Laboratory Assistant

CAPRISA is an award-winning global research organisation located on the campus of the Nelson Mandela School of Medicine in Durban, South Africa and undertakes research in HIV, TB and Covid at four clinical research sites in KwaZulu-Natal. 

CAPRISA’s goal is to undertake globally relevant and locally responsive research that contributes to understanding HIV Vaccines and Pathogenesis, Prevention and Epidemiology, the links between Tuberculosis and AIDS treatment and Covid-19. CAPRISA is a UNAIDS Collaborating Centre for HIV Research and Policy and is recognised as a DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in HIV Prevention and hosts the SAMRC HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit.

The ideal candidate will be based at the CAPRISA Head Office in Durban and will provide general assistance in the laboratory.

Site

•    Responsible for testing equipment, maintenance and setting up of benches in the general lab
•    Preparation of samples for diagnostic testing and sample processing
•    Quality control of all samples received in the lab
•    Receiving, sorting, storing and retrieval of samples
•    Domestic and international Shipping of samples 
•    Logging samples using Labware and LDMS
•    Troubleshooting with appropriate corrective action and escalating unresolved issues 
•    Daily reading and recording of ultra-freezers in the Repository lab
•    Preparation of Specimen Kits
•    Biohazardous waste management (including autoclaving)
•    Stock inventory management
•    Logging samples using Labware and LDMS
•    Serve as a study representative
•    Work from project site laboratories when required
•    Provide general administrative support to the laboratory

•    Grade 12 
•    At least 1 year experience working in a laboratory 
•    An IATA certificate would be advantageous 
•    Computer literacy MS Office suite
•    Labware and Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS) experience would be advantageous

•    Strong accuracy and analytical skills
•    Outstanding organizational and time management abilities
•    Ability to take initiative and work independently
•    Ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment
•    Quality Orientation
•    High level of discretion and confidentiality