Latest Vacancies at South African National Blood Service (SANBS)

Introduction

• An opportunity has become available for a Relief Blood Bank Technologist. The incumbent will perform routine testing functions in Blood Banks including but not limited to, compatibility, post natal and preliminary transfusion reaction investigations.
• To check and verify test results performed by Registered Blood Bank Technicians, Registered Trainee Technicians and Registered Student Technologists

Job description

Key Performance Areas

• Operational objectives
• Specialist Technical functions
• Quality and Risk objectives
• Instrument and Laboratory Maintenance
• Customer relations

Special Requirements:

Job Specific Requirements:

• Overtime as required
• Night shift and weekend duties as rostered
• Occasional local and national travel

 Person Specific Requirements:

• General physical health and reasonable endurance and mobility
• Person cannot be colour blind
• Details conscious
• Proficient eye-sight

Competencies:

Cognitive:

• Analytical Thinking and Attention to Detail
• Problem Solving
• Judgement and Decision Making

Personal:

• Ethical Behaviour
• Personal Development
• Flexibility/Adaptability
• Excellence Orientation
• Drive and Belief in the cause

Interpersonal:

• Customer Service Orientation
• Relationship Building
• Communication
• Engaging Diversity
• Teamwork
• Knowledge Sharing

Professional/Technical:

• System Competence
• Laboratory Skills
• Blood Grouping Skills
• Administrative Skills

Principles of Excellence:

• Customer Service Orientation
• Ethical Behaviour
• Excellence Orientation
• Engaging Diversity
• Teamwork

Minimum requirements

• HPCSA Registered Medical Technologist (Blood Transfusion)
• Experience as required for HPCSA registration as Medical Technologist (Blood Transfusion

Apply by: 1 February 2026

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Introduction

• South African National Blood Service has an opportunity for a Phlebotomist in the blood collection department.
• The purpose will be to collect quality safe blood according to specific targets

Job description

Key Responsibilities

• Assists in efficient clinic preparation and closure to achieve blood collection targets.
• Ensure that donor registrations are undertaken professionally, accurately, promptly and in a friendly manner.
• Undertakes Basic Physical Check/Assessment to correctly assess donor suitability for Donations.
• Ensure that Phlebotomy procedures are undertaken professionally according to Standard Operating Procedures and in a friendly manner.
• General Administrative Duties.

Competencies

• Analytical thinking and attention to detail
• Customer Service Orientation
• Relationship Building
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Professional Image and visibility

Minimum requirements

• Qualified Phlebotomist.
• Current registration with HPCSA
• Current CPR Certificate to be renewed as required.
• Incumbent may be required to drive a company vehicle from time to time as per operational requirements.
• Current valid code 8 or 10 drivers license
• Must be prepared to work overtime, weekends and variable hours within the prescribed limits and conditions.
• The incumbent will be required to be on his/her feet for a lengthy period, to carry loads of up to 14kg and assist with loading and off-loading vehicles and able to climb stairs.

Apply by: 29 January 2026

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Introduction

• To manage the plasma supply and demand Nationally across the total Supply Chain. To implement new policies, procedures and best practice for plasma in the Supply Chain to ensure acceptable quality and distribution within agreed budget guided by legislation and standards of practice.
• To keep abreast of local developments in related fields. To initiate and propose investigations, projects and systems.

Job description

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS (KPAS)

KPA 1 Financial Management

• Analyse financial requirement for Supply Chain (Plasma Department) and provide input to the business plan annually by:
• Performing Supply Chain (Plasma Department) SWOT analysis.
• Preparing Manpower Plan (annually).
• Prepare Operational Expenditure (OPEX) and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) budgets for Supply Chain (Plasma Department). Submit to Plasma Manager.
• Monitor department productivity monthly (cost / unit issued).
• Monitor Plasma Department expenditure and investigate and address variances to the OPEX budget and provide report to Plasma Manager.
• Monitor CAPEX budget and ensure capital items are motivated for and purchased as per schedule (monthly).
• Monitor overtime worked by employees in the department.

