Laboratory Quality Assurance Specialist

About the role

The South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI), part of the Department of Pathology in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Cape Town, is recruiting a Laboratory Quality Assurance Specialist (payclass 10, permanent). The specialist works under the supervision of the SATVI Laboratory Manager and coordinates with the Deputy Director, Immunology and the SATVI Worcester Field Site Laboratory Manager. The position is based in Cape Town with support for both the Cape Town and Worcester laboratories.

Key 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, risks and quality metrics.
• Oversee environmental monitoring, equipment inventory, calibration and verification schedules, and staff training and competency programmes.
• Ensure quality laboratory data practices, keep the Laboratory Information Management System aligned with the QMS and study requirements, manage data and record retention, and monitor key performance indicators.
• Support inventory management, laboratory meetings, on-call staff and laboratory health and safety compliance.

Required profile

• National Diploma in Biomedical Technology or a BHSc or BSc in Health and/or Biological Sciences.
• Registration with the HPCSA or equivalent, if applicable.
• At least 5 years of clinical research experience.
• Fluency in English and a working knowledge of Afrikaans or IsiXhosa.
• Valid driver's licence and actively driving.
• Advantageous: DAIDS and NIH requirements for clinical trials, and HSP/UCT Research Ethics training (modules 4 and 5).

Required skills

• 2 years of experience designing, implementing and monitoring an ISO 15189/17025 and/or GCLP quality management system.
• GCP and GCLP certification, current or previous.
• Experience with laboratory information or sample management systems.
• Knowledge of immunology laboratory assays and techniques.
• Excellent understanding of quality assurance and accreditation processes, and ability to train staff on accreditation documentation.

Annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R661,967 and R778,783. Applicants must submit a motivational letter, CV, three referees, highest qualification, GCP/GCLP/HSP certificates and a driver's licence or passport. Shortlisted candidates may be asked for competency and medical assessments. Applications close on 26 October 2026.