Laboratory Supervisor

About the Company:

TASK is a South African headquartered, multinational clinical research institute that conducts clinical trials to determine the treatment effects of novel medicinal products or devices in healthcare and offers services in conducting complex clinical trials in a wide variety of therapeutic areas.

TASK Laboratory comprises Bio-Safety Level 2 and 3 (BSL-2/3) laboratories, which performs testing for drug susceptible and drug-resistant TB, using established diagnostic methods and new research platforms.

Overall Purpose of the Position:

The role takes ownership of laboratory processes, ensures compliance with SOPs and quality standards, and upholds the integrity and reliability expected of TASK Laboratory. In addition, the role provides first class clinical tuberculosis laboratory services by performing technical procedures and administrative duties, as well as to oversee tasks delegated to laboratory staff, within the scope of activities provided by the TASK laboratory for clinical drug trials.

Key Performance Areas (KPAs) & Responsibilities include, but not limited to:

• Supervising day to day activities of the laboratory staff (BSL3) to obtain maximized outcomes and to ensure timeous reporting of results and meeting the expected turnaround times
• Motivating staff to complete tasks/processing of samples according to training and by following the most recent version of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
• Developing and implementing practical continuous improvement processes
• Providing support and training to implement a culture of responsibility to effectively improve the performance of technicians and technologists and to ensure that a high standard of laboratory service is delivered
• Managing resources to consistently meet goals
• Performing all tasks in accordance with the Health and Safety regulations of the OHS Act
• Applying analytical skills to resolve critical issues and undertakes troubleshooting wherever necessary
• Managing sample collection / suitability for setup and analysis according to specific schedule
• Ensuring that equipment is used according to manufacturers' manuals and reporting faulty equipment without delay to responsible person/management
• Preparing reagents/media according to processes and procedures if applicable
• Managing the data requirement for the efficient functioning and smooth running of the laboratory to meet clinical requirements by addressing and resolving queries timeously
• Ensuring verification and interpretation of results; monitoring quality always and ensuring that results are delivered timeously to source
• Ensuring that a high standard is always maintained by ensuring that the environment/workspace will not impact the outcome of a clinical trial, for example, cleanliness of the laboratory
• Testing quality of media/reagents used in lab, troubleshoots if required and reporting accordingly
• Processing MIC and drawing up timelines for MIC results which need to be reported to sponsor and management
• Processing routine samples when required
• Ideal Requirements
• Relevant National Diploma or BSc degree in microbiology
• At least 3 years' experience working in a TB microbiology lab or similar environment
• Demonstrated ability to work with or adapt to evolving laboratory technologies (e.g., LIMS, automated platforms, digital data systems)

Advantageous:

• Experience supervising staff and/or processes within a TB microbiology laboratory or similar environment.
• Experience working in a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory
• Experience working in a clinical trial environment

Key Personal Inherent Characteristics

• Highly focused individual with attention to detail who takes pride in the quality of their work
• Ability to work under pressure and manage deadlines
• Team player with diplomacy and tact
• Ability to develop trusting and meaningful relations and always be professional
• Effective communication skills
• Analytical, problem solving and follow-up skills
• Ability to plan and organize in a deadline driven environment
• Ability to lead and motivate team
• Able to embrace and adapt to change
• Exhibits a structured, methodical approach to managing workloads and guiding staff
• Displays professional maturity, accountability, and a strong sense of duty toward team and organisational objectives
• Systems / efficiencies driven

Details:

Area: Parow, Cape Town

Contract Type: Permanent

Applications Close: 20 October 2025 at 10h00

Please indicate in your application that you are applying for the above-mentioned position.

If you have not received a response within one month, your application was most likely unsuccessful.

TASK reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement and not fill the above-mentioned vacancy at any stage during the recruitment process.

Meeting our employment equity goals will be acknowledged during the recruitment process.

By responding to this advert and sending your cv, cover letter and/or any other documentation, you are consenting to TASK processing your personal information as contained in the furnished documents. TASK may process your personal information for recruitment purposes for suitable posts that may arise within the organisation. You agree that you have familiarised yourself with South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act and understand your rights and obligations under this Act.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Application Question(s):

• Do you have a National Diploma or BSc degree in microbiology?
• Do you have a minimum of 3 years' experience working in a TB microbiology lab or similar environment?
• What are your monthly gross salary expectations (before deductions)?
• What is your notice period?

Work Location: In person

Application Deadline: 2025/10/22