KPA 2 Operational Objectives

• Manage the supply of products to stakeholders (Blood banks, Specialised Processing) according to the requirements of the Service Level Agreements (SLA).
• Ensure the management of stock rotation to minimise expiries for Plasma Department.
• Analyse productivity and trends to maximise the efficiency of service delivery.
• Track best practice through research, literature review and peer interaction.
• Submit monthly department performance reports to Plasma Manager and investigate trends in Plasma production and deliveries.
• Travel to SANBS sites to assess Plasma related activities and meet regularly with Heads of Processing on production targets and other plasma related issues.
• Manage and monitor the on-site and off-site irradiation, where applicable.
• Monitor and manage the alarm conditions on the Plasma Department for electronic and manual equipment points and retain the relevant records according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Manage and control consumables used in the Plasma division and maintain supplier relationships as per SLA / contractual arrangements.
• Act as designated relieve for the Plasma Manager and perform other duties when required so as to facilitate the efficient running of the department.

KPA 3 Quality and Risk Management

• Ensure operational compliance by management of non-conformances through investigation and concluding on root cause analysis and implementation of required corrective action within agreed timeframes.
• Contribute to Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) compilation by reviewing new and revised versions within the required timeframe by validating procedures and maintaining competency for the stipulated SOP.
• Monitor compliance to safety policies and procedures.
• Monitor compliance to policies and procedures to ensure that accreditation requirements are implemented and maintained.
• Monitor the number of procedural errors and take corrective action. Submit report on trends to Plasma Manager.
• Analyse systems non-conformances and elevate problems and / or solutions to the respective system owners.
• Complete risk management tasks and ensure the completion of tasks allocated to reports.

KPA 4 People Management

• Conduct performance management and monitor performance on on-going basis through mentoring, coaching and reviews and take appropriate steps to correct problems.
• Track and encourage individual development by identifying learning and development needs and facilitate attendance of relevant programs.
• Deal with grievances, conflict and disciplinary issues and take appropriate actions in accordance with SANBS policy.
• Ensure regular two-way communication with staff matters such as strategy, values, team building, SOP's, policy changes, etc. to ensure understanding.
• Monitor and track staff time-keeping, absenteeism trends, overtime worked and leave to ensure adherence to Human Resources policy for cost-effective running of the department.
• Recruitment and selection of suitable candidates according to manpower plan recruitment and selection procedures and Employment Equity (EE) targets.
• Attend information meetings and appropriate training sessions as required, to remain informed of current field-related developments, to promote knowledge sharing where relevant as well as to ensure acquisition of required Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points according to IPA specifications.
• Conduct scheduled meetings with direct reports.
• Manage staff schedules and overtime for Plasma Division as per SANBS guidelines.

KPA 5 Customer Relations

• Manage and track customer complaints / queries and ensure resolution within agreed timeframes.
• Manage scheduled review and validity of Service Level Agreements with Specialised Processing.

Minimum requirements

Education:

• Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) Technologist or NQF level 6 qualification in Quality or management related field.

Experience and knowledge requirements:

• 2 years Plasma / Processing / Inventory experience.
• 2 years Supervisory experience.

Other (knowledge and skills):

• Standards of practice for Blood Transfusion in SA.
• Relevant SANBS policies and procedures.

Apply by: 28 January 2026

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Introduction

• The Translational Research Lead is responsible to generate and support the production of knowledge and research related to blood transfusion and related fields through the development and implementation of high-quality research support services to all SANBS business units.
• To develop, implement and manage research-related governance and regulatory requirements in support of developing research capacity within SANBS. To develop, implement and manage systems to track and report research activities in SANBS, both internal and external collaborations.
• The Translational Research Lead will support internal and external funding applications, management and reporting. Will develop, prepare, implement, track and coordinate grant and external research funding capacity and activities within SANBS.
• The Translational Research Lead will develop work plans to achieve assigned project goals and organise activities with collaborative sites to support project goals.
• This includes training and managing collaborative site personnel and other trial site personnel regarding fidelity of protocols and data collection for the specific assigned process metrics used in the projects under management.

