Laboratory Technician I - Temporary

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 699,000 - 1,131,000; Full time

Job summary

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is a premier biomedical research and cancer treatment institution that drives cutting-edge studies and clinical care. This role provides essential laboratory support across multiple studies, performs weekly IQC on rapid test kits, and helps maintain a compliant, audit-ready lab environment.

You will liaise with study coordinators, document QC activities, and contribute to inventory management while supporting a safe, collaborative team in a high-stakes research

Qualifications

• National Diploma in Medical Technology with HPCSA registration.
• 2–5 years of laboratory work experience.
• HPCSA registration is required.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring, evaluating and reporting laboratory results as per SOPs.
• Laboratory testing and processing, including maintenance of equipment and inventory control.
• Laboratory facility maintenance and ensuring a safe, audit-ready environment.
• Laboratory administration and coordinating with study coordinators and laboratories.

Skills

Client service

Task related knowledge

Communication

Teamwork

Interpersonal relationships

Computer Skills

Basic laboratory equipment maintenance

Technical Skills

Education

National Diploma in Medical Technology

HPCSA Registration

Job description

Overview

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center is an independent, nonprofit organization providing adult cancer treatment and groundbreaking research focused on cancer and infectious diseases. Based in Seattle, Fred Hutch is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Washington.

With a track record of global leadership in bone marrow transplantation, HIV/AIDS prevention, immunotherapy and COVID-19 vaccines, Fred Hutch has earned a reputation as one of the world’s leading cancer, infectious disease and biomedical research centers. Fred Hutch operates eight clinical care sites that provide medical oncology, infusion, radiation, proton therapy and related services, and network affiliations with hospitals in five states. Together, our fully integrated research and clinical care teams seek to discover new cures to the world’s deadliest diseases and make life beyond cancer a reality.

At Fred Hutch we value collaboration, compassion, determination, excellence, innovation, integrity and respect. Our mission is directly tied to the humanity, dignity and inherent value of each employee, patient, community member and supporter. Our commitment to learning across our differences and similarities make us stronger. We seek employees who bring different and innovative ways of seeing the world and solving problems.

The main purpose of this position is to provide laboratory support for all studies.

Responsibilities

Monitoring, evaluating and reporting

• Responsible for performing weekly internal quality control (IQC) on all rapid test kits according to SOP’s and Laboratory Quality Management Plan
• Perform external quality assurance (EQA) on a rotational basis as per SOP’s and Laboratory Quality Management Plan
• Report laboratory related incidences as per site SOP’s and workplace guidelines
• Report to study coordinators or doctors of abnormal on-site rapid test results as per study protocols (e.g. positive or discordant HIV result)

Laboratory testing and processing

• Perform weekly and monthly preventative maintenance on all laboratory equipment (e.g. cleaning of centrifuges)
• Ensure clean and safe working environment (e.g. checking eyewash bottle for contamination)
• Record and monitor laboratory temperatures daily
• Respond to temperature SMS alerts when required
• Assist with up to date inventory control (e.g. alert senior lab technologist when orders need to be placed)
• Assist in ensuring the laboratory is audit ready at all times

Laboratory facility maintenance

• Perform weekly and monthly preventative maintenance on all laboratory equipment (e.g. cleaning of centrifuges)
• Ensure clean and safe working environment (e.g. checking eyewash bottle for contamination)
• Record and monitor laboratory temperatures daily
• Respond to temperature SMS alerts when required
• Assist with up to date inventory control (e.g. alert senior lab technologist when orders need to be placed)
• Assist in ensuring the laboratory is audit ready at all times

Laboratory administration

• Liaise with study coordinators when resolving queries with local and international laboratories (e.g. samples need to be re-tested)
• Ensure testing log sheets and QC documentation are correctly filled in and filed according to SOP’s and Laboratory Quality Management Plan
• Participate in site meetings and sponsor calls
• Undergo training in new and updated research protocols

Qualifications

Education, Certification, Qualifications and Experience Needed

• National Diploma in Medical Technology, registration with the HPCSA
• 2-5 years laboratory work
• HPCSA Registration

Competencies, Job Specifications Required to do the Job

• Client service
• Task related knowledge and skill
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Building interpersonal relationships
• Computer Skills
• Basic laboratory equipment maintenance
• Good Technical Skills

Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) Consent to Use and Collection of Personal Information, Including Consent to Background Check.