Technician I.3.04

University of the Witwatersrand; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 50 000 - 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university is seeking a laboratory technician to prepare and maintain laboratory equipment, supervise students, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Ideal candidates should have a relevant scientific qualification and a minimum of one year's laboratory experience. Strong aseptic technique and ability to work under pressure are essential. The role requires excellent organization and record-keeping skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year's laboratory experience.
• Proficient in aseptic techniques and cell culture handling.
• Ability to supervise and train students in laboratory sessions.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain laboratory equipment for teaching and research.
• Supervise and train students in practical sessions.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety and health regulations.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Laboratory safety protocols

Technical proficiency with scientific instrumentation

Record-keeping

Supervision and training skills

Time management

Education

BPharm/ MPharm / Bsc / National Diploma / BTech in a relevant scientific field

Tools

HPLC

FTIR

UV

TGA

DSC

Job description

Brief Description

Key Responsibilities Include The Following

• Prepare, sterilize, and maintain laboratory equipment, culture media, and consumables for teaching and research activities.
• Oversee aseptic techniques and ensure proper use of biosafety cabinets, incubators, and other sterile culture facilities.
• Conduct routine maintenance, calibration, and performance checks of cell culture and related scientific instruments.
• Ensure strict compliance with biosafety, aseptic procedures, health and safety regulations, and institutional policies.
• Supervise and train students during practical sessions, providing technical guidance in sterile handling and cell culture techniques.
• Maintain accurate records of cell lines, culture conditions, equipment usage, maintenance schedules, and laboratory inventory.
• Assist academic staff with research projects, including experimental setup, monitoring cell growth, and troubleshooting technical challenges.
• Manage storage and proper labeling of cell cultures, chemicals, and reagents, while ensuring safe disposal of biohazardous and chemical waste.
• Implement and monitor laboratory access control and security protocols to maintain a sterile and safe working environment.

Requirements

• BPharm/ MPharm / Bsc /National Diploma/BTech in a relevant scientific field
• Minimum 1 year’s laboratory experience
• Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and regulations
• Technical proficiency with scientific instrumentation
• Proficiency in aseptic techniques, cell culture handling, and operation of sterile laboratory equipment.
• Ability to supervise and train students in practical laboratory sessions while ensuring compliance with biosafety and safety standards.
• Strong record-keeping, equipment maintenance, and laboratory management skills, including safe storage and disposal of chemicals and biohazardous materials.

Core Competencies

• Attention to detail and people skills.
• Planning and organizing.
• Ability to work in a team (team player).
• Good time management skills and ability to work in a stressful environment.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to achieve and maintain high standards with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work accurately and adhere to strict deadlines/timelines.
• Highly proficient in the use of analytical equipment (HPLC, DSC, TGA, IR, UV, etc.) and water testing.
• Good documentation practices and strong analytical and problem-solving ability.

Preferences

• BPharm/ MPharm / Bsc /National Diploma
• Person who has work in a sterile laboratory
• A person who knows how to grow human and animals’ cells
• A person who has worked under pressure in a multidisciplinary environment and sometimes late hours where necessary.
• Ability to lift heavy loads i.e. equipment, gas cylinders, and boxes.
• Experience as a teaching assistant on undergraduate laboratory practicals.
• Hands-on experience in instruments such as FTIR, UV, TGA, DSC and XRD

For More Information

Contact: Professor Yahya E. Choonara

Telephone: [phone] I 2052

Email: [e-mail]

Closing Date: 20 November 2025