NATIONAL HEALTH LABORATORY SERVICES (NHLS) VACANCIES

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ACADEMIC AFFAIRS RESEARCH AND QUALITY ASSURANCE
NATIONAL MANAGER: QUALITY ASSURANCE
LOCATION: SANDRINGHAM
Pay Grade: D4 
CORPAARQA0224/001/01 (09927.001.1516)
 
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB
Manage the National Quality Assurance within the NHLS to ensure the provision of a high-quality laboratory service for the clients in line with business needs.
 
KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
• Manage the National Accreditation, QA schemes of NHLS to assist laboratories to attain optimal performance standards.
• Advise on NHLS subscriptions to other national and international EQA schemes to ensure that these are cost effective and where possible, research alternate options.
• Manage the regular execution of laboratory technical audits for designated laboratories to ensure conformance with the quality requirements for NHLS and SANAS Accreditation.
• Manage the national standard operating procedure database and national laboratory user database, national handbook, to ensure consistency of standards and advise laboratories and users of best practice as well as drive the implementation of QPulse Quality Management System across all divisions of NHLS.
• Advise on and assist with SANAS accreditation and / or quality audits of laboratories to transfer knowledge and skills of prior experience within the organization.
• Manage a health technology assessment unit to evaluate all new technologies for suitability of use in the NHLS and the South African context and review supplier evaluations to ensure suppliers meet requirements using relevant standards and can provide goods and services as required by good corporate governance.
• Development of National Quality Assurance guidelines as per NHLS requirements to ensure the consistent delivery of quality laboratory services.
• Review, recommend and approve products and suppliers in consultation with procurement division for quality assurance to ensure consistency and reliability.
• Review and develop new Proficiency Testing Schemes in line with requirements.
• Review and make recommendations for changes by the NHLS Board to NHLS QA rules when relevant.
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND KEY COMPETENCY:
• Post Graduate Qualification in Health Science or Related (NQF 8)
• Registration with HPCSA as a Medical Technologist/ Scientist/Pathology
• SANAS Audit Training Certification (Desirable)
• 8 (Eight) years Laboratory Accreditation experience and Quality Management
• 5 (Five) years Managerial level experience
 
JOB KNOWLEDGE:
• Relevant Legislation
• Expert knowledge of QA principles
• Broad knowledge of pathology disciplines
• Relevant ISO Standards
• Advanced knowledge of statistics (Desirable).
 
ATTRIBUTES:
• Leadership Skills
• High level computer skills (Microsoft Office)
• Interpersonal skills
• Q Pulse Quality Management System Database (Desirable)
• Analytical Skills (Desirable)
 
Contact: Mr Ntsane Seleso
Tel: (011) 386 6145
Corporate2@nhls.ac.za
 
Closing: 05 March 2024

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GUIDELINES TO APPLICANTS 
1. If you meet the requirements, kindly email a detailed CV to the relevant Practitioner/Administrator (Human Resources), quoting the reference number and the job title. 
2. Proof of current registration with a Professional body (e.g., HPCSA, SANC, etc.) and other supporting documents should accompany all applications e.g., qualification’s identity document, driver’s license etc. 
3. Response Email addresses of the relevant HR representative and is supplied at the end of each regional advert. The onus is on the applicant to ensure that their application has been received. Incomplete applications and applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
4. Candidates’ credentials will be subjected to criminal record checks, citizen verification, financial record checks, qualification/Study verification, previous employment verification, and social media accounts behavior/comments verifications. 
5. Candidates may be required to undergo competency/psychometric assessments, presentations, typing tests, or any other related assessments. 
6. All health professional roles may be subjected to further assessment in line with the applicable proficiency matrix to determine the correct level. 
7. At its discretion, The NHLS reserves the right to remove the advertisement and or not to appoint. 
8. Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. 
9. These positions are open to all employees of the NHLS Including the employees who are on contract in similar or different positions. 
10. Internal employees are required to complete a period of twelve months in their current role before they can be eligible to apply for transfer. 
11. The NHLS is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. The filing of posts will be guided by the NHLS employment Equity Targets. Suitably qualified candidates from all designated groups are encouraged to apply. 
12. Successful applicants will be remunerated on the published scale associated with the post grade. This means that the remuneration of an applicant who is successful for a position that is lower than his/her current job grade will be adjusted downward with effect from the date of appointment. 
13. This is an open bulletin. External applicants are welcome to apply. 
 
