Laboratory Research jobs

A job opportunity exists for the right candidate in Western Cape

Employment Type:
Permanent

Reference No:
ECSS63/2026

Location:
Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute, Chief Directorate: Emergency and Clinical Support Services

REMUNERATION

R 791 604 per annum - R 849 525 per annum A portion of the package can be structured according to the individual's personal needs.

STARTING DATE

31 Jul 2026

CLOSING DATE

• PLEASE NOTE:

17 Aug 2026, 5:00 pm

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

The Department of Health and Wellness is guided by the principles of Employment Equity. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply and an indication in the regard will be appreciated.

Note: No payment of any kind is required when applying for any of the positions advertised by the Western Cape Government.

MINIMUM EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

Science Degree (Bsc) (Hon) or relevant qualification that allows registration as a Professional Natural Scientist.

ENQUIRIES

Ms B Davies, tel. no. (021 406 6026/6412) or Bronwen.Davies@uct.ac.za

COMPETENCIES (KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS)

Forensic Toxicology principles and medico-legal death investigation processes. Analytical chemistry and toxicological analysis techniques, including chromatography and mass spectrometry. Operation and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation (e.g. LC-MS/MS) and laboratory equipment. Biological specimen handlings, chain-of custody and laboratory safety procedures. Quality Management Systems and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements. Quality management and quality control principles, including the interpretation and monitoring of internal quality control data, statistical quality assurance tools and Levy-jennings charts. Applicable legislation, ethical principles and regulatory requirements relevant to forensic science and medico-legal investigations. Research methodology, scientific writing and data analysis principles. Microsoft Office, Laboratory Information Systems, computer-based scientific applications and statistical programs, (e.g. SPSS, R). Programme and project management, staff development and operational laboratory processes. Work with medico-legal and potentially hazardous biological specimens within a forensic environment. Analytical and problem-solving skills. Scientific and technical preparation skills. Scientific method development, validation an data interpretation principles. Data analysis and interpretation. Technical report writing and scientific communication. Planning, organizational and time management. Interpersonal, teamwork and communication. Training, mentoring and supervision. Attention to detail and record-keeping. Ability to work independently and under pressure within a medico-legal environment. Ability to communicate clearly and discreetly in person and in writing. Appropriate experience working in an analytical or forensic toxicology environment. Appropriate experience working within and ISO/IEC 17025 Environment. Appropriate experience operation LC-MS/MS instrumentation.

REGISTRATION WITH A PROFESSIONAL COUNCIL

Compulsory registration with the SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist.

INHERENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB

Ability to operate specialized analytical instrumentation and perform laboratory-based analytical work. Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy, confidentiality and attention to detail under operational pressures and deadlines. Willingness to participate in after-hours or court-related duties where required.

EXPERIENCE

3 years post qualification natural scientific experience.

DUTIES (KEY RESULT AREAS/OUTPUTS)

Effective and efficient scientific analysis and Medico-legal service delivery. Efficient method development, validation and laboratory improvement. Effective and efficient research, innovation and knowledge generation. Effective Human Capital development and Scientific leadership. Effective Quality Management System (QMA), Compliance and Operational support.

NOTE

No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a practical test. Candidates will be subjected to a security clearance prior to appointment. Candidates who are not in possession of the stipulated requirements may also apply. Such candidates will only be considered for appointment on condition that proof of qualification for registration to register with the relevant council and proof of payment of the prescribed registration fees to the relevant council are submitted on or before the day of the interview. This concession is only applicable to candidates who apply for the first time for registration in a specific category with the relevant council (individuals who must apply for change in registration status).

NOTICE TO ALL

Candidates must comply with the advertised appointment requirements of the post by the closing date and time of the advert.Candidates may be subjected to a competency test. No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. As directed by the Department of Public Service and Administration, applicants must note that further checks will be conducted once they are shortlisted and that their appointment is subject to positive outcomes on these checks, which include security clearance, qualification verification, criminal records and previous employment. All shortlisted candidates, including SMS, shall undertake two pre-entry assessments. One will be a practical exercise to determine the candidate’s suitability based on the post’s technical and generic requirements, and the other will be an integrity (ethical conduct) assessment.

It will be expected of shortlisted candidates to be:
available at the venue on the time and date as determined by the Department and
bring along recently (not older than 6 months) certified copies of your Identity Document (ID), driver’s license (if applicable for the post), qualification and/or proof of registration at relevant statutory body etc. Failure to adhere to the aforementioned may lead to his/her application being disqualified and not further considered.