Laboratory Technician (Fixed Term Contract Ending Aiugust 2026) at National Health Laboratory Services

Laboratory Safety Compliance

• Ensure compliance with health and safety measures at all times 
• Adherence to decontamination procedures upheld 100% of the time (e.g. daily bench decontamination, bio-hazardous spills, and instrument decontamination spills post service) 
• 100% compliance on recording of temperature readings in accordance with relevant SOP’s.

Laboratory Process

• Daily receipt, labelling and sorting of samples
• Sample registration of relevant databases
• Prioritizing patient sample testing according to laboratory SOP
• Daily adherence to set turnaround times
• Daily sample alliquoting, filing and storage 
• Maintenance of accurate storage logs
• Retrieval and replacement of samples as required
• Sorting and general upkeep of all sample freezers
• General clerical duties as required
• Assist in stock control, and ordering of consumables 
• Upkeep of relevant reagent logs
• Ad-hoc duties as per operational needs

Maintained and Operated Equipment
Daily maintenance/verification of laboratory equipment maintenance as per schedule
Compliance and application of all relevant SOP’s
Ensure sufficient stock is available as per guidelines
Performance of quality checks, where required
Competency certificate for operation of any applicable equipment
100% compliance to maintenance of reagent log sheets (logging of reagents, date of receipt, use and expiry and loading on instruments).

Quality Assurance

• Prepare quality control material (IQC) as per lab SOP and run routine IQC sample as per SOP and EQA
• Identify and report deviations to supervisor
• Daily documentation using log sheets (room temp, fridges, etc.).

Minimum Requirements and Key Competency

• Grade 12 and SMLTSA Certificate 
• HPCSA registration as a Laboratory Technician in Microbiology
• 0 – 3 years’ experience in a laboratory environment 
• Health and safety regulations 
• Knowledge of general technical equipment 
• Knowledge of quality control procedures 
• Trouble shooting skills 
• Attention to detail 
• Use of laboratory equipment 
• Analytical skills 
• Communication skills 
• Interpersonal skills 
• Computer literacy 
• Record keeping and filing skills 
• Ability to demonstrate the use of laboratory equipment.