Laboratory Quality Assurance Specialist

(Payclass 10; Permanent Position)

South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI)

Department of Pathology

Faculty of Health Sciences

The South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) performs cutting edge clinical, epidemiological and immunological research in clinical vaccine development, TB pathogenesis and biomarker discovery in a setting where TB is endemic. Situated in Cape Town at the University of Cape Town and at our Clinical Field Site in Worcester, 110km from Cape Town, SATVI has conducted 35 clinical trials of 10 novel TB vaccine candidates as well as BCG vaccine, including two pivotal trials that demonstrated efficacy.

We are inviting applications for Laboratory Quality Assurance Specialist, fundamental to the success of research activities and operations within our dynamic group. The Quality Assurance Specialist works under supervision of the SATVI Laboratory Manager and in coordination and consultation with the Deputy Director, Immunology and SATVI Worcester Field Site Laboratory Manager. The position will be based in Cape Town with support for the Cape Town and Worcester laboratories. For more information on SATVI, visit www.satvi.uct.ac.za.

Requirements for the job:

• National Diploma in Biomedical Technology or a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Sciences (BHSc) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Health and/or Biological Sciences.


• Registration with the HPCSA, or equivalent, if applicable.


• A minimum of 5 years’ clinical research experience.


• 2 years’ experience in designing, implementing, and monitoring an ISO15189/17025 and/or GCLP quality management system.


• Knowledge and previous or Current Good Clinical Practice (GCP) certification and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP).


• Fluency in English and a working knowledge of Afrikaans or IsiXhosa.


• Computer literacy (Office 365)


• Valid Driver’s License and actively driving.

Advantageous

• DAIDS and NIH requirements for clinical trials.


• HSP (Human Subject Protection) / UCT Research Ethics Training (Module 4 & 5).


• Experience working with laboratory information or sample management systems.


• Knowledge of immunology laboratory assays and techniques.


• Knowledge of HR practices and principles.


• Excellent understanding of quality assurance and accreditation processes.


• Ability to train and educate staff on accreditation documentation.
  
  

 Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.


• Sound administration skills.


• Strong organizational ability, including planning and prioritizing work.


• Sound decision-making ability, with flexibility to adapt as needed.


• Analytical thinking, with the ability to work independently and see the bigger picture.


• Good interpersonal skills, able to engage professionally at all levels.Innovation, initiative, and problem-solving orientation.


• Strong self-management, teamwork, and collaboration skills.


• Fair creativity and flexibility.
  
  

Responsibilities:

• Manage the SATVI Laboratory Quality Assurance Programme – oversee the Quality Management System (QMS), lead internal and external audits/monitoring visits and accreditation processes, administer document control, facilitate quality-related training, and manage non-conformances, risk and quality metrics.


• Laboratory Procedures – oversee environmental monitoring, equipment inventory, calibration/verification schedules, and staff training and competency programmes.


• Data Management – ensure quality laboratory data practices, ensure the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) remains aligned to the lab QMS and study requirements, manage data/record retention, and monitor key performance indicators.


• Contribution to Laboratory Operations – support inventory management, laboratory meetings, on-call staff, and laboratory health and safety compliance.

For detailed information on this post, please view the job description, see link: (view)

The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R661 967 and R778 783.

To apply, click the 'apply' button to create a profile and submit your application.

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

• Motivational letter that speaks to the requirements and responsibilities of the position (≤ 600 words)


• Curriculum Vitae (CV)


• Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address, and telephone number.


• Highest qualification


• Previous/ current GCP, GCLP & HSP


• Driver's License


• ID/Passport

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement-medical assessments. References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Any enquiries around the application process to be addressed to Ms Tracy Moore at [email protected] or 021 650 5405.

Closing date:              26 October 2026 

Website:                     www.satvi.uct.ac.za /Home | Faculty of Health Sciences

Reference number:    ID1464

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at www.hr.uct.ac.za/hr/policies/employ_equity

When you apply for a position at UCT, we collect your personal information to assess your application, communicate with you, and coordinate interview logistics. Information such as race, gender, nationality, and disability status is used to support our Employment Equity obligations. We also verify your references, qualifications, conduct criminal and, for certain roles, credit checks. For more information about how the University of Cape Town uses personal information and your rights, please email [email protected].

The University reserves the right to extend the closing date for applications if deemed necessary and reserves the right to make no appointment.