Research Technologist: Laboratory Assistant

The Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP), SAMRC, seeks to appoint a Research Technologist to provide technical and operational support to ensure the efficient day-to-day functioning of BRIP laboratories in Cape Town.

The successful candidate will support laboratory readiness and operations through the maintenance of laboratory facilities, preparation of reagents and buffers, sterilisation and autoclaving of laboratory equipment and glassware, biohazard waste management, inventory and consumables management, and adherence to Good Laboratory Practice, biosafety, health and safety requirements.

The position will also support the routine collection and handling of wastewater samples. The incumbent will provide general technical support to scientists, technologists, postgraduate students and researchers, contributing to safe, efficient and well-organised laboratory operations.

Responsibilities will include:

• Maintain laboratory facilities, equipment, glassware and workstations.
• Prepare reagents, buffers and laboratory consumables and support routine laboratory activities.
• Collect, handle and track wastewater and biological samples.
• Maintain laboratory stock, records, temperature logs and quality documentation.
• Support scientists, technologists, students and researchers while ensuring compliance with health, safety, biosafety and GLP requirements.

Duration:

Permanent

Remuneration:

R 302 075.00 per annum (CTC)

Core Requirements:

• Grade 12 (NQF level 4) and a 1- or 2-year accredited course/certificate relevant to the job/discipline (only 3-year qualification where registration is required) or/ equivalent.
• Two or more years' practical experience operating standard laboratory equipment.
• Two or more years' working knowledge of laboratory safety procedures, PPE requirements, and waste disposal regulations.
• Experience maintaining laboratory glassware, consumables, and storage facilities.
• Experience monitoring laboratory freezers, temperature logs, and alarm systems.
• Experience supporting laboratory technologist or scientists during laboratory testing and experiments.
• Experience with specimen collection, transport, and handling.
• Exposure to inventory management, stock control, and laboratory supplies.
• Experience providing laboratory support to postgraduate students and researchers.
• Experience in assisting with animal experiments

Advantageous:

• Experience sterilizing laboratory equipment and consumables using autoclaves.
• Experience in preparing laboratory instruments, reagents, and workstations for daily laboratory activities.
• Experience processing biological specimens and preparing samples for analysis.
• Experience transporting hazardous chemicals in accordance with safety regulations.
• Experience managing hazardous chemical inventories and waste disposal records.
• A valid driver's license.