Senior Assistant Officer Laboratory Assistant

University of the Free State; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 388 000 - 488 000; Full time

Job summary

A higher education institution in Bloemfontein is seeking a Senior Assistant Officer: Laboratory Assistant. The successful candidate will assist postgraduate and PhD students in a laboratory setting and manage supplies while ensuring compliance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree or BTech in Pharmacology or a related field, along with relevant experience in a bioassay research laboratory. The role offers an annual salary between R388 426.59 and R487 479.38 depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Medical aid scheme

Housing allowance

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacology or related field required.
• Minimum one year’s relevant experience in a bioassay research laboratory.

Responsibilities

• Assist postgraduate and PhD students with research.
• Manage laboratory supplies and ensure GLP compliance.
• Contribute to departmental research activities.

Skills

Laboratory research skills

Analytical thinking

Proficiency in MS Office

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree or BTech in Pharmacology or related field

Job description

Job TitleSenior Assistant Officer: Laboratory Assistant (post level 12) (Contract appointment: 4 years) (Job ID: 6329) Organizational Unit University of the Free State → Faculty of Health Sciences → School of Clinical Medicine → Department Pharmacology Contract Type Contract Occupational Level Semi-Skilled Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date: 29/1/2026

Applications Note

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities

• Assist postgraduate, Master's, PhDs, Postdoctoral fellows, and intern students.
• Participate in all departmental research activities (field trips, workshops, community research meetings/workshops, scientific conferences, and meetings with all stakeholders, all academic programs).
• Spend more than 90% of time in the laboratory activity involved in African Medicines Innovations and Technology Development (AMITD) research projects.
• Work under the strategic research direction of the director.
• Report directly to the director.
• Manage the main analytical laboratory supplies.
• Ensure that Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) are strictly followed.
• Develop GLP and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enforce GLP and laboratory safety in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager.
• Implement the Director’s strategic research and contract projects on the AMITD platform.
• Conduct scientific research on projects assigned to the AMITD Platform Director or self-initiated in line with programme objectives.

Inherent requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or a BTech degree on NQF Level 7 in the field of Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical sciences, Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum of one (1) year’s relevant working experience in a bioassay research laboratory.

Recommendations

• Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in the field of Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical sciences, Chemistry or related field.
• Three (3) years’ relevant experience in a bioassay research laboratory.
• Experience in Herbal medicines and traditional medicines research and interest in these fields.
• Laboratory research-oriented experience.

Competencies

• Results Orientated:
  • The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
  • The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic Thinking:
  • The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
  • The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
• Business Acumen:
  • The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
  • Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
  • The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation energy and enthusiasm.
  • The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
  • The ability to be self‑assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
  • The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties

As soon as possible.

Closing date

29 January 2026.

Salary

The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R388 426.59 – R487 479.38 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.

Fringe benefits

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 2876 or email [e-mail] or [e-mail]. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2876/2558/9813 for assistance.

General

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under‑represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: EEA13Report_UNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE FINAL SEP 2025.pdf

Privacy

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

Recruitment Disclaimer

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.