12 Laboratory Specialist jobs in South Africa

Areas of Responsibility

Product knowledge & expertise:

• Maintaining professional & technical knowledge (Such as product features, technical specifications, benefits, and potential applications within the medical field) by attending educational workshops & conferences.

Customer support & training:

• Provide on-site and remote training to healthcare professionals on how to properly use and maintain medical equipment.
• Address customer inquiries regarding product functionality, troubleshooting, and best practices.
• Create and deliver training sessions, manuals, and materials to help customers effectively integrate new products into their workflows.

Product demonstrations:

• Conduct demonstrations of medical equipment for potential clients, healthcare institutions, or at trade shows and conferences.
• Tailor demonstrations to the specific needs of healthcare professionals, showcasing the product's value and performance in a real-world medical environment.

Applications support:

• Offer technical support regarding the application of the medical equipment in clinical settings, ensuring that the equipment is being used to its full potential.
• Assist clients in optimizing the use of equipment for specific medical applications (e.g., diagnostic equipment).
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to customize solutions based on the clinical environment and patient care needs.
• Collaboration with sales team:
• Work closely with the sales team to understand customer requirements and provide technical insights that can support the sales process.
• Assist with the preparation of proposals or presentations by offering detailed product knowledge.
• Support sales teams in responding to tenders or requests for proposals.

Product feedback & improvement:

• Gather feedback from healthcare providers regarding the performance of equipment, any challenges faced, and any improvements needed.
• Relay this feedback to management to help improve the products and address any issues or limitations.

Regulatory compliance:

• Ensure that products comply with relevant healthcare regulations and standards.
• Assist customers in navigating regulatory requirements when using medical equipment.
• Market intelligence:
• Monitor trends in the healthcare and medical device industry to provide insights into customer needs, emerging technologies, and competitive products.
• Participate in industry events and conferences to stay informed and network with key stakeholders.

Administration & reporting:

• Complete & keep detailed records of all work done and prepare weekly work reports.
• Prepare product reports by collecting, analysing and summarizing information & trends.
• Update & maintain product database on on-going basis.

Support sales & business development:

• Drive sales by identifying potential customers and passing on the lead to the sale team.
• Support strategies for promoting the products and expanding the customer base.
• Build & maintain strong relationships with customers.
• Support achievement of sales quotas and targets.

Requirements

Qualifications

• A Grade 12 certificate as a minimum requirement.
• Tertiary qualification in related field advantageous.

Experience required

• Fluent in English, verbal and written;
• 3-5 years experience in the medical field;
• 3-5 years experience in a clinical laboratory environment preferred;
• Academic research experience advantageous;
• Strong IT knowledge and experience advantageous;
• Experience with troubleshooting beneficial.

Capabilities

• Attention to detail;
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
• Results orientated;
• Good communication skills;
• Sales driven, dynamic, outgoing, and motivated;
• Proficient in MS Office;
• Own reliable vehicle required as well as a valid driver's license;
• Must be available to travel both nationally & internationally as and when required.

Benefits

Basic salary and travel allowance

50% medical aid and provident fund contribution

Fuel Card

Cell and data allowance.

Purpose of the Role

The
Sales and Application Specialist
play a key role in supporting the Laboratory Division through product expertise, technical support, customer training, and sales enablement. This role bridges the gap between
technical application and commercial success
— ensuring customers fully understand, utilize, and trust the company's laboratory products and solutions.

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Product Knowledge & Expertise

• Maintain up-to-date professional and technical knowledge of products, specifications, and applications.
• Attend educational workshops, conferences, and training sessions to stay current on industry developments.

2. Customer Support & Training

• Provide on-site and remote training to healthcare professionals.
• Address product-related queries and troubleshooting needs.
• Develop training materials, manuals, and product documentation.

3. Product Demonstrations

• Conduct tailored demonstrations for clients and at trade shows.
• Showcase the value and performance of laboratory equipment in practical settings.

4. Applications Support

• Offer expert technical guidance to ensure optimal equipment use in clinical and laboratory environments.
• Assist clients in integrating and customizing equipment for specific applications.

5. Collaboration with Sales Team

• Partner with sales colleagues to provide technical insights and strengthen proposals.
• Support tender submissions and product presentations.

6. Product Feedback & Improvement

• Gather and report user feedback to management.
• Recommend improvements based on real-world performance and customer experience.

7. Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure adherence to relevant healthcare and laboratory equipment regulations.
• Support customers in meeting compliance requirements.

8. Market Intelligence

• Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and new technologies.
• Participate in industry events to enhance professional networks and knowledge.

9. Administration & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records, reports, and databases.
• Provide weekly work reports and analyze product trends.