CLOSING DATE: 01 MARCH 2024
 
 
 
BUSINESS UNIT: NICD 
DISCIPLINE: CENTRE FOR ENTERIC DISEASES 
LOCATION: SANDRINGHAM 
POSITION: PATHOLOGIST 
PAY GRADE: PHP 
REFERENCE NUMBER: NICD0224/001-001(909.001.1608) 
To direct the operations of the bacteriology laboratory of the Centre within the framework of a quality system. To ensure that the reference diagnostic and surveillance/research output is delivered in accordance with the principles of good laboratory practice and to provide a professional consultative service to clinicians and other Centre stakeholders. To promote appropriate and cost effective utilization of laboratory services so as to facilitate optimization of patient management and the public health objectives of the Centre. To contribute to training and research outputs. To actively support outbreak investigation and response activities of the Centre. To contribute to advisory and guideline development, and to communication activities of the Centre including response to media queries. 
 
Key Job Responsibilities 
Service
■Responsible for management of the bacteriology reference laboratory and supervision of laboratory staff in collaboration with the laboratory manager ■Contribute to the strategy of the centre as a member of the centre management team ■Responsible for implementation of short and longer term laboratory surveillance and research projects ■Provide expert advice to all internal and external customers in order to resolve clinical, reference diagnostic and outbreak-related queries and concerns in a professional and timely manner and respond to complaints about any aspect of the pathology service output in a professional and timely manner to promote sound customer relations ■Provide input into changes and improvement to SOPs ■Contribute to the adherence and compliance to quality systems in the centre to comply with SANAS requirements and ensure continuous quality improvement ■Comply with the principles of good laboratory practice, full SANAS accreditation requirements and relevant legislation ■Validate new instruments/tests for laboratory or national programmes. Introduce/improve diagnostic and interpretation techniques and procedures. 
Teaching and Training 
■Teach and train pathology staff (Registrars, Scientists, Technologists, Technicians) and other healthcare workers (including FETP residents) ■Work with the team to develop and coordinate teaching modules ■Contribute to the departmental CPD-accredited programmes ■Be involved in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching. ■Contribute towards regional/international teaching and training workshops as needed 
Research, surveillance, public health and outbreak-related activities 
■Seek external funding for surveillance and research ■Responsible to design, implement and report on relevant surveillance programmes at a national and international level in collaboration with centre epidemiologists ■Active involvement in outbreak investigation and response activities of the Centre in collaboration with centre epidemiologists, including interaction with stakeholders, guiding and facilitating appropriate diagnostic/reference laboratory testing, advising and facilitating public health interventions ■Conduct research in order to contribute to publications and other technical/scientific outputs and towards translation of policy and service ■Collaborate with other departments/organizations at a national and international level and represent the NICD on national and international working groups/committees. ■ To contribute to advisory and guideline development, and to communication activities of the Centre including response to media queries. VACANCY 
 
Minimum requirements and Key Competencies 
■ Medical degree plus FCPath or MMed in microbiology (essential) ■MSc or PhD in clinical microbiology or a related field (desirable) ■ Registration with the HPCSA as a pathologist in microbiology (Independent practice category) ■At least 5 years’ experience as pathologist consultant; at least 1 year of laboratory management experience ■ Post-graduate qualification in epidemiology or infection control (desirable) ■Successfully supervised undergraduate and/or postgraduate students (BSc-Hons, MSc, MMed, PhD); acts as an undergraduate or postgraduate external examiner ■Evidence of external/community interaction (engaging with outside clinicians/clinical groups/ schools) ■Evidence of peer recognition such as invitations to national conferences/ working groups and to review manuscripts for journals ■Active as a co-investigator/collaborator on research projects; Collaboration of research with other departments at a national level ■Familiar with laboratory safety procedures ■Working knowledge in medical conditions, in particular clinical pathological correlation ■Principles of analytical methodology ■Laboratory quality assurance processes ■Method validation including statistical calculations ■Familiar with the principles of applied research methodology with evidence of at least 10 peer reviewed publications in clinical microbiology; including 4 as first/senior author (average ~3/year) ■Practical laboratory techniques where relevant ■Computer literacy ■Communication skills ■Presentation skills ■Analytical and diagnosing ■Problem solving. 
 
