Microbiology Technologist

The Microbiology Technologist performs a broad range of routine and advanced microbiological testing procedures to support the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases. Conducts bacteriological, mycological, parasitological, and virological examinations on clinical specimens, ensuring timely, accurate, and reliable test results in compliance with established quality and regulatory standards. Works under the direct supervision of the Microbiology Supervisor and the Director of Microbiology. Participates in departmental rotation schedules to maintain competency in all areas of microbiology services.

Responsibilities

Technical Operations

• Perform routine and specialized microbiological testing procedures for the cultivation, isolation, identification, and susceptibility testing of microorganisms from a variety of clinical specimens, including body fluids, tissue, exudates, and other patient samples. 
• Conduct bacteriological, mycological, parasitological, and virological analyses in accordance with approved laboratory procedures and quality standards. 
• Recognize the clinical significance of laboratory findings and ensure accurate interpretation, validation, and timely reporting of results within established turnaround times. 
• Perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing and provide laboratory data that supports appropriate clinical management of infectious diseases. 
• Review test results for accuracy and consistency, investigate discrepancies, and implement corrective actions when required. 
• Promptly communicate critical, abnormal, or clinically significant results to physicians and other authorized healthcare providers in accordance with hospital policies.
• Assesses specimen acceptability by reviewing patient preparation, collection requirements, transport conditions, storage parameters, and other pre-analytical factors. Reject or escalate unsuitable specimens in accordance with laboratory policies and quality standards.
• Maintains accurate, complete, and timely documentation within the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and associated records.
• Manages reagents, calibrators, quality control materials, consumables, and specialized testing kits through appropriate receipt, storage, lot verification, inventory monitoring, stock rotation, and expiry management. Assists in maintaining adequate inventory levels to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations while minimizing wastage.
• Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and support to students and trainees. 

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Performs and evaluates quality control, proficiency testing, external quality assessment activities, and other quality indicators to ensure analytical reliability and accuracy.
• Investigates quality control failures, instrument performance issues, and non-conforming events, implementing corrective actions and documenting outcomes in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Ensures compliance with patient identification, traceability, confidentiality, data integrity, and document control requirements.
• Collaborates effectively with pathologists, physicians, nursing staff, phlebotomists, laboratory colleagues, referral laboratories, and other stakeholders to ensure high-quality laboratory services and optimal patient outcomes. Provides technical support and guidance to laboratory colleagues within area of expertise.
• Participates in continuing education, professional development, competency programs, and departmental training initiatives to maintain current knowledge and technical proficiency. Promotes a culture of safety, quality, teamwork, innovation, and patient-centered care.
• Participates in internal audits, quality improvement initiatives, competency assessments, accreditation activities, and regulatory inspections to maintain continuous compliance with CAP, DHA, JCI, and other applicable standards.
• Supports the investigation, documentation, and resolution of incidents, non-conformities, corrective actions, preventive actions, and risk management activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology/microbiology or equivalent qualification
• Current/Valid Dubai Health Authority (DHA) License – Microbiology Technologist

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in Medical Microbiology.
• Knowledge of laboratory and general computer applications is preferred.
• Ability to speak and write English fluently.