10. Sales & Business Development Support

• Identify and qualify new business opportunities.
• Support strategies that grow market share and strengthen customer relationships

Requirements

Requirements

Qualifications:

· Bachelor of Science (BSc) in:

· Medical Laboratory Science / Medical Technology

· Biomedical Science

· Microbiology

· Biochemistry

· Molecular Biology

· Physiology / Human Biology

Experience:

• 3–5 years' experience in the medical or laboratory field
• Experience in a
  clinical laboratory environment
  –
  preferred
• Academic research experience –
  advantageous
• IT proficiency and troubleshooting experience –
  beneficial
• Must have a
  valid driver's license and own reliable vehicle

Capabilities and Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail and analytical thinking
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Sales-driven, dynamic, and customer-focused
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Able to work independently and meet deadlines under pressure
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally as required

Benefits

• Basic saalary R33 500
• Travel allowance R5 500
• Cell phone allowance R800
• 100% company contribution to medical aid and provident fund after probation period.
• Commission

Purpose of the Role

The Sales and Application Specialist play a key role in supporting the Laboratory Division through product expertise, technical support, customer training, and sales enablement. This role bridges the gap between technical application and commercial success — ensuring customers fully understand, utilize, and trust the company’s laboratory products and solutions.

Key Areas of Responsibility

1. Product Knowledge & Expertise

2. Customer Support & Training

3. Product Demonstrations

4. Applications Support

5. Collaboration with Sales Team

6. Product Feedback & Improvement

7. Regulatory Compliance

8. Market Intelligence

9. Administration & Reporting

10. Sales & Business Development Support

Requirements

Qualifications:

·   Bachelor of Science (BSc) in:

Experience:

Capabilities and Attributes:

This position reports directly to the Managing Director. 

Compliance & regulatory requirements:

Customer & market focus:

Cross-functional collaboration :

Product lifecycle management:

Product performance monitoring:

Strategic project implementation:

Financial & business outcomes:

Launch strategy:

Risk management & issue resolution:

Training & support:

Qualifications

Experience required

Capabilities

Areas of Responsibility

Product knowledge & expertise:

Customer support & training:

Product demonstrations:

Applications support:

Product feedback & improvement:

Regulatory compliance:

Administration & reporting:

Support sales & business development:

Qualifications

Experience required

Capabilities

Job Reference Number: R876A

Department: Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform

Business Unit:

Industry: Academic

Job Type: Permanent

Positions Available: 1

Salary: Market Related

The primary purpose of this position is to provide skilled technical support to the Platform, ensuring the efficient day-to-day functioning of the laboratories and assisting with ongoing research activities as directed by the line manager.

Job Description

The primary purpose of this position is to provide skilled technical support to the Platform, ensuring the efficient day-to-day functioning of the laboratories and assisting with ongoing research activities as directed by the line manager. Responsibilities include maintaining a clean and safe laboratory environment, cleaning and autoclaving glassware, accurate record-keeping, and the proper storage of chemicals and biological materials. In addition, the successful candidate will provide technical support for a range of research procedures such as immunohistochemistry (IHC) , tissue sectioning, and DNA and RNA extractions from biological samples, as well as assisting with animal experiments and the collection of wastewater samples.

Responsibilities:

• General laboratory maintenance and support to staff and students, including IHC laboratory stock inventory, record keeping, and preparation of basic solutions for the laboratory
• Wash and autoclave laboratory glassware and consumables.
• Manage biohazardous and chemical waste removal from laboratories and for collection by waste companies in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Managing the chemical store and supply to the laboratory when required
• Monitoring and maintaining CO2 and Liquid nitrogen tanks for the laboratory
• Assist researchers and postgraduate students in obtaining liquid nitrogen and dry ice
• Maintain laboratory stock, monitor reagents, and assist with inventory reports and quarterly stocktakes.
• Perform routine laboratory procedures, including tissue embedding, sectioning of FFPE and cryo blocks, and IHC staining, following established protocols.
• Assist with DNA/RNA isolation from biological samples under supervision.
• Support staff and students in experimental animal studies
• Collect, transport, and log laboratory and wastewater samples
• Record and compile quality control data and routine laboratory reports.
• Assist the laboratory manager with SOP compliance and quarterly health and safety inspections.

Duration:

Permanent

Remuneration:

R per annum (cost-to-company)

Job Requirements

Core Requirements:

• BSc or BTech in Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science or similar qualification
• 1 -2 years' hands-on experience in IHC staining
• 1-2 years' hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques, including RNA and DNA isolation
• Familiar with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Maintaining experimental records (lab book) and working with protocols and SOP's
• Understanding of quality control within a laboratory setting
• Valid Code B driver's licence and ability to travel for sample collection and site activities.

Advantageous:

• BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology or related field
• Hands-on experience in immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis.
• Hands-on experience in sample management and handling of biological specimens
• Knowledge of laboratory maintenance, including cleaning and autoclaving of glassware, and adherence to occupational health and safety protocols
• Experience in handling chemicals, biohazardous materials, and biological specimens.
• Experience of working in a GLP or SANAS-accredited laboratory or similar environment

Closing date:

26 September 2025

• Installs, calibrates, maintains, inspects and services/repairs instrumentation used in agricultural production measurement in the lab, field and glasshouses.


