General Laboratory Assistant Job Opportunity 2026 at South African National Blood Service
If you are looking for a General Laboratory Assistant job in South Africa, an opportunity is currently available for candidates with Grade 12 and the required Mathematics and Science subjects. The position involves supporting laboratory operations through inventory handling, blood bank hamper preparation, waste disposal, cleaning and other routine laboratory duties.
The vacancy is associated with the South African National Blood Service (SANBS) and is listed under reference sanbs_003418. Applications are open until 23 August 2026, giving interested candidates limited time to submit their applications.
This opportunity may suit job seekers who want to build experience in the medical, health and laboratory sciences sector.
General Laboratory Assistant Vacancy 2026
The General Laboratory Assistant role focuses on supporting day-to-day laboratory operations. The successful candidate will assist with the preparation, delivery and collection of blood bank hampers, receive and pack stock, perform stock counts and ensure that laboratory areas are maintained according to established procedures.
The position also includes routine bio-hazardous waste disposal and cleaning responsibilities. Because the role operates in a laboratory and healthcare environment, candidates are expected to follow relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and workplace health and safety requirements.
Vacancy Details
- Position: General Laboratory Assistant: Inventory and Processing
- Listing Reference: sanbs_003418
- Listing Status: Online
- Application Closing Date: 23 August 2026
- Industry: Medical, Health & Social Care
- Job Category: Medical Research and Laboratory Sciences
- Contract: Fixed Term Contract / Permanent details are listed across the vacancy information
- Business Unit: Tembisa / Constantia Kloof
- Remuneration: R293,376.00 / R212,282.00 as listed for the respective vacancy information
- Employment Equity: No
Applicants should carefully review the official vacancy information to confirm which business unit, contract type and remuneration package applies to the position they are applying for.
What Does a General Laboratory Assistant Do?
A General Laboratory Assistant provides practical support to laboratory staff and helps ensure that routine processes are completed efficiently.
This particular position has a strong focus on inventory and processing. The successful candidate may be responsible for handling laboratory supplies, preparing blood bank hampers and assisting with the movement of materials between relevant areas.
The role also involves maintaining cleanliness and dealing with bio-hazardous waste in accordance with established procedures.
Some of the main duties include:
- Preparing blood bank hampers.
- Delivering and collecting blood bank hampers.
- Packing received stock.
- Conducting stock counts.
- Supporting inventory-related activities.
- Performing routine bio-hazardous waste disposal.
- Completing daily laboratory duties.
- Maintaining cleanliness in designated laboratory areas.
- Following relevant Standard Operating Procedures.
- Supporting SHEQ requirements.
- Performing other general functions associated with the laboratory.
Key Performance Areas
Applicants should understand that the vacancy involves several areas of responsibility. The employer is looking for someone who can work accurately while following established procedures.
Blood Hamper and Inventory Duties
One of the main responsibilities is assisting with blood bank hamper preparation, collection and delivery. The employee will also be involved in receiving and packing stock and meeting stock-count objectives.
Attention to detail is particularly important because inventory activities require accurate handling and recording of materials.
Waste Disposal
The position includes routine bio-hazardous waste disposal. This means the successful candidate must follow workplace procedures when handling and disposing of laboratory waste.
Candidates should be comfortable working in an environment where health, safety and hygiene procedures are taken seriously.
Daily Laboratory Duties
The General Laboratory Assistant will also complete routine daily laboratory duties. These responsibilities can include cleaning and maintaining designated work areas and providing general operational support.
SHEQ Compliance
The employee will be expected to comply with Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) requirements.
Following procedures correctly is an important part of working in a medical or laboratory environment.
General Laboratory Assistant Requirements
The minimum educational requirement stated for the vacancy is:
- Grade 12
- Mathematics
- At least one Science subject
This makes the opportunity potentially suitable for matriculants who studied Mathematics and a Science subject and are interested in entering the healthcare or laboratory environment.
