Laboratory Assistant (6 Months Fixed Term Contract - Wits Health Consortium)

SUMMARY:
Background:

• Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Limited ("WHC") is a wholly-owned Company of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa) under its Faculty of Health Sciences
• WHC provides Faculty with a legal framework within which to operate the research and other activities necessary to support its academic objectives
• In addition, WHC offers a range of products and services to Academics

POSITION INFO:
Main purpose of the job:

• To support the implementation of clinical research studies through the accurate processing, storage, tracking, and shipment of biological specimens in accordance with study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and laboratory quality standards

• SYNPASE Research Clinici, Edendale Lay Ecumencial Center Clinic, Edendale, Pietermaritzburg

• Process biological specimens according to study protocols and laboratory SOPs
• Perform centrifugation, aliquoting, labelling, and packaging accurately and within required timelines
• Ensure correct sample identification and prevent cross-contamination

• Maintain appropriate storage conditions (e.g., refrigerators, freezers, liquid nitrogen if applicable)
• Monitor and record temperatures daily and escalate deviations promptly
• Maintain accurate specimen inventory and storage logs

• Maintain accurate chain-of-custody documentation
• Ensure all specimens are logged, labelled, and tracked in study-specific databases or tracking systems
• Reconcile sample logs with source documents and laboratory records

• Prepare and package biological specimens for shipment in accordance with protocol, IATA guidelines, and sponsor requirements
• Coordinate courier collection and maintain shipment documentation
• Ensure timely dispatch and confirmation of receipt

• Adhere to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), SOPs, and study-specific procedures
• Support internal and external monitoring visits and audits
• Maintain cleanliness, organisation, and readiness of the laboratory environment

• Communicate proactively with study coordinators and clinicians regarding specimen issues
• Report deviations, equipment malfunctions, or discrepancies immediately
• Participate in team meetings and required training

• Minimum: Matric with appropriate experience, training or relevant qualifications
• Fluent in English and isiZulu preferred

• 2-4 years’ experience in an a clinical trial setting
• 1-2 years’ experience in a research laboratory environment

• Proficient in a range of laboratory processing procedures
• Familiarity with lab equipment calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Understanding of quality control, assurance processes, and temperature controlled storage of specimens
• Experience with stock management
• Good communication skills - for working with clinical staff, patients, and research coordinators

• Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV
• Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate, and to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions
• This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL
• However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates
• Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful
• Closing date: 13 March 2026
• Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date

• WHC, in accordance with its Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto
• AJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position