About the position
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
Division: Wits Mycology
Main purpose of the job:
- Provide laboratory support for studies within the Wits Mycology Division at CHARM (NICD), including coordinating the receipt, registration, processing, and storage of clinical specimens
- Perform key laboratory procedures such as aliquoting, sub-culturing, identification of candida species, antifungal susceptibility testing, and other mycology-related tasks as required
- Ensure accurate labelling, documentation, and data capture in accordance with study protocols, while maintaining high-quality laboratory standards and timely sample processing to meet study deadlines and reduce backlogs
Location:
- 1 Modderfontein Road, Sandringham, Johannesburg
Key performance areas:
- Apply quality control to verify that samples and requisition forms match
- Culture, identification and characterisation of candida and other fungal species from clinical and surveillance specimens
- Processing, aliquoting and storage of clinical samples including colonisation swabs, blood culture isolates and other specimens as per study-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Capture data accurately in LDMS, REDCap and other data / result systems
- Label and store samples in designated freezer locations
- Maintain accurate sample tracking for retrieval
- Prepare samples for destruction according to study requirements
- Work in a -20° cold room
- Coordinate receipt of samples from study sites (Helen Joseph Hospital; Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital; Charlotte Maxehe Academic Hospital, Milpark Hospital, Donald Gordon Medical Centre) and arrange transport to laboratory sites (Wits Mycology / CHARM)
- Real-time receipt and processing of samples delivered
- Accurate documentation of sample receipt, processing and storage
- Liaise with couriers and study sites to ensure timely delivery
- Complete all required documentation for shipment receipt and processing
- Ensure correct application of all policies and procedures in compliance with transport and repository requirements
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation of laboratory and storage areas
- Monitor freezer performance and respond to alarms
- Ensure equipment is functioning and log sheets are completed
- Maintaining organised laboratory records and documentation
- Filing worksheets
- Perform routine quality control checks on samples and systems
- Respond to data queries
- Support updates and implementation of SOPs
Required minimum education and training:
- National Diploma in Biomedical Technology, or BSc in a Science related field.
- Registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a Medical Laboratory Technician / Technologist / Scientist
Required minimum work experience:
- 2 year’s experience working in a diagnostic microbiology laboratory, including culture techniques
- Experience in receiving, handling and storing laboratory samples
Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:
- Experience working in a research or clinical trial laboratory environment, preferably microbiology (medical mycology) laboratory
- Experience with specimen biobanking, specimen processing, storage, sample tracking and laboratory information systems
- LDMS or laboratory information system experience
- Experience with high quality data capturing and data management (REDCap)
- Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) courses
- IATA certification for transport of biological samples
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high quality scientific work
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work independently and manage high volumes of samples efficiently
- Ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and maintain productivity under pressure
- Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate effectively with laboratory and clinical teams
TO APPLY:
- 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: 28 April 2026
- Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date
Please note:
- 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
Desired Skills:
- GCP
- GCLP
- RedCap
- IATA certification
- Organizational Skills
- Deadline Driven
