Laboratory Specialist

North-West University / Noordwes-Universiteit; Potchefstroom; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in South Africa is seeking a Laboratory Specialist to ensure operational excellence in their research unit. The ideal candidate must possess a master's degree in Biochemistry or Analytical Chemistry with at least 5 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include maintaining laboratory infrastructure, overseeing analytical equipment, and conducting training. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in advanced laboratory techniques are essential. The position offers a permanent appointment with competitive remuneration.

Qualifications

• Masters’ degree (NQF level 9) is required.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in laboratory skills and management.
• Experience with GC-MS, LC-MS, NMR, and EPR is essential.

Responsibilities

• Ensure operational excellence and technical reliability across the research unit.
• Lead infrastructure upgrades and manage equipment maintenance.
• Conduct routine servicing of laboratory equipment.

Skills

Basic laboratory skills and management

GC-MS (Gas chromatography mass spectrometry)

LC-MS (Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry)

NMR (Nuclear magnetic resonance)

EPR (Electron paramagnetic resonance)

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent computer skills

Ability to train staff and students

Education

Masters’ degree in Biochemistry or Analytical Chemistry

Job description

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS)

FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN METABOLOMICS

POSITION NUMBER: P000848

POSITION: LABORATORY SPECIALIST

PEROMNES GRADE: P8

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT APPOINTMENT

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The Laboratory Specialist is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of operational excellence and technical reliability across the research unit. This role is central to maintaining uninterrupted functionality across the full spectrum of laboratory infrastructure, including critical support and monitoring systems. The Laboratory Specialist ensures improved maintenance of expensive analytical equipment, leading to improved functionality, reduced maintenance cost, improved post-graduate flow-through, and increased publication outputs for the research entity. By implementing robust quality control measures, the Laboratory Specialist plays a key role in upholding the integrity of the research entity outputs and enabling high-impact, methodologically sound research. The Laboratory Specialist will also be responsible for post-graduate training and support on various analytical equipment (GC, NMR, EPR, LC).

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A Masters’ degree (NQF level 9) in Biochemistry or Analytical Chemistry.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in the following areas:
• Basic laboratory skills and management;
• Gas- and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS and LC-MS); and
• Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
• Must have experience in Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR).

RECOMMENDATIONS / ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• Membership with professional bodies such as South African Association for Mass Spectrometry (SAAMS), Chromatography Society of South Africa (ChromSA) or Metabolomics South Africa (MSA).

JOB DESCRIPTION:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operational activities:

• Pre-analytical and analytical processing of research samples and equipment maintenance.
• Lead infrastructure upgrades and manage installation and integration processes to enhance operational capacity.
• Execute routine servicing of laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimise downtime.

Research and Innovation:

• Assistance with method development and improvement of analytical capabilities.

Teaching and Learning:

• Student training

Laboratory Administration:

• Effective and efficient inventory management.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with application specialists and representatives to maximise technical support and drive innovation in laboratory practices.

Quality control:

• Adhering to ISO 17025 / Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards where applicable.

Ad hoc tasks:

• As directed by the Director.

Occupational Health and Safety:

• Foster a safety-focused culture by encouraging proactive risk identification, reporting, and shared accountability within the lab team (GLP, OHS and ethical research practices).

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Advanced knowledge of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) – application, maintenance, method development, method validation, quality control
• Advanced knowledge of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) – application, maintenance, method development, method validation, quality control
• Advanced knowledge of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) – application, maintenance, method development, method validation, quality control
• Advanced knowledge of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) – application, maintenance, method development, method validation, quality control
• Excellent computer skills with proven competency in mass spectrometry (MS) and NMR data processing
• Strong understanding of safety regulations, risk assessments, and emergency protocols, ensuring a safe working environment and minimising risks related to hazardous and biohazardous materials
• Record keeping of equipment booking, usage logs, results and quality documentation
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Language proficient in a multi-lingual environment
• Ability to train staff and students, fostering skill development in lab techniques, safety practices, and adherence to regulatory standards.

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.

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 REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO:

Prof Roan Louw, Tel: [phone]

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO:

Mr Zenyo Seboko, Tel: [phone]

CLOSING DATE:

21 November 2025

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.