Serology/Molecular Supervisor: Reference Laboratory

South African National Blood Service; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 551,000 - 746,000; Full time

Job summary

South African National Blood Service is seeking a Serology/Molecular Supervisor in the Reference Laboratory to oversee day-to-day operations of the molecular and specialised testing section. The role requires supervising direct reports, monitoring environment, maintaining records, and ensuring timely testing and reporting, with deputization duties for the HOL as needed.

The candidate will be responsible for quality improvement initiatives, staff development, and ensuring compliance with SOPs,

Qualifications

• HPCSA registered technologist in blood transfusion is required.
• One year experience in the Reference Laboratory is preferred.
• Familiarity with SAP and BECS systems is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of the molecular/specialised testing section.
• Maintain accurate and complete records of patient/donor data, test results and inventory.
• Ensure turnaround times for testing, results and reporting.
• Oversee quality improvement initiatives and staff training.
• Assist HOL and deputize for the Head of Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory as required.

Education

HPCSA Registered Medical Technologist in Blood Transfusion

Tools

SAP

BECS

Job description

Serology/Molecular Supervisor: Reference Laboratory

Listing reference: sanbs_003410

Listing status: Online

Apply by: 19 August 2026

Position summary

Job category: Health, Fitness, Medical and Optometry

Contract: Permanent

Business Unit: Mount Edgecombe

Remuneration: R 648,382.00

EE position: No

Introduction

The Molecular Supervisor: Reference Laboratory is responsible for supervising and coordinating the dailyactivities of the molecular and specialised testing section of the Immunohaematology ReferenceLaboratory, ensuring that activities are performed and samples tested and resulted in accordance withestablished procedures and regulations.1. Supervise and coordinate the work of direct reports: Provide guidance, support, and feedback toensure efficient and effective operations.2. Monitor and control the laboratory environment: Ensure that the area is maintained in a clean andsafe condition, and that all equipment is functioning correctly.3. Oversee testing activities, ensuring that samples are received, tested, resulted and reported withrequired turnaround time.4. Maintain accurate and complete records: Oversee the maintenance of accurate and completerecords, including patient/donor records, test results, and inventory management.5. Troubleshooting: Identify and resolve issues within the laboratory, including equipment malfunctionsand result discrepancies.6. Participate in quality improvement initiatives: Collaborate with other departments and teams toidentify areas for improvement and implement changes to improve product quality and safety.7. Provide deputization support to the Head of Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory, andand theSerology/Molecular Supervisor: Reference Laboratory as required.

KPA 1 Business Planning and Financial Management

KPI

• 1.1. Provide the Head of Immunohaematology Reference Laboratory (HOL) with the relevant information required for the annual budget and business plan by recording, summarising and reporting estimates of consumables consumption, staffing and equipment requirements and cost usage of daily operations.
• 1.2. Prepare annual OPEX and CAPEX budgets for the laboratory. Submit to the HOL.
• 1.3. Ensure the CAPEX items are acquired within the agreed time frames.
• 1.4. Report on budget variances monthly and address misallocations with finance department.
• 1.5. Manage overtime worked by employees.
• 1.6. Ensure Goods Receipt (GR) of invoices as per procedure, to facilitate payment of suppliers.

KPA 2 Supervision of Staff

KPI

• 2.1. Conduct performance management and monitor performance of direct reports on an on-going basis through mentoring, coaching, and reviews and take appropriate steps to correct problems.
• 2.2. Track & encourage individual development by identifying learning and development needs & facilitate attendance of relevant programmes.
• 2.3. Monitor and track employee time-keeping, absenteeism trends, overtime worked and leave to ensure adherence to HR policy for cost-effective running of the department.
• 2.4. Deal with grievances, conflict and disciplinary issues and take appropriate corrective actions in accordance with SANBS Policy.
• 2.5. Recruit and select suitable candidates according to manpower plan recruitment and selection procedures and EE targets.
• 2.6. Ensure the completion of on-going vocational technical training as per training plan.
• 2.7. Conduct and oversee procedural training and maintain training records.
• 2.8. Perform direct supervision on all employees and complete records.
• 2.9. Conduct scheduled meetings with direct reports.
• 2.10. Ensure regular two-way communication with employee matters such as strategy, values, team building, SOP’s, policy changes, etc. to ensure understanding.
• 2.11. Attend meetings and training sessions as required to remain informed of current field related developments to promote knowledge sharing.
• 2.12. Coordinate and monitor Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities for the Teams and ensure HPCSA compliance

