Senior Assistant Officer: Laboratory Assistant; post level 12; appointment

Job Title Senior Assistant Officer:
Laboratory Assistant (post level 12) (Contract appointment: 4 years) (Job ) Organizational Unit University of the Free State → Faculty of Health Sciences → School of Clinical Medicine → Department Pharmacology Contract Type Contract Occupational Level Semi-Skilled Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date: 29/1/2026

KINDLY TAKE

NOTE:

Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website:  - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your identity document (South African  passport for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

• Assist postgraduate, Master's, PhDs, Postdoctoral fellows, and intern students.
• Participate in all departmental research activities (field trips, workshops, community research meetings/workshops, scientific conferences, and meetings with all stakeholders, all academic programs).
• Spend more than 90% of time in the laboratory activity involved in African Medicines Innovations and Technology Development (AMITD) research projects.
• Work under the strategic research direction of the director.
• Report directly to the director.
• Manage the main analytical laboratory supplies.
• Ensure that Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) are strictly followed.
• Develop GLP and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enforce GLP and laboratory safety in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager.
• Implement the Director’s strategic research and contract projects on the AMITD platform.
• Conduct scientific research on projects assigned to the AMITD Platform Director or self-initiated in line with programme objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree or a BTech degree on NQF Level 7 in the field of Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical sciences, Chemistry or related field.
• Minimum of one (1) year’s relevant working experience in a bioassay research laboratory.

• Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in the field of Pharmacology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical sciences, Chemistry or related field.
• Three (3) years’ relevant experience in a bioassay research laboratory.
• Experience in Herbal medicines and traditional medicines research and interest in these fields.
• Laboratory research-oriented experience.

• Results Orientated:
  • The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
  • The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic Thinking:
  • The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
  • The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
• Business Acumen:
  • The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
  • Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
  • The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation energy and enthusiasm.
  • The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
  • The ability to be self‑assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
  • The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

As soon as possible.

29 January 2026.

The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R – R per annum
, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

For…