Job description

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS (KPAS)

KPA 1 Participate in Business Planning & Implementation Relating To Translational Research

KPI

• Collaborate with the Manager Translational Research and relevant stakeholders to develop a business plan for the Translational Research department aligned with the SANBS Mission and Vision, with supporting budget and resource requirements, which includes revenue generation.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement through gap analysis and propose and implement remedial action.
• Develop and implement procedures, strategies and standards related to research to accomplish the Vision and Mission of SANBS and the department, comply with legislative requirements and maintain quality standards of blood transfusion research practice throughout SANBS.
• Implementation of research policies and agreements through education and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of the departmental budget. Monitor budget expenses for specified projects and ensure targets and deadlines are met.
• Execute project management processes and methodologies to ensure projects are delivered ontime and within budget, adhere to high quality standards, and benefit the research teams by ensuring smooth implementation of new research projects from conception through study close out.
• Collaborate with internal and external investigators to help meet targets and milestones (ensure timely and accurate submission to SRC, HREC/IRB’s, funders and contract managers) and coordinate with the Manager Translational Research on site remediation, outreach, presentations, and web site content management.
• Develop appropriate reporting metrics, collect data and submit within the specified timeframe to the relevant bodies within and outside of SANBS.
• Collaborate with other Divisions in SANBS (such as the Operations, Marketing and ICT as required) to synergise integrated outcomes.

KPA 2 Quality Assurance and Compliance to Standards of Practice, Policies, Procedures and Protocols

• Ensure successful implementation and maintenance of Translational Research Policies and Procedures and related regulatory requirements with regard to research activities.
• Guide relevant stakeholders in the development of protocols and procedures to guide operational implementation and practice in the specialised area of expertise.
• Guide relevant stakeholders in the development of protocols and procedures to define the criteria for the application, acceptance and monitoring of research projects.
• Coordinate, oversee and provide administrative support to the Scientific Review Committee (SRC), Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) and any other governance processes as required.
• Identify risks on a divisional and departmental level and develop plans to mitigate and reduce risk.
• Assist with benchmarking best practice and propose improvements to the Manager Translational Research and the Chairpersons of the SRC, HREC and related bodies.
• Develop and implement systems to ensure that all research requirements are complied with.
• Monitor the quality of vendor deliverables, address quality issues with the appropriate team member and identify opportunities to improve training, execution and quality control across the team.
• Ensures compliance with ICH-GCP, HREC, SAHPRA and other relevant legislation, guidelines and requirements.

KPA 3 Improving Process Integration in the Research and Development Area

• Design and implement the SANBS research agenda and framework.
• Responsible for aspects of management and implementation that enable the creation of a supportive environment for high-quality and relevant research training and output.
• This could include the requisite resources, including people, funding, partners, facilities and infrastructure.
• Identify and develop research training modules in collaboration with business units and/or external stakeholders through conceptualisation, design, inception, development and monitoring to handover to the relevant business function or external stakeholder.
• Manage post-graduate research programmes to ensure induction and orientation of Masters, Doctoral and Post-Doctoral students as well as reporting of the progress of such students to relevant bodies.
• Develop, implement and support system/s to facilitate the submission of congress abstracts, research applications, manuscripts and other research output in an efficient, consistent manner that complies with SANBS branding policies and procedures.
• Guide and facilitate the submission of project reports to the appropriate legislative, regulatory or funding body.
• Guide and facilitate report backs and evaluate the outcomes to ensure that projects meet legislative, regulatory or funding requirements.
• Develop and implement grant application processes, manage, track and report on grant activities, assist in the financial grant reporting, and guide and assist with annual reports to the grantor.
• Perform as well as guide and assist SANBS employees and collaborators with quantitative and qualitative research projects and data analysis.

KPA 4 Customer and Stakeholder Relationship Building

• Participate, review and action the research training needs of the various SANBS divisions.
• Serve as liaison and facilitate, manage and report on meetings between project stakeholders and leadership and complete and maintain professional documentation for projects and deliverables, develop SOPs as needed, and assist in the auditing and monitoring of studies.
• Actively develop and sustain strategic external partnerships that support and expand the research and development programme.
• Implement information technology in all aspects of research operations in line with the SANBS digitalisation strategy.
• Support the establishment of a portal for innovation that will ensure the execution and implementation of viable ideas from SANBS employees or stakeholders.

KPA 5 Personal Development and Management

• Engage in personal performance management and monitoring on on-going basis through participation in mentoring, coaching, and reviews.
• Track individual development by identifying learning and development needs.
• Actively participate in regular two-way communication with line manager on strategy, values, team building, SOPs, policy changes, etc. to ensure understanding and effective execution.
• Ensure accurate personal time-keeping, overtime worked and leave to ensure adherence to HR policies.
• Identify and complete Continuous Professional Development opportunities.
• Attend and participate in meetings and training sessions as required, to remain informed of current field-related developments, to promote knowledge sharing.

