Laboratory jobs in Cape Town, Western Cape

Closing Date: 9 November 2026

Purpose

To support laboratory operations through the preparation, handling, storage, and disposal of samples, media, and reagents while ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 quality standards, OHS requirements, and laboratory procedures. The role is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and efficient laboratory environment to support accurate testing and timely turnaround of results.

Responsibilities

Sample, Media & Reagent Preparation

• Prepare samples, media, and reagents for routine laboratory testing in accordance with approved procedures.
• Perform basic sample preparation activities independently.
• Handle the storage of samples, media, and reagents following testing and preparation activities.
• Dispose of samples and laboratory materials according to approved procedures.
• Ensure preparation activities support departmental turnaround time requirements.

Laboratory Cleaning & Housekeeping

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised laboratory environment.
• Clean laboratory equipment, glassware, plasticware, and work areas.
• Follow good housekeeping practices at all times.
• Assist in maintaining laboratory standards and readiness for audits and inspections.

Quality & Compliance

• Perform all duties in accordance with ISO 17025 quality requirements.
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policies and procedures.
• Assist in the implementation of quality and turnaround time corrective actions.
• Identify and report quality, safety, and operational concerns to the Laboratory Manager.
• Support the maintenance of laboratory accreditation and quality systems.

Turnaround Time Management

• Support the laboratory in achieving departmental turnaround time targets.
• Ensure sample and media preparation activities are completed within required timeframes.
• Provide early warning to management regarding any potential delays.

Instrument & Equipment Maintenance

• Assist with the upkeep and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Clean and disinfect laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Report equipment issues, faults, or maintenance requirements to the Laboratory Manager.
• Ensure maintenance schedules and cleaning procedures are followed.

Stock Control & Cost Management

• Maintain adequate stock levels of laboratory consumables, media, and reagents.
• Monitor inventory levels and report shortages timeously.
• Support cost-control initiatives through responsible use of laboratory resources.
• Assist in reducing waste and improving laboratory efficiency.

Training & Development

• Participate in all required training and competency assessments.
• Develop technical competency in laboratory preparation activities and assigned test methods.
• Maintain competency standards relevant to the role.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory.

Client & Team Support

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively with laboratory team members to meet operational objectives.
• Provide support to colleagues and assist with departmental activities when required.

Operational Support

• Ensure compliance with AssureCloud policies, procedures, systems, and reporting requirements.
• Utilise company IT systems effectively and accurately.
• Support the achievement of laboratory operational goals and objectives.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties assigned by management.

SHEQ Responsibilities

• Maintain good housekeeping practices within the laboratory.
• Read and comply with all relevant procedures and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
• Correctly dispose of chemicals, solvents, samples, and laboratory waste.
• Wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Comply with all SHEQ procedures, policies, and signage requirements.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 (Matric with Mathematics and Physical Science ).

Experience

• 1-2 years' relevant laboratory experience.
• Previous experience within a testing laboratory environment will be advantageous.
• Experience in sample preparation, media preparation, manufacturing, warehouse, food production, or similar operational environments will be advantageous.

Skills & Knowledge

• Good communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to plan, organise, and prioritise workload effectively.
• Basic mathematical skills for weighing, measuring, and simple calculations.
• Basic computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Technical knowledge relevant to laboratory operations.
• Ability to follow written procedures and instructions accurately.
• Strong teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Good time management skills.

Other

• Physically fit and able to perform lifting, carrying, standing, and manual handling activities.
• Able to move and replace gas cylinders using approved handling procedures.
• Willing to work overtime and weekends when required by operational needs.
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to maintaining high standards of work.
• High degree of professional ethics and values aligned with:
  • Integrity
  • Courage
  • Care
  • Passion
  • Innovation
  • Accountability
• Preference will be given to Employment Equity (EE) candidates