• Conduct field/lab/glasshouse tests and experiments to evaluate crop performance, soil conditions, and equipment efficiency.


• Plans and coordinates own work activities aligned with project plans.


• Supervises allocated HR resources.


• Assists in managing project budgets and adheres to financial controls.


• Conducts research support, diagnostics, and other services under supervision. 


• Renders technical services and optimizes equipment/processes/systems. 


• Provides input into the optimization of new technologies. 


• Collects, captures, and processes data with basic analysis. 


• Provides verbal and written reports on activities and results. 


• Presents findings to stakeholders (including training/advisory roles). 


• Adheres to quality standards. 


• Complies with SHE/OHS regulations and procedures.


• Evidence of contributions to publications or presentations (e.g., farmers' days).


• Demonstrates measurable outcomes and project impact.


• Support capacity development and training of junior staff.

• National Diploma in Agriculture, Bioresources Engineering, Instrumentation or a closely related field.


• BTech or BSc Degree will be an added advantage.


• Experience in instrumentation installation, operation, calibration, use and maintenance for equipment used in agricultural data collection e.g. plant growth parameters, irrigation and soil. 


• Background in crop production and management will be an added advantage.


• Ability to work under pressure while ensuring timely and high-quality analysis. 


• Knowledge of laboratory quality management systems. 


• Good communication skills (verbal and written). 


• A valid driver’s license and able to drive long distance.


• Registration with a relevant scientific or professional body will be an added advantage. 

Enquiries: MS YVONNE HADZHI AND MS ROELENE MARX, Tel: (012) 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION: 31 OCTOBER 2025 

Competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities, and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance and preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. Permanent appointments are subject to six (6) months’ probation period. 

The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by covering letter, detailed CV (Including certified copies of certificates, supporting documents, copy of driver’s license and at least three contactable referees) must be attached on the form.

SAQA evaluation report must accompany foreign qualifications. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants who do not receive any response four (4) weeks after the closing date must regard their applications as unsuccessful. The company has the right not to appoint

Job Title: Laboratory Technician & Personal Assistant

Location: University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Durban, South Africa

Department: School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences

Reports To: Professor Veron Ramsuran

Position Overview:

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Laboratory Technician & Personal Assistant to Prof. Veron Ramsuran. This is a dual role that combines laboratory support with administrative and personal assistance. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing laboratory procedures while also assisting with scheduling, communication, and organizational tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory Technician Duties:

• Receive, log, and track incoming biological samples.
• Prepare samples for analysis, including nucleic acid extraction.
• Perform molecular biology techniques, including PCR (conventional and/or real-time).
• Assist in maintaining accurate laboratory records, databases, and chain of custody logs.
• Monitor and maintain laboratory inventory, reagents, and consumables.
• Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure compliance with biosafety guidelines.
• Assist with troubleshooting laboratory equipment and technical protocols.
• Support research projects under the guidance of Prof. Ramsuran and other senior staff.

Personal Assistant Duties:

• Manage and coordinate Prof. Ramsuran's calendar, meetings, and appointments.
• Draft, proofread, and manage correspondence (emails, memos, documents, reports).
• Assist with travel arrangements, conference bookings, and related logistics.
• Organize and maintain files, records, and confidential documents.
• Act as the first point of contact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide general administrative support to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.
• Assist in project coordination, deadline tracking, and meeting follow-ups.

Communication & Liaison:

• Act as the primary point of contact between Professor Ramsuran and internal/external stakeholders including students, faculty, collaborators, funders, and administrative staff.
• Screen and prioritize emails, calls, and requests, responding on behalf of the Professor when appropriate.
• Coordinate communication with local and international research collaborators.

Research & Academic Support:

• Assist with the preparation and submission of research proposals, ethical approvals, and academic manuscripts.
• Manage reference materials and assist with literature reviews or presentation materials.
• Track research project timelines, deliverables, and reporting obligations.

Travel & Event Coordination:

• Organize national and international travel including visa arrangements, accommodation, transport, and itineraries.
• Coordinate logistics for academic conferences, workshops, meetings, and public lectures.

Financial & Procurement Administration:

• Support with processing reimbursements, travel claims, and budget tracking related to research projects.
• Assist in procurement processes for laboratory or office supplies, ensuring compliance with UKZN procurement policies.

Student & Team Support:

• Serve as a liaison for postgraduate students and research staff reporting to Professor Ramsuran.
• Coordinate schedules, progress meetings, and documentation related to student supervision.

Requirements & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Medical Laboratory Science, or related field.
• Prior laboratory experience with sample handling, extraction, and PCR techniques is essential.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Experience in a research or academic laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and biosafety standards.
• Previous experience in an administrative or personal assistant role.
• Strong time management with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Problem-solving mindset with attention to detail.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work closely with a leading academic and research professional.
• Exposure to cutting-edge research in molecular biology.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Professional development opportunities.

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and suitability for this dual role.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From R10 000,00 per month

Education:

• Diploma (Required)

Work Location: In person