Laboratory Assistant

at South African Medical Research Council
Published June 8, 2026
Expires August 6, 2026
Location Cape Town, South Africa
Category Administration  
Job Type Full-Time  

Description

A position has become available for a Senior Research Technologist (Paterson C2) in the Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP). The Platform focuses on health research and innovation, particularly the early detection, prevention, and treatment of non-communicable diseases.

Job Description

A position has become available for a Senior Research Technologist (Paterson C2) in the Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform (BRIP). The Platform focuses on health research and innovation, particularly the early detection, prevention, and treatment of non-communicable diseases.

The job holder will be responsible for providing skilled technical and laboratory support for ongoing research projects within the cell culture laboratories. The successful candidate will play an important role in supporting researchers through hands-on laboratory work, technical assistance, and maintaining efficient laboratory operations.

Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will provide technical support to research projects and laboratory activities, including:

Performing routine cell culture procedures and maintaining immortalised cell lines under BSL-1 and BSL-2 conditions.
Supporting research projects through cell-based assays and optimisation of routine endpoint assays using established protocols.
Preparing reagents, buffers, and laboratory solutions required for experimental work.
Maintaining accurate laboratory records, experimental documentation, and quality control data.
Ensuring the cell culture laboratories remain clean, organised, and compliant with GLP and laboratory safety regulations.
Assisting researchers and postgraduate students with technical laboratory procedures and experimental workflows.
Supporting the implementation of SOPs and routine laboratory quality assurance processes.
Duration:

Permanent

Remuneration: R374 800 per annum (CTC)

Job Requirements
Core requirements:

• BSc or BTech in Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science or similar qualification
• 2 -3 years’ hands-on experience in cell culture and aseptic technique under BSL1 and 2 laboratory settings
• Proficiency in molecular and culturing various primary and secondary cell lines
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Maintaining experimental records (lab book) with accuracy and working with protocols and SOP’s
• Stock and reagent maintenance and logging
• 2-3 years’ experience in training staff and students in aseptic technique
• Understanding of quality control processes within a laboratory setting
• Proficient in MS Office for data recording and reporting.
• 2-3 years’ experience with basic cell culture end-point assay optimization and routine screening using established protocols

Advantages:

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology or related field
Experience with isolating and culturing primary cell cultures
Experience with techniques such as DNA, RNA extraction, qPCR, or ELISA
1 -2 years’ hands-on experience in under BSL2 laboratory settings
Experience of working in a GLP-accredited laboratory or similar environment

Please send your resume/CV