Microbiologist

Job Summary:

The Microbiologist will perform microbiological testing, culture processing, organism identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing to support accurate clinical diagnosis. The role ensures adherence to NABL standards, infection control protocols, and quality assurance requirements of the hospital.

Roles & Responsibilities:

Sample Processing & Testing

• Receive, label, and process clinical specimens (blood, urine, sputum, stool, swabs, body fluids, etc.) as per SOP.
  
• Perform culture inoculation, incubation, and daily plate reading.
  
• Identify microorganisms using biochemical methods, automated systems (VITEK/BACTEC), MALDI-TOF, etc.
  
• Conduct Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) and report findings as per CLSI guidelines.
  
• Perform rapid tests: Gram staining, KOH prep, antigen tests, serological tests.
  

Molecular & Serology Support (if applicable)

• Support PCR-based tests, TB testing, viral load assays, and other molecular diagnostic procedures.
  
• Perform ELISA and serological assays (HIV, HBsAg, Dengue, Widal, etc.).
  

Quality Control & Documentation

• Maintain and update logbooks, worksheets, equipment calibration records, IQC/EQC documentation.
  
• Follow NABL 15189:2022 standards for accuracy, traceability, and sample integrity.
  
• Participate in internal and external quality assurance (EQAS) programs.
  

Infection Control Support

• Coordinate with the infection control team to provide culture surveillance reports.
  
• Conduct environmental surveillance for OT, ICUs, dialysis unit, and CSSD as required.
  
• Support outbreak investigations with timely reports.
  

Reporting & Turnaround Time (TAT)

• Ensure timely entry of results into HIS/LIS.
  
• Communicate critical results immediately to clinical teams.
  
• Meet department-defined TAT and accuracy standards.
  

Equipment Handling

• Operate and maintain microbiology equipment including incubators, BSC, automated identification systems, microscopes, and autoclaves.
  
• Immediately escalate equipment malfunction to biomedical engineering.
  

Compliance & Safety

• Follow biosafety guidelines (BSL-II) and ensure proper handling of infectious specimens.
  
• Maintain PPE usage, waste segregation, and safe disposal of cultures.
  
• Participate in audits, training, and competency assessments.
  

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of microbial techniques and clinical microbiology.
  
• Familiarity with automated systems: VITEK, BACTEC, MALDI-TOF, GeneXpert (preferred).
  
• Good understanding of NABL, IQC/EQC, and biosafety standards.
  
• Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
  
• Good communication and coordination with clinicians.