Laboratory Technician - Microbiology

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Laboratory Technician for our client’s busy Microbiology department in Port Elizabeth. You will perform routine microbiological tests, prepare media and reagents, and operate essential lab equipment while maintaining strict safety and quality standards.

The ideal candidate holds a National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Medical Microbiology or related field, with experience in clinical or research microbiology, and strong attention to detail.

Qualifications

• National Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, or related field.
• Previous experience as Laboratory Technician in clinical or research microbiology setting.
• Proficiency in standard microbiology laboratory techniques and aseptic techniques.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality control procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately under pressure.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiological tests, including cultures, staining, and sensitivity testing.
• Prepare media, reagents, and stains required for laboratory procedures.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as incubators, microscopes, and autoclaves.
• Adhere strictly to laboratory safety protocols and quality assurance procedures.
• Accurately record and report test results in the laboratory information system.
• Assist in inventory management of laboratory supplies and reagents.

Skills

Microbiology techniques

Aseptic technique

Quality control

Record keeping

Teamwork

Education

Diploma/Degree in Medical Microbiology

BSc in Microbiology

Tools

Incubators

Microscopes

Autoclaves

Laboratory Information System (LIS)

Job description

Our client is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to join their busy Microbiology department in Port Elizabeth. This role is critical for supporting diagnostic testing and research activities, ensuring the accurate identification and analysis of microbial samples. You will perform a variety of laboratory tests, maintain equipment, and ensure adherence to strict quality control and safety standards. This is an excellent opportunity for a technician passionate about microbiology to contribute to vital public health initiatives within a well-established laboratory setting in Port Elizabeth.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine microbiological tests, including cultures, staining, and sensitivity testing.
• Prepare media, reagents, and stains required for laboratory procedures.
• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment such as incubators, microscopes, and autoclaves.
• Adhere strictly to laboratory safety protocols and quality assurance procedures.
• Accurately record and report test results in the laboratory information system.
• Assist in inventory management of laboratory supplies and reagents.

Requirements

• National Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Microbiology, or a related field.
• Previous experience as a Laboratory Technician, preferably in a clinical or research microbiology setting.
• Proficiency in standard microbiology laboratory techniques and aseptic techniques.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety and quality control procedures.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately under pressure.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary based on qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development in laboratory sciences.
• Work in a modern, well-equipped laboratory.
• Contribute to critical health services in Port Elizabeth.

Responsible for laboratory testing and analysis of raw materials and finished products to support food safety, quality and production standards.

Job Purpose

To conduct microbiological and analytical tests on raw materials and finished products manufactured. Ensuring results are communicated and corrected. To comply with the organisational as well as legal standards and procedures. To carry out any other relevant duties as required.

Key Accountabilities and Outputs

• Product and Raw Material Testing
• Conduct microbiological and analytical testing on the following products using approved testing methods as per SOP
• Carbonated soft drink
• Incoming raw material and verification of consignment products
• External verification tests by a SANAS accredited laboratory
• Equipment calibration and or daily verification
• Conduct analytical tests in water as follows: pH., Brix, CO2, FS02, Turbidity and Alcohol %, TSO2, etc.
• Organoleptic checks
• Packaging quality checks
• Conducting microbiocidal testing of the final product, surfaces, and the environment, etc.
• Conduct micro-testing on equipment, environment, water, and air by plating on Agar plates
• Conducting micro-testing on environmental swabs

Communication, reporting of results, and deviations, and investigation

Communicate any deviations to the Team Leader and/or Quality manager and assist in root cause analysis to identify the source of deviation/ non-conformity

Ensure all reagents to be used are available and discard all waste generated during analysis

Plans work accordingly and request reagents if not available or about to expiure

Correct and safe packing of waste for disposal

Health, Safety, Quality and FSSC 22000

Visual inspection on plant and products

Ensure adherence to standards

Ensure that all work is done in a safe manner and all equipment used complies with safety standards.

Support the companies Health and Safety as well as Quality programme to achieve the identified objectives and targets and fulfil the responsibilities assigned by management

Adhere to all food safety standards and report on all issues with regards to the food safety management system to the Food Safety Team

Ensure that the Critical Control Points (CCP1) and Operational Prerequisite Programs (OPRP2) are measured, monitored and verified at predetermined frequencies as per SOP

Quality and Experience

• Grade 12
• BSc in Microbiology, BSc/ Biotechnology Diploma or B.Tech Food Technology qualification
• 1 year product testing in FMCG
• 1 year laboratory experience

Key quality and behavioural competencies

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous in observing deviations and ensuring precise measurements to maintain product consistency
• Analytical thinking: Ability to evaluate data, identify trends, and troubleshoot quality issues pro-actively
• Proactive problem solving mindset: Applies root-cause analysis to resolve defects, inspired by continuous improvement practices. Ability to investigate issues and implement solutions under pressure
• Teamwork and communication: Collaborates with production teams and communicates findings clearly to drive corrective actions, fostering a quality-focused culture.
• Integrity and accountability: upholds ethical standards in testing and reporting, taking ownership of quality outcomes
• Adaptability: Thrives in a dynamic manufacturing setting, handling shift work and responding to real-time production challenges
• Safety: Commitment to safety, quality, demonstrating integrity in upholding standards without compromise

When required, perform analysis on the purchased raw materials in accordance with RMQC plan

Additional QC duties required as per business requirements