Medical Laboratary Scientist

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Medical Laboratory Scientist

Location: Enugu
Employment Type: Full Time

Core Responsibilities
Laboratory Operations:

• Maintain and calibrate lab equipment; manage reagent inventory and supplier relationships to ensure cost-effective procurement.
• Provide clear, courteous communication of results to clinicians and patients; contribute to patient education regarding tests.
• Perform routine and specialized laboratory tests including hematology, biochemistry, microbiology, and pregnancy tests.
• Ensure patients are comfortable, explain procedures clearly, and position patients appropriately for sample collection.
• Prepare accurate test reports and communicate critical results to medical staff promptly.
• Assist in NHIS claim documentation for laboratory services.
• Manage laboratory inventory, reagent procurement, and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain strict quality control standards, equipment calibration, and infection prevention protocols.
• Conduct routine and specialised laboratory tests with strict adherence to quality control and safety protocols.
• Actively market lab packages to inpatients, outpatients and referring clinics; liaise with clinicians to upsell pre-op and antenatal diagnostic bundles.
• Participate in internal QC and external quality assessment schemes; maintain accurate lab records.
• Ensure rapid turnaround times (TAT) for high-impact tests (prenatal screens, pre-op tests).

Specialized Laboratory Functions:
Hematology & Blood Transfusion Science (Core OBGYN):

• Coagulation Profile: Prothrombin Time (PT), Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT).
• Specialized / Genotype: Hemoglobin (Hb) Electrophoresis (for sickle cell genotype AA, AS, SS, etc.).
• Routine Tests: Complete Blood Count (CBC) with differential count, Packed Cell Volume (PCV)/Hematocrit (essential for anemia in pregnancy), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR).
• This is critical for managing pregnancy-related anemia, preeclampsia, and surgical blood loss (caesarean sections).
• Blood Banking & Transfusion: Blood Grouping (ABO & Rh typing), Compatibility testing (Cross-matching), Direct and Indirect Coombs test (for Rhesus incompatibility in pregnancy).

Medical Microbiology & Parasitology:

• Genitourinary Infections: High Vaginal Swab (HVS) microscopy and culture, Endocervical Swab (ECS) for microscopy and culture (Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia), Urine Microscopy, Culture and Sensitivity (MCS).
• Given the high prevalence of infections in Nigeria, these are crucial for monitoring antenatal patients.
• Parasitology: Stool analysis (routine).
• Malaria: Malaria Parasite (MP) identification via thick and thin film microscopy (gold standard) or Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT).
• Typhoid / Febrile Illness: Widal test (commonly requested but should be interpreted carefully), Blood/Stool/Urine Culture and Sensitivity forSalmonella typhi.

Clinical Chemistry / Biochemistry:

• Routine Tests: Blood Glucose (Random/Fasting), Lipid Profile, Electrolytes, Urea, and Creatinine (EUC).
• OBGYN Specialised: Liver Function Test (LFT) (important for preeclampsia), Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) for gestational diabetes, HbA1c, Serum Beta-hCG (pregnancy test).
• Essential for monitoring preeclampsia, liver function, and diabetes in pregnancy.
• Serology & Immunology (Infection Screening): Mandatory screening for ANC attendees (booking) and surgical cases.
• Specialized: Rubella IgM/IgG, Toxoplasmosis screen
• Routine Screening: Retroviral Screening (RVS) for HIV, HBsAg (Hepatitis B), HCV (Hepatitis C), Syphilis (VDRL/RPR).

Histopathology & Cytology:

• Urinalysis (Dipstick): For protein/sugar in pregnancy)
• Packed Cell Volume (PCV): Daily (for antenatal, pre-op, and post-op)
• Routine: Pap Smear (cervical cancer screening).
• Blood Grouping & Cross-match: (For imminent deliveries and surgeries)
• Malaria Parasite (Microscopy): (Very high demand)
• Specialized: Tissue biopsy processing (e.g., endometrial biopsy, fibroid samples, products of conception).
• HIV/HBsAg/VDRL: (For all new booking patients)
• Pregnancy Test (hCG): (Urine and blood)

Key Responsibilities in Blood Banking (Nigeria Setting):

• Stringent Donor Screening: Testing for HIV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis, and Malaria.
• Compatibility Testing: Reconfirming recipient blood group and performing cross-match.
• Safe Storage: Maintaining blood refrigerators at 2°C to 6°C.

Business Development & Patient Services:

• Maintain relationships with referring physicians and healthcare providers to ensure consistent patient flow.
• Menu Expansion: Recommend new, high-margin tests (e.g., hormonal profiles, tumor markers) that will attract premium patients.
• Provide health education sessions on preventive care, disease management, and importance of regular health checks.
• Generate minimum 10 new patient referrals per month through professional networks, physician relationships, and community contacts.
• Conduct monthly health screening outreach programs in corporate organizations, churches, and community centers.
• Turnaround Time: Guarantee test results within specified times to build a reputation for speed, which is a key selling point.
• Participate in hospital marketing campaigns and promotional activities.
• Upselling: Advise patients on "Wellness Checkup" packages when they come for routine tests (e.g., "While you are here for Malaria test, would you like to check your Sugar and Cholesterol?").

Professional Excellence & Christian Values:

• Demonstrate patience, decisiveness, and meticulousness in all laboratory procedures.
• Uphold hospital values through professional conduct and appearance.
• Maintain responsible and mature approach to work with strong ethical standards.
• Provide compassionate service with respect for patient dignity and privacy.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs - Monthly)

• New patient referrals generated (minimum 10)
• Patient satisfaction with lab services (minimum 4.6/5.0)
• Cost control for laboratory consumables (within 5% of budget)
• Equipment maintenance compliance (100% adherence to schedule)
• Test accuracy rate (minimum 99.5%)
• Community screening participation (minimum 200 tests per month)
• Turnaround time for test results (within 2 hours for routine tests)

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science from accredited Nigerian university
• Certification in relevant specialized areas (e.g., hematology, microbiology)
• Minimum 2 years practical experience in hospital laboratory setting
• Registration with Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN)

Essential Skills & Attributes:

• Computer literacy for laboratory information systems and data management
• Strong attention to detail and quality assurance mindset
• Business development skills with ability to generate patient referrals
• Excellent communication skills for patient interaction and physician liaison
• Born-again Christian with strong moral foundation and commitment to Christian values
• Team player with collaborative spirit
• Professional appearance and courteous demeanor
• Technical proficiency in laboratory equipment operation and maintenance

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in private hospital laboratory management
• Background in health promotion and community outreach
• Training in customer service and patient relationship management

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV and application letter, clearly stating that you have read and accepted the job description, roles, and responsibilities; and why you believe your character, work experience(s), and skills qualify you for this position to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Note: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be considered.