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.