Qualified Medical Laboratory Scientist

Location: Enugu
Employment Type: Full-time

Responsibilities
Laboratory Operations:

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

Hematology & Blood Transfusion Science (Core OBGYN):

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

Medical Microbiology & Parasitology:

• Given the high prevalence of infections in Nigeria, these are crucial for monitoring antenatal patients.
• Genitourinary Infections:High Vaginal Swab (HVS) microscopy and culture, Endocervical Swab (ECS) for microscopy and culture (Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia), Urine Microscopy, Culture and Sensitivity (MCS).
• 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.
• Parasitology:Stool analysis (routine).

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):

• Routine Screening:Retroviral Screening (RVS) for HIV, HBsAg (Hepatitis B), HCV (Hepatitis C), Syphilis (VDRL/RPR).
• Mandatory screening for ANC attendees (booking) and surgical cases.
• Specialized:Rubella IgM/IgG, Toxoplasmosis screen

Histopathology & Cytology:

• Specialized:Tissue biopsy processing (e.g., endometrial biopsy, fibroid samples, products of conception).
• Routine:Pap Smear (cervical cancer screening).
• Stringent Donor Screening:Testing for HIV, HBV, HCV, Syphilis, and Malaria.
• Blood Grouping & Cross-match:(For imminent deliveries and surgeries)
• Compatibility Testing:Reconfirming recipient blood group and performing cross-match.
• Safe Storage:Maintaining blood refrigerators at 2°C to 6°C.
• Packed Cell Volume (PCV):Daily (for antenatal, pre-op, and post-op)
• Urinalysis (Dipstick):(For protein/sugar in pregnancy)
• Pregnancy Test (hCG):(Urine and blood)
• Key Responsibilities in Blood Banking (Nigeria Setting)
• Malaria Parasite (Microscopy):(Very high demand)
• HIV/HBsAg/VDRL:(For all new booking patients)

Business Development & Patient Services:

• 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?").
• Participate in hospital marketing campaigns and promotional activities.
• 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.
• 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.
• Generate minimum 10 new patient referrals per month through professional networks, physician relationships, and community contacts.
• Provide health education sessions on preventive care, disease management, and importance of regular health checks.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs - Monthly)

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

Essential Qualifications

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

Essential Skills & Attributes:

• Professional appearance and courteous demeanor
• Strong attention to detail and quality assurance mindset
• Technical proficiency in laboratory equipment operation and maintenance
• Computer literacy for laboratory information systems and data management
• 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 Excellence & Christian Values:

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

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their resume and cover letter to: [email protected] using the Job Title as the subject of the email.

Note: Spaces are limited, as such only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.