KPA 3 Operational Supervision

KPI

• 3.1. Ensure that routine and non-routine processes are performed according to Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
• 3.2. Ensure staff competency to relevant SANBS processes and procedures.
• 3.3. Allocate laboratory work to staff and monitor for completion as per required turnaround time.
• 3.4. Ensure the appropriate maintenance of records (hardcopy and electronic, as applicable).
• 3.5. Manage stock of laboratory consumables:
  • 3.5.1. Monitor stock usage and wastage of test kits, reagents and laboratory consumables
  • 3.5.2. Rotate stock as required.
  • 3.5.3. Ensure sufficient stock to ensure ongoing operational functions.
• 3.6. Assist the HOL in the handling of work-related queries.
• 3.7. Checking and authorisation of laboratory results.
• 3.8. Sign and release laboratory reports.
• 3.9. Be multi-skilled in all aspects of the Reference Laboratory, including the following processes as and when required:
  • 3.9.1. Red cell phenotyping and genotyping.
  • 3.9.2. Complex and routine red cell antibody identification investigations.
  • 3.9.3. Red cell antibody titration tests.
  • 3.9.4. Antibody absorption and elution procedures.
  • 3.9.5. Reagent standardisation.
  • 3.9.6. Antenatal investigations
  • 3.9.7. Transfusion reaction investigations.
  • 3.9.8. Testing of samples from internal and external customers e.g., Donation Testing, Reagents Laboratory, NBI.
  • 3.9.9. Preparation of various buffers and reagents as and when required.
• 3.10. Assist the HOL with the control and inventory management of Reference Laboratory reagents, fresh and frozen red blood cells for transfusion and laboratory requirements.
• 3.11. Assist the HOL with the provision of rare donations to national and international customers timeously, and as per SOP.

KPA 4 Customer and Stakeholder Management

KPI

• 4.1. Document and track customer complaints/compliments/queries and ensure resolution within agreed timeframes.
• 4.2. Assist the HOL with the provision of technical support and consultation to external and internal stakeholders as and when required.
• 4.3. Participate in the rostered 24hour call duty as and when required.
• 4.4. Coach team on customer service through discussion of the root cause of complaints/compliments/queries.
• 4.5. Promote education by conducting information sessions for internal/external delegates; registrars; medical technology/Medical Laboratory scientists (students) and new staff members as well as conducting guided tours for schools, the general public and media ensuring that information provided is directed at the level of the relevant audience.
• 4.6. Host meetings (internal and external stakeholders) and training sessions as required to remain informed of current field related developments to promote knowledge sharing.

KPA 5 Quality and Risk Management

KPI

• 5.1. Perform mandatory competency assessments and ensure that the required documentation is retained and accessible.
• 5.2. Contribute to SOP compilation by reviewing new and revised versions within the required timeframe, co-ordinating the validation processes and maintaining competency for the stipulated standard operating procedures.
• 5.3. Manage and ensure the strategy is achieved by connecting quality products with patients. Identify trends and investigate anomalies to prevent non-compliance to quality specifications.
• 5.4. Perform mandatory verifications, validations and re-validation on new equipment and equipment that has undergone maintenance. Analyse the results obtained, compile reports and submit to the HOL.
• 5.5. Report non-conforming performance and processes to the HOL to facilitate the initiation of appropriate corrective action according to SANBS Policy within the agreed timeframe.
• 5.6. Ensure that all relevant quality and safety procedures are implemented and that safety regulations are adhered to prevent incidents or accidents.
• 5.7. Monitor procedures to ensure that accreditation requirements are implemented and maintained.
• 5.8. Where required, in coordination with the Learning and Development department, accommodate demonstrable training of intern technologists as part of HPCSA regulations. Follow a training schedule and specific programme. Compile individual reports and submit to the HOL.
• 5.9. Maintain and take appropriate Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA) on the Notification Management System.
• 5.10. Participate in internal/External audits.
• 5.11. Complete Risk Management tasks allocated by HOL within agreed timeframes.
• 5.12. Ensure operational compliance by management of non-conformances through review of root cause analysis and implementation of required corrective action within agreed timeframes.
• 5.13. Assist the HOL with Basic Risk Assessment (BRA) & Continuous Risk Assessment (CRA), Risk register tasks allocated within the agreed timeframes.
• 5.14. Implement, test and maintain Business Continuity Plans (BCP).
• 5.15. Prepare quarterly quality circle reports.
• 5.16. Ensure IPC measures are maintained within the laboratory.
• 5.17. Perform and assist with asset verification and disposal.
• 5.18. Maintain laboratory housekeeping.

Analytical Thinkingand Attention to Detail

Judgement andDecision Making

Problem Solving

Planning,Organising andMonitoring

Education

HPCSA Registered Medical Technologist in Blood Transfusion.

Experience and knowledge requirements

• One year experience in the Reference Laboratory
• MS Outlook, Word, Excel.Other (knowledge and skills), e.g., under-standing of relevant legislation; knowledge of relevantcompany procedures
• Employee relations.
• Understanding of Blood Transfusion Standards.
• Understanding of HPCSA regulations.
• Understanding of SANAS regulations and audit process.
• SAP and Blood Establishment Computer System (BECS).
• Project management will be an added advantage.
• Supervisory experience will be an added advantage.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES (E.G. TRAVEL, WORKING AFTER HOURS ETC.)

• Provide 24-hour technical support and consultation to stakeholders (if required).
• Out of hours transport necessary.
• Overtime as and when required.
• Participate in rostered call duty.
• Proficient eyesight and reasonable mobility.
• Position not suitable for person with a disability.