However, meeting the minimum education requirements does not necessarily guarantee employment. Applicants should ensure that they meet all other requirements and provide accurate information during the application process.
Skills and Competencies Required
The employer has identified several competencies that are important for this position.
Cognitive Competencies
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving ability
Accuracy is especially important when working with inventory, laboratory materials and routine procedures.
Personal Competencies
The position requires individuals who demonstrate:
- Ethical behaviour
- Personal development
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Excellence orientation
- Commitment to the organisation’s cause
A laboratory environment requires employees who can follow procedures while maintaining professional standards.
Interpersonal Competencies
Applicants should also have good interpersonal skills, including:
- Customer service orientation
- Relationship building
- Communication
- Ability to engage with diversity
- Teamwork
Being able to work effectively with colleagues is important because laboratory operations often involve cooperation between different employees and departments.
Special Requirements for the Position
The vacancy includes several job-specific requirements that applicants should consider before applying.
The successful candidate may be required to:
- Work overtime when required.
- Perform shift work.
- Work weekends when required.
- Maintain good physical health.
- Have reasonable endurance and mobility.
- Have proficient eyesight.
Because the position can involve movement, stock handling, cleaning and other practical duties, candidates should be comfortable with the physical requirements of the role.
Why Consider a Laboratory Assistant Career?
A laboratory assistant career can provide valuable exposure to the healthcare and medical laboratory environment. For individuals interested in medical research, laboratory sciences or healthcare support roles, an entry-level position can provide practical workplace experience.
Working in a professional laboratory environment can also help employees develop important workplace skills such as teamwork, communication, accuracy, safety awareness and compliance with operating procedures.
Candidates who are interested in progressing within the broader healthcare or laboratory sector may find this type of position useful as part of their long-term career development.
General Laboratory Assistant Job 2026 Closing Date
The listed closing date for this opportunity is 23 August 2026.
Candidates who are interested should avoid waiting until the final day to apply. Applications should be submitted before the closing date and according to the employer’s specified application procedure.
Since vacancy information can change, applicants should verify the latest details, including the applicable location, contract type, remuneration and requirements, before submitting an application.
Final Thoughts
The General Laboratory Assistant vacancy 2026 provides an opportunity for qualifying Grade 12 candidates interested in working in the medical, healthcare and laboratory sciences environment.
The position includes practical responsibilities such as blood bank hamper preparation, inventory handling, stock counts, bio-hazardous waste disposal, cleaning and general laboratory support. Applicants should also be prepared for shift work, weekend duties and overtime when required.
The minimum educational requirement is Grade 12 with Mathematics and one Science subject, while qualities such as attention to detail, teamwork, ethical behaviour, communication and adaptability are also important.
If you meet the stated requirements and are interested in developing a career in laboratory support, make sure your application is complete and submitted before the 23 August 2026 deadline.
Location
Tembisa and Roodepoort, Gauteng, South African
How to Prepare Your Application
Before applying for the General Laboratory Assistant vacancy, applicants should make sure that their information is accurate and up to date.
Consider preparing the following:
- An updated CV.
- Copies or details of relevant qualifications.
- Correct contact information.
- Details of your Mathematics and Science subjects.
- Any relevant work experience, if applicable.
- Other information requested in the official application.
Applicants should carefully check the vacancy requirements before submitting their application. It is also important to use the official application process associated with the vacancy.
Apply for General Laboratory Assistant Job Opportunity 2026 at Tembisa SABS
Apply for General Laboratory Assistant Job Opportunity 2026 at Roodepoort SABS
Skhumbuzo Shandu is the founder of Careers With Shandu, a platform dedicated to helping South Africans access job opportunities, learnerships, and career development resources.
He focuses on sharing clear, practical, and up-to-date information to help matriculants, graduates, and job seekers navigate applications and build their careers.
Through his work, he aims to make opportunities easier to understand and accessible to everyone, especially young people entering the workforce.
