Supervisor: Laboratory Support

Biovac; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Biovac, a leading sterile vaccine manufacturer in Africa, seeks a Supervisor: Laboratory Support to enhance their dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in Microbiology or related fields, 4 years in the pharmaceutical industry, and demonstrate strong leadership and organizational skills. Key duties include managing lab operations, overseeing inventory control, and ensuring compliance with GMP standards.

Qualifications

• 4 years' experience in pharmaceutical/biotech manufacturing.
• At least 1 year at team leader or supervisory level.
• Experience in quality management systems within a cGMP facility.

Responsibilities

• Oversee procurement, storage, and usage of sterile reagents.
• Supervise documentation processes including test records and certificates of analysis.
• Coordinate aseptic sampling and testing in sterile environments.

Skills

GMP

GLP

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree/Diploma in Microbiology, Chemistry, Biotechnology or related

Tools

LIMS

ERP systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

BIOVAC is one of the leading sterile vaccine manufacturers rooted in Africa, with our core purpose being to "protect life". We are looking to hire a dynamic, passionate, confident, proactive and meticulous Supervisor: Laboratory Support to join a goal-oriented team.

QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED:

• Bachelor's degree/Diploma in Microbiology, Chemistry, Biotechnology, or a related scientific field.
• Strong understanding of GMP, GLP, and aseptic techniques.
• Recognition is given to Prior Learning and practical experience.

NECESSARY EXPERIENCE & INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE:

At least 4 years' experience in pharmaceutical/ biotech manufacturing industry of which:

• At least 4 years within a QC Laboratory, Routine Biological Testing, Microbiology Laboratory or equivalent.
• At least 1 years' experience at team leader or at supervisory level.
• Experience in quality management systems within a cGMP facility.
• Strong understanding of GMP, GLP, and aseptic techniques.
• Proficiency in LIMS, ERP systems, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Good organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience in aseptic (sterile) manufacturing is preferred.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE:

Stock and Inventory Control:

• Oversee procurement, storage, and usage of sterile reagents, media, chemicals, and consumables.
• Maintain validated inventory systems to ensure traceability and stock accuracy.
• Monitor expiry dates, batch traceability, and storage conditions for sensitive materials.
• Coordinate with procurement and suppliers to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Ensure that the expense budgets are maintained and escalated as required

Administrative Oversight:

• Coordinate laboratory scheduling, sample tracking, and report generation.
• Ensure that QC documentation is tracked, collated, archived and easily retrievable.
• Supervise documentation processes including test records, certificates of analysis, and all required reports.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal SOPs.
• Prepare for and support internal and external audits and inspections.

Cleaning Services Management:

• Supervise routine and deep cleaning of glassware, sterile and non-sterile lab areas, including cleanrooms and biosafety cabinets.
• Ensure for glassware preparations, autoclaving and waste management according to SOPs
• Ensure adherence to validated cleaning protocols and environmental monitoring requirements.
• Maintain cleaning logs, perform visual inspections, and verify cleaning effectiveness.
• Coordinate with internal teams or external contractors for specialized cleaning services.

Sampling Coordination:

• Oversee aseptic sampling and testing of materials, components, Consumables, in-process samples, and finished products in sterile environments.
• Ensure sampling is performed using validated techniques and in compliance with microbiological and chemical testing standards.
• Manage outsource planning, sampling and testing with various approved laboratories
• Train staff on gowning procedures, aseptic techniques, and contamination control.
• Maintain sample integrity, chain of custody, and accurate documentation.

Process Improvement:

• Identify and implement improvements in administrative workflows, inventory systems, and cleaning/sampling procedures.

Internal Application Deadline: 21 July 2025

External Application Deadline: 30 July 2025

If you do not receive a response from us within three weeks of submitting your application, please understand that your application was not successful.

We believe in the magic of diversity within teams and to achieve this, we do apply Employment Equity principles during our selection process where this is necessary to achieve such diversity.

Disclaimer:

Dear Applicant, we appreciate your interest in joining our organization. It is imperative for us that you understand how we handle your information. We are committed to ensuring the security and confidentiality of the information you provide. Your personal details will be collected for the sole purpose of the application process and will be used strictly for that purpose. By applying, you acknowledge and consent to the collection, use, and protection of your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy. If you have any inquiries or concerns, our Human Capital department is available to provide clarification. We look forward to reviewing your application.