and documentation in compliance with accreditation requirements.
10. Assist in inventory management, stock monitoring and procurement of laboratory consumables and reagents.
11. Participate in quality assurance activities, proficiency testing programmes and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
12. Assist with validation and implementation activities for new reagents, equipment and assays when required.
13. Train and guide trainees, students and newly appointed staff in routine laboratory procedures.
14. Report adverse incidents, safety concerns and quality events to supervisors promptly.
15. Assist with internal audits and accreditation activities.
16. Ensure compliance with CAP, ISO15189, laboratory safety policies and regulatory requirements.
17. Uphold NUHS Core Values and comply with departmental workplace practices.
18. Assist with verification, validation and performance evaluation studies for new molecular diagnostic assays.
19. Assist in drafting, reviewing and updating SOPs, work instructions and laboratory forms.
20. Participate in department projects related to workflow optimisation, quality improvement and service enhancement.
21. Support implementation of new molecular and genomic testing services as required.
22. Assist with administrative tasks related to laboratory operations.
23. Cover duties of Senior Medical Technologist when required.
Requirements
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) or equivalent in Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Life Sciences or related disciplines.
- Preferably 1-2 years of experience in a clinical laboratory setting.
- Experience in molecular diagnostic testing is preferred.
- Exposure to PCR, real-time PCR, Sanger sequencing and/or NGS workflows would be advantageous.
- Good understanding of molecular biology principles and molecular diagnostic techniques.
- Good laboratory skills and ability to follow established protocols accurately.
- Familiarity with Laboratory Information Systems and laboratory quality management systems.
- Basic knowledge of genetic and genomic testing workflows would be advantageous.
- Meticulous with strong attention to detail.
- Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to multitask and prioritise workload effectively.
- Proactive with good planning and organisational skills.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Service-oriented and customer-focused.
- Good initiative and positive attitude.
- Able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Nucleic acid extraction and quantification
- PCR and real-time PCR assays
- Sanger sequencing
- NGS library preparation and sequencing workflows
- Other molecular diagnostic techniques as required by the laboratory
