Microbiologist - Nauru Deployment

Job Description – Microbiologist

Position Title: Microbiologist

Location: Nauru Medical Centre, Republic of Nauru

Reports To: Laboratory Manager

Department: Laboratory Services

Position Summary

The Microbiologist will play a vital role in strengthening the diagnostic and public health capacity of Nauru Medical Centre’s Laboratory Services. The role involves overseeing bacteriology, parasitology, virology, and mycology testing to ensure accurate and timely laboratory results that support clinical management, disease surveillance, and infection control. The Microbiologist will also contribute to staff training, quality system implementation, and the advancement of biosafety and antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Key Responsibilities

A. Laboratory Operations

• Perform routine and advanced microbiological testing, including culture, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of clinical specimens.
• Oversee bacteriology, parasitology, and mycology sections while ensuring adherence to testing protocols and biosafety standards.
• Manage specimen reception, processing, and reporting through Tamanu/Senaite EMR–LIS integration.
• Supervise infection screening programs (e.g., tuberculosis, malaria, dengue, and enteric pathogens).

B. Quality Assurance and Biosafety

• Implement and monitor internal and external quality assurance (EQA) programs.
• Ensure laboratory operations comply with ISO 15189 and WHO biosafety standards.
• Develop and maintain SOPs, calibration records, and reagent inventory systems.
• Conduct biosafety training and enforce infection prevention and control (IPC) measures.

C. Data Management and Reporting

• Review and validate all laboratory results prior to release.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure data entry into Tamanu and national surveillance systems (Tupaia, WHO EMIS).
• Prepare regular reports on laboratory activity, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) trends, and outbreak investigations.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a national AMR database.

D. Capacity Building and Mentorship

• Train and mentor laboratory technologists and assistants in microbiology and quality management.
• Support the introduction and implementation of new diagnostic technologies (e.g., GeneXpert, rapid antigen/antibody assays).
• Participate in continuous medical education (CME) and workforce development initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Microbiology, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of clinical microbiology experience in a hospital or public health laboratory setting.
• Proven experience with bacterial culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and basic molecular diagnostics.
• Proficient in EMR and laboratory information system (LIS) integration.
• Knowledge of WHO, ISO 15189, and biosafety level (BSL) standards.
• Experience in low-resource or island healthcare environments is an advantage.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and diagnostic abilities.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills.
• Commitment to laboratory quality assurance and continuous improvement.
• Effective communication and mentoring capabilities.
• Adaptable and collaborative in resource-limited, multicultural settings.

How to apply:

Please send your CVs to talent@gmss.ltd.

Job Type: Full-time

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing to be relocated to Country Nauru?