Enquiries may be directed to Kgaugelo Mkwanazi @ 011 386 6090, email application to Recruiter3@nicd.ac.za
 
 
 
 
 
 
GRANTS MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION 
 
BUSINESS UNIT: NICD 
DISCIPLINE: CENTRE FOR HIV AND STIs 
LOCATION: SANDRINGHAM 
POSITION: CLERK: LABORATORY (12 MONTHS CONTRACT) (RE-ADVERTISEMENT) 
(AMENDMENT) 
PAY GRADE: B2 
REFERENCE NUMBER: NICDCDC1123/002-08 
Responsible for the receiving, capturing, and distribution of all specimens; and general administrative duties to ensure correct information is obtained and recorded to facilitate the speedy processing of specimens and duties in terms of service objectives. 
 
Key Job Responsibilities 
■Verifies the suitability of specimens for processing ■Receives, labels and sorts specimens for testing according to the SOP's ■Captures patient’s information into the system ■Creates shipping lists of samples for distributions to laboratories ■Administers the distribution of samples to ensure smooth channelling of specimens to various departments ■Keeps specimens request forms for audit purposes ■Stock control/management and procurement of stock in accordance with standard operating procedures. 
 
Minimum Requirements and Key Competencies 
■Grade 12 ■One (1) year experience in an HIV Serology/Molecular Laboratory; or has relevant experience working in any Serology/Molecular Laboratory ■Knowledge of Laboratory Information System ■General administration knowledge ■Computer skills ■Communication skills (Verbal, written, presentation) ■Ability to work independently and collaboratively ■Attention to detail. 
 
Enquiries may be directed to Zinhle Buthelezi @ 011 885 5404, e-mail application to Recruiter1@nicd.ac.za
 
 
 
 
 
 
BUSINESS UNIT: NICD 
DISCIPLINE: CENTER FOR TUBERCULOSIS 
LOCATION: SANDRINGHAM 
POSITION: DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR (12 MONTHS CONTRACT) (WITHDRAWN) 
PAYGRADE: C3 
REFERENCE NUMBER: NICDCDC1223/001-03 
To ensure that data processes are effectively managed, monitored and stored to ensure the comprehensive collection of data collected. To administer data to the highest standards, develop a SOP is followed and turnaround times are met. 
 
Key Job Responsibilities 
■ Ensures systematic collection, coding and capturing of data and other projects as requested)■Develops QA programmes for coding and capturing data in accordance with GCP requirements and SOP's■ Develops, implement and maintain all data systems and SOP's■ Develops, implements and assesses tools for deduplication data sets■ Provides effective import and export of data for purpose and other request from approved external and internal clients■ Support data capturers and other staff in their daily duties of capturing and coding data ■ Analyze and document functional system activities to ensure that the system related incidents are recorded for future use and provide progress report as required■ Ensures the maintenance and archiving of all files related to the data collection and processing activities■Assist Operations Manager in final cleaning of data (duplicate removal and checking of coding), assessment of data completion of coding and capturing■ Enhances, identify, recommend and initiate application enhancement request to ensure that changes in business are identified while liaising with different IT departments to ensure optimal performance and availability of the systems. 
 
Minimum requirements and key competencies 
■ Diploma or Degree in Information Management System/Database and Programming ■ 2 years’ experience in database management ■ Database management ■ Understanding of coding and medical terms ■ Knowledge of statistical packages eg. R, STATA SAS, SQL and Access■ Ability to work under pressure■ Good communication skills (written and verbal) ■ Attention to detail ■ Good Interpersonal and people skills. 
 
