Laboratory Assistant (6 Months Fixed Term Contract Wits Health Consortium)

Ajpersonnel

Job Location:

Pietermaritzburg - South Africa

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 17 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Background:

Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Limited (WHC) is a wholly-owned Company of the University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg (South Africa) under its Faculty of Health Sciences
WHC provides Faculty with a legal framework within which to operate the research and other activities necessary to support its academic objectives
In addition WHC offers a range of products and services to Academics

Main purpose of the job:

To support the implementation of clinical research studies through the accurate processing storage tracking and shipment of biological specimens in accordance with study protocols Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and laboratory quality standards

Location:

SYNPASE Research Clinici Edendale Lay Ecumencial Center Clinic Edendale Pietermaritzburg

Key performance areas:

1. Specimen Processing and Handling

Process biological specimens according to study protocols and laboratory SOPs
Perform centrifugation aliquoting labelling and packaging accurately and within required timelines
Ensure correct sample identification and prevent cross-contamination

2. Specimen Storage and Inventory Management

Maintain appropriate storage conditions (e.g. refrigerators freezers liquid nitrogen if applicable)
Monitor and record temperatures daily and escalate deviations promptly
Maintain accurate specimen inventory and storage logs

3. Sample Tracking and Documentation

Maintain accurate chain-of-custody documentation
Ensure all specimens are logged labelled and tracked in study-specific databases or tracking systems
Reconcile sample logs with source documents and laboratory records

4. Shipment Coordination

Prepare and package biological specimens for shipment in accordance with protocol IATA guidelines and sponsor requirements
Coordinate courier collection and maintain shipment documentation
Ensure timely dispatch and confirmation of receipt

6. Quality Compliance and Laboratory Support

Adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) SOPs and study-specific procedures
Support internal and external monitoring visits and audits
Maintain cleanliness organisation and readiness of the laboratory environment

7. Communication and Team Collaboration

Communicate proactively with study coordinators and clinicians regarding specimen issues
Report deviations equipment malfunctions or discrepancies immediately
Participate in team meetings and required training

Required minimum education and training:

Minimum: Matric with appropriate experience training or relevant qualifications
Fluent in English and isiZulu preferred

Required minimum work experience:

2-4 years experience in an a clinical trial setting
1-2 years experience in a research laboratory environment

Desirable additional education work experience and personal abilities:

Proficient in a range of laboratory processing procedures
Familiarity with lab equipment calibration maintenance and troubleshooting
Understanding of quality control assurance processes and temperature controlled storage of specimens
Experience with stock management
Good communication skills - for working with clinical staff patients and research coordinators

TO APPLY:

Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above you may submit a detailed updated CV
Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate and to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions
This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL
However you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market
Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position
Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates
Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful
Closing date: 13 March 2026
Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date

Please note:

WHC in accordance with its Employment Equity goals and plan will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto
AJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium
AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position

Required Experience:

Junior IC

Background:Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Limited (WHC) is a wholly-owned Company of the University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg (South Africa) under its Faculty of Health SciencesWHC provides Faculty with a legal framework within which to operate the research and other activities necessary to su...