Minimum requirements

Education:

• A four-year degree (Bachelor or Bachelor Honours) in Life Sciences, Health Sciences, Nursing, or Pharmacy AND
• Post-graduate qualification in the field of public health, research, biostatistics, epidemiology or similar.
• Master's in Public Health, Life or Health Sciences will be advantageous.

Experience and knowledge requirements:

• 2 Years’ experience in research management and administration.
• Four or more years of biomedical research, regulatory and/or ethics experience.
• Proficiency in MS Office (requirement).
• Grant administration (recommended).
• SAP (recommended).

Other (knowledge and skills):

• Current GCP certification.
• Knowledge of research governance.
• Knowledge of research ethics.
• Knowledge of grant application and administration.
• Drivers licence.
• Knowledge and experience with SAHPRA submissions will be an advantage.

Apply by: 4 February 2026

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Introduction

• Qualified Blood Bank Technician To perform routine testing functions (manual and automated) in blood banks including but not limited to, compatibility, post-natal and preliminary transfusion reaction investigations according to Standard Operating Procedures and the Standards of Practice for Blood Transfusion in South Africa.
• Qualified Blood Bank Technologist To perform routine testing functions in Blood Banks including but not limited to, compatibility, postnatal and preliminary transfusion reaction investigations.
• To check and verify test results performed by Registered Blood Bank Technicians, Registered Trainee Technicians and Registered Student Technologists.

Job description

Qualified Blood Bank Technician

KPA 1 Operational Objectives

• Perform all operational functions (manual and automated) according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and within the required timeframes:
• Check blood and blood product stock levels. Report expired units.
• Receive reagents and proficiency tests and store them in designated areas at the correct temperature.

Dispose of waste according to SOP:

Prepare documentation for waste traceability:

• Collect and place medical waste containers in the designated area daily for removal and disposal by the approved waste removal company.
• Check weighing of waste by the waste disposal company.

KPA 2 Instrument and Laboratory Maintenance

• Perform daily cleaning of work area, cold rooms, fridges, freezers and all blood banking equipment according to SOP and record the information.
• Check that all equipment and instrumentation is in working order. Report any defects to the Supervisor.
• Monitor the temperature of all equipment used to store blood and blood products and record the information. Report any problems to the Supervisor.

KPA 3 Quality and Risk Objectives

• Ensure that all policies, documentation and SOPs are read, understood and maintain competency.
• Comply with Standard of practice, SHEQ and accreditation requirements.
• Contribute to and participate in continuous safety and quality improvement.
• Perform processes to ensure that the number of minor and major deficiencies amount to less than the agreed amount per site.

KPA 4 Customer Relations

• Document customer complaints / Compliments / queries and forward documentation to the Supervisor.
• Interact professionally and courteously with internal and external customers.

Blood Bank Technologist

KPA 1 Operational Objectives

• Perform all operational functions (manual and automated) according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and within the required timeframes:
• Report situations where the critical and non-critical consumables are not available after hours to the Blood Bank (BB) Supervisor.
• Deputise for Shift Supervisor/BB Supervisor when absent or unavailable.
• Receive reagents and proficiency tests and store them in designated areas at the correct temperature.

Dispose of waste according to SOP:

• Prepare documentation for waste traceability:
• Collect and place medical waste containers in the designated area daily for removal and disposal by the approved waste removal company.
• Check weighing of waste by the Waste Disposal Company.

KPA 2 Specialist Technical functions

• Check and verify test results performed by registered technicians, registered trainee technicians and registered student technologists.
• Assist BB Supervisor with training and competency assessments.
• Perform secondary testing, including but not limited to, problem cross matches, postnatal, antibody investigations and preliminary transfusion reaction investigations within required timeframes and according to SOP specifications.

KPA 3 Quality and Risk Objectives

• Check equipment to ensure that all instrumentation and equipment is in working order according to SOP criteria.
• Check blood and blood product stock levels, including identifying and reporting of expired units.
• Ensure that all policies, documents and relevant SOP’s are read and understood and maintain competency for the stipulated standard operating procedures.
• Comply with standards of practice, accreditation, QC testing, proficiency testing and safety requirements and contribute to and participate in continuous quality improvement.
• Strive to remain well informed of current developments to promote knowledge sharing as well as to ensure acquisition of required CPD points according to IPA specifications.
• Assist the BB Supervisor with Risk tasks allocated within the agreed timeframes.

