Laboratory and Safety Coordinator (P000669) Readvertisement

North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit; Potchefstroom; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Potchefstroom seeks a Laboratory and Safety Coordinator to ensure safe and efficient laboratory operations within the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences. The role involves overseeing safety protocols, managing compliance with regulations, and providing oversight on laboratory and research operations. The ideal candidate must have at least a Grade 12 education and experience in administration. This position offers a permanent contract with a remuneration package aligned with NWU policies.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in general administration duties and asset management.
• Knowledge of chemical handling and basic laboratory safety.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe and legally compliant operation of research facilities.
• Oversee laboratory operations and enforce safety protocols.
• Manage bio sample disposal and waste management activities.

Skills

Problem solving

Effective time management

Effective communication skills

Computer skills

Strong analytical skills

Language proficiency

Education

Grade 12 (NQF level 4)

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

Job description

Position Summary

Industry: Education & Training

Job category: University and Academy

Location: Potchefstroom

Contract: Permanent

Remuneration: Market Related

About Our Company

NWU

Introduction

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS) FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES SCHOOL OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL SCIENCES POSITION NUMBER: P000669 POSITION: LABORATORY AND SAFETY COORDINATOR PEROMNES GRADE: P13 EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT APPOINTMENT NOTE: THOSE WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY APPLIED FOR THIS POSITION NEED NOT REAPPLY AS THE UNIVERSITY HAS YOUR APPLICATION

Job Description

Purpose of the Position

The Laboratory and Safety Coordinator is essential to ensure the efficient, safe, and legally compliant operation of the research facilities at the Biochemistry subject group and Biomedical and Molecular Metabolism Research (BioMMet). This role will provide dedicated oversight to laboratory operations, enforce safety protocols, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Laboratory safety;
• Audits, reports, meetings, inspections, legal compliance, supervision, after-hours availability, incident investigation, risk assessment, advanced safety courses;
• Research and innovation: reception, handling and distribution of chemicals and consumables;
• Building and laboratory infrastructure & machinery;
• Legal compliance, record keeping, maintenance, asset management, monitoring freezer breakdowns (after-hours);
• Bio (human and animal) sample management, including shipping, handling, tracking and disposal;
• Waste management: disposal, chemical handling (dangerous materials), storage;
• Laboratory Administration: knowledge of KFS, general administration, record keeping;
• Ad hoc tasks as directed by the Deputy Director;
• Occupational Health and Safety: under health and safety law, each employee must take care of their health and safety and that of others who may be affected by the employee’s actions/omissions at work.

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 (NQF level 4)
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in general administration duties and asset management.

Recommendations/Added Advantages

• Basic laboratory safety and management
• Knowledge of chemical handling

Key Functional/Technical Competencies

• Problem solving, identifying issues & resolving
• Effective time management
• Effective communication skills with students, colleagues & NWU Stakeholders
• Excellent computer skills with proven competency in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Record keeping of equipment booking, usage logs
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Language proficiency in a multi-lingual environment

Behavioural Competencies

• Ability to effectively work independently and in a team
• Ability to function under pressure
• Natural innovator who strives for ‘best practice’ and technical advancement service.

Remuneration

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

Enquiries

Job Content: Ms. Ronelle Naude, Tel: [phone]

Recruitment Process: Mr. Zenyo Seboko, Tel: [phone]

Closing Date

12 January 2026

Planned Commencement of Duties

As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website.

Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.