Laboratory Specialist (P000848) Readvertisement

Laboratory Specialist (P ) Readvertisement

NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Department of Human Metabolomics. Position Number : P . Grade : P8 Permanent appointment. Note : Those who have previously applied need not reapply.

Position Summary

Industry : Education & Training

Job Category : University and Academy

Location : Potchefstroom

Contract : Permanent

Remuneration : Market Related

Job Description

The Laboratory Specialist is responsible for ensuring the highest standards of operational excellence and technical reliability across the research unit. This role is central to maintaining uninterrupted functionality across the full spectrum of laboratory infrastructure, including critical support and monitoring systems. The Laboratory Specialist ensures improved maintenance of expensive analytical equipment, leading to improved functionality, reduced maintenance cost, improved post‑graduate flow‑through, and increased publication outputs for the research entity. By implementing robust quality control measures, the role upholds the integrity of the research outputs and enables high‑impact, methodologically sound research. The Laboratory Specialist will also train and support postgraduate students on various analytical equipment (GC, NMR, EPR, LC).

Key Responsibilities

• Operational activities : Pre‑analytical and analytical processing of research samples and equipment maintenance.
• Lead infrastructure upgrades and manage installation and integration processes to enhance operational capacity.
• Execute routine servicing of laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and minimise downtime.
• Assist with method development and improvement of analytical capabilities.
• Provide student training.
• Manage efficient inventory and laboratory administration.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with application specialists and representatives to maximise technical support and drive innovation in laboratory practices.
• Adhere to ISO 17025 / Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards where applicable.
• Perform ad‑hoc tasks as directed by the Director.
• Foster a safety‑focused culture by encouraging proactive risk identification, reporting, and shared accountability within the lab team (GLP, OHS and ethical research practices).

Minimum Requirements

Recommendations / Added Advantages

Key Functional / Technical Competencies

Behavioural Competencies

Remuneration

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.

Enquiries

Job content enquiries : Prof Roan Louw, Tel :

Recruitment process enquiries : Mr Zenyo Seboko, Tel :

Closing Date

21 November 2025

Planned Commencement of Duties

As soon as possible

Application Instructions

Applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

Employment Equity

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of the Employment Equity Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

#J-18808-Ljbffr