KPA 4 Instrument and Laboratory Maintenance

• Perform daily cleaning of work area, cold rooms, fridges, freezers and all blood banking equipment according to SOP and record the information.
• Check that all equipment and instrumentation is in working order. Report any defects to the Supervisor.
• Monitor the temperature of all equipment used to store blood and blood products and record the information. Report any problems to the Supervisor.

KPA 5 Customer relations

• Document customer complaints / compliments / queries and forward documentation to the BB Supervisor.
• Interact professionally with medical staff and ensure an adequate and efficient response to routine queries.

KPA 6 General Functions

• Perform Shift Supervisor functions and other related duties when required so as to facilitate the efficient running of the laboratory.
• Perform miscellaneous routine laboratory tasks and other job-related duties when required by the supervisors and other senior staff so as to facilitate efficient running of the laboratory.
• Attend meetings to ensure that relevant information is acquired.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES (E.G. TRAVEL, WORKING AFTER HOURS ETC.)

• Overtime as and when required.
• Shift work and weekend duties as scheduled.
• Occasional local and national travel.
• Call out system.
• General physical health and reasonable endurance and mobility.
• Proficient eye-sight.

Minimum requirements

Education

• HPCSA Registered Biomedical Technician / Technologist (Blood Transfusion).

Experience and knowledge requirements

• As per HPCSA registration requirement as Medical Technician / Technologist (Blood Transfusion).
• Other (knowledge and skills), e.g. understanding of relevant legislation; knowledge of relevant company procedures.
• Computer Literacy in MS Word, Excel and Outlook.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES (E.G. TRAVEL, WORKING AFTER HOURS ETC.)

• Overtime as and when required.
• Shift work and weekend duties as scheduled.
• Occasional local and national travel.
• General physical health and reasonable endurance and mobility.
• Detail conscious.
• Proficient eye-sight.
• Person cannot be colour blind

Apply by: 30 January 2026

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Introduction

• The Shift Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the processing laboratory during their assigned shift. This includes supervising employees, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures, and maintaining the highest standards of product quality and safety.
• Oversee the receipt, inspection, handling and processing of whole blood into separate components_: Ensure that all blood components are handled, stored, and processed in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.
• Maintain accurate and complete processing records: Oversee the maintenance of accurate and complete records of blood components processed and product disposition.
• Ensure proper storage and handling of blood components to mitigate loss of product and minimize risk of blood supply: Monitor the storage and handling of blood components to ensure that they are maintained at the correct temperature and handled in a way that prevents damage or contamination.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives: Collaborate with other departments and teams to identify areas for improvement and implement changes to improve product quality and safety.
• Communicate effectively with employees and other stakeholders_: Provide clear and concise communication to employees and other stakeholders, and respond to queries and concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Ensure that all automated processing equipment is maintained, serviced and calibrated according to SOP criteria and manufacturer specifications and keep accurate records of maintenance performed.
• Perform direct supervision of trainee employees. Perform training and sign off trainee and qualified lab assistant employees as competent.

Job description

Key Performance Areas:

• Financial Objectives
• Operational Objectives 
• People supervised to achive operational objectives
• Quality and Risk Management objectives
• Customer Relations

Competencies:

Cognitive

• Analytical thinking and attention to detail
• Problem solving
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Planning, organising and monitoring

Personal

• Ethical behaviour
• Personal Development
• Assertiveness
• Excellent orientation
• Flexibility / Adaptability
• Drive and belief in the cause

Interpersonal

• Customer Service Orientation
• Relationship Building
• Communication
• Engaging Diversity
• Teamwork
• Knowledge Sharing
• Conflict management

Prof technical

• Systems competence
• Technical skills / Competence:
• Laboratory skills
• Administrative skills.

 Leadership

• Motivating People
• People Development

Special Requirements:

• Overtime as and when required
• Shift and weekend duties as scheduled
• Local and nation travel
• Generally physically healthy and reasonable endurance and mobility
• Detail Conscious
• Proficient Eye-sight

Minimum requirements

Education:

• Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) Registered Medical Technologist (Blood Transfusion).

Experience:

• 1 Year of Blood Transfusion experience.

Other (Knowledge and Skills):

• SANAS documents.
• ISO15189
• Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
• HPCSA
• Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
• Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Acts
• Relevant SANBS policies and procedures.

Apply by: 28 January 2026