Enquiries may be directed to Zinhle Buthelezi @ 011 885 5404, e-mail application to Recruiter1@nicd.ac.za

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ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, RESEARCH AND QUALITY ASSURANCE UNIT
POSITION: HEAD OF DEPARTMENT (HOD), GRADE: PHX
All Heads of Departments (HOD) positions below are for Permanent contract.
These are joint appointments with the Universities.
 
UNIVERSITY LIMPOPO/TURFLOOP
(REF: LMUL – 61001.001.1807 - CHEMPATH)
(REF: LMUL – 61002.001.1807- ANATPATH)
(REF: LMUL – 61004.001.1807- HAEMATOLOGY)
 
UNIVERSITY OF FREE STATE/ UNIVERSITAS ACADEMIC COMPLEX
(REF: UFS –31108.001.1807- VIROLOGY)
(REF: UFS – 31106.001.1807)- MICROBIOLOGY)
(REF: UFS – 31102.001.1807- ANATPATH)
(REF: UFS –31101.001.1807- CHEMPATH)
 
WITS UNIVERSITY/ CMJAH
(REF: WITS – 41982.004.1807 – CHEMPATH)
 
SEFAKO MAKGATHO HEALTH SCIENCE UNIVERSITY/ DGM
(REF: SMU – 46101.002.1807 – (CHEMPATH)
(REF: SMU – 46102.001.1807 – (ANATPATH)
 
UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU NATAL/ INKOSI ALBERT LUTHULI COMPLEX
(REF: UKZN – 81202.002.1807 – (CHEMPATH)
 
MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB
To create the vision for the department and provide leadership to foster excellence and harmonious delivery of teaching, research and service mandates including the assimilation, evaluation and translation of knowledge into minimum quality standards for the discipline. To ensure that the investigation and diagnosis of disease within the discipline is conducted in accordance with current “best practice” throughout the organisation.
 
KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITY
• Formulates strategy and/or oversees and monitors the implementation of strategy.
• Active leadership within the NHLS/ University/Professional bodies promoting discipline and/or organisational strategic objectives at a regional or national level.
• Improve responsiveness of NHLS to healthcare needs in the community/society, through for example development of/active and substantial contribution to training programmes or changes in service delivery/testing practices.
• Involvement in regional /national or international teaching activities
• Involvement in/contribution to curriculum Revision at a national level.
• Leads a division/ department or a group of laboratories and initiates strategy.
• Active involvement with and contribution to the implementation/ development of diagnostic and interpretative techniques/ procedures/algorithms / strategies at a national/international level.
• Drive the strategic revision of quality systems and ensures ongoing compliance with SANAS requirements.
• Training and formal supervision of postgraduate students –including Registrars, Scientists and Medical Technologists; identification of strategic training needs, development of strategic training and development plans and capacity building. Responsible for the research, teaching and training within the department and also contribute towards the institutional mandate.
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & KEY COMPETENCY:
• FCPath/MMed in Anatomical Pathology; FCPath/MMed in Virology; FCPath/MMed in Chemical Pathology or FCPath/MMed in Clinical Pathology for Microbiology, Haematology and Chemical Pathology.
• Minimum 7 years’ experience as a pathologist;
• At least 4 years’ laboratory management (research/diagnostic) experience;
• Registration with HPCSA as health professional in the applicable discipline;
• Prior formal involvement in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at a tertiary academic institution;
• Research experience as demonstrated by authorship of peer-reviewed publications;
• Successfully supervised/co-supervised BSc Hons, MMED, Masters’ Students.
• Supervision of PhD students (advantageous)
• Strong leadership, Time management, interpersonal, organisational and presentation skills; and
• Computer literate and good report writing skills ability.
 
 
Interested persons who meet the requirements are invited to send their CVs, ID, HPCSA registration and qualification, to Keitumetse Boikanyo via e-mail: keitumetse.boikanyo@nhls.ac.za.
Tel. (011) 386-6096. 
 
Please indicate the reference number of the post, name of the post and the specific discipline.
 
Applicants will be shortlisted in line with the NHLS applicable proficiency matrix for health professionals.
 
CLOSING DATE : 29 FEBRUARY 2024