The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is inviting applications for a General Laboratory Assistant: Inventory and Processing position at its Constantia Kloof Business Unit in Roodepoort, Gauteng.

This is a permanent position with advertised remuneration of R212,282.00. The role is suitable for applicants who have Grade 12 with Mathematics and at least one Science subject.

The closing date is 23 August 2026.

General Laboratory Assistant – Quick Overview

• Organisation: South African National Blood Service (SANBS)
• Position: General Laboratory Assistant: Inventory and Processing
• Listing reference: sanbs_003418
• Business Unit: Constantia Kloof
• Location: Roodepoort, Gauteng
• Industry: Medical, Health & Social Care
• Job category: Health, Fitness, Medical and Optometry
• Contract: Permanent
• Remuneration: R212,282.00
• Minimum qualification: Grade 12 with Mathematics and 1 Science subject
• Closing date: 23 August 2026
• Application status: Online

About the General Laboratory Assistant Position

SANBS is looking for a General Laboratory Assistant to support inventory and processing activities at its Constantia Kloof facility.

The successful candidate will be responsible for activities involving the preparation, delivery and collection of blood bank hampers, stock-related duties, routine bio-hazardous waste disposal and general laboratory cleaning.

The role requires applicants to work according to relevant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and comply with workplace safety, health and quality requirements.

Although this is an entry-level laboratory support position, applicants should understand that the environment involves blood products, laboratory processes and bio-hazardous materials. Attention to detail, ethical behaviour and the ability to follow procedures are therefore important.

Who Can Apply?

The most important academic requirement is:

Grade 12 with Mathematics and 1 Science subject.

Applicants should make sure their Grade 12 subjects meet this requirement before submitting an application.

The vacancy does not state that a university degree, diploma or laboratory qualification is required as the minimum educational requirement.

This makes the position potentially suitable for Grade 12 applicants who are interested in gaining experience in a healthcare or laboratory environment.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The General Laboratory Assistant will support several operational areas.

Blood Hamper Preparation and Stock Duties

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing blood bank hampers
• Collecting blood bank hampers
• Packing received stock
• Conducting stock counts
• Supporting inventory-related objectives

Accuracy is particularly important because the role involves handling stock associated with blood bank operations.

Waste Disposal

The position also involves routine disposal of bio-hazardous waste.

Employees must follow the relevant procedures when handling and disposing of laboratory waste.

Applicants should therefore be comfortable working in an environment where strict health and safety procedures apply.

Daily Laboratory Duties

The successful candidate will assist with general laboratory duties as assigned.

These activities will be performed according to relevant procedures and operational requirements.

SHEQ Compliance

The vacancy also includes SHEQ compliance among the key performance areas.

SHEQ refers to Safety, Health, Environment and Quality.

Employees are expected to follow applicable workplace requirements and maintain appropriate standards while performing their duties.

General Functions

The role also includes general functions required to support the laboratory and inventory operation.

Applicants should therefore be prepared to perform routine duties, follow instructions and work as part of a team.

Skills and Competencies Required

SANBS lists several competencies for the position.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail is important because the employee will work with stock, laboratory materials and operational procedures.

Problem-Solving

Applicants should be able to identify problems and respond appropriately within their level of responsibility.

Ethical Behaviour

SANBS requires employees to demonstrate ethical behaviour.

This is particularly important in a healthcare environment where employees may work around sensitive materials and information.

Flexibility and Adaptability

The position requires employees who can adapt to changing operational requirements.

Excellence Orientation

Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to completing their work accurately and according to expected standards.

Customer Service

Customer service orientation is also listed as a competency.

Even though the position is laboratory-focused, employees may interact with colleagues, healthcare professionals, service users or other stakeholders.

Communication

Good communication skills are important for receiving instructions, reporting issues and working effectively with colleagues.

Teamwork

The vacancy identifies teamwork as an important competency.

The General Laboratory Assistant will work within a broader laboratory and operational environment, making cooperation with colleagues essential.

Working Hours and Special Requirements

Applicants should take note that the position may require:

• Overtime when required
• Shift work
• Weekend duties when required

Therefore, candidates should be prepared to work outside standard Monday-to-Friday office hours when operational requirements demand it.

The vacancy also specifies certain physical requirements.

Applicants should have:

• General physical health
• Reasonable endurance
• Reasonable mobility
• Proficient eyesight

These requirements are relevant because the position involves physical laboratory and inventory duties.

Minimum Education Requirement

The advertised minimum education requirement is:

Grade 12 with Mathematics and 1 Science subject.

Applicants should check their Grade 12 certificate or statement of results before applying.

If your subjects do not include Mathematics and at least one Science subject, you may not meet the advertised minimum requirement.

Is Previous Experience Required?

The supplied vacancy information does not list previous work experience as a minimum requirement.

This means applicants should not automatically assume that they need previous laboratory experience to apply.

However, candidates should still demonstrate relevant transferable qualities such as:

• Accuracy
• Reliability
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Ability to follow procedures
• Attention to detail
• Basic problem-solving
• Willingness to learn

Do not claim laboratory experience that you do not have.

What Does the R212,282 Remuneration Mean?

The vacancy lists remuneration of:

R212,282.00

This is the advertised remuneration for the position.

Applicants should rely on the official vacancy information regarding remuneration and should not confuse the advertised figure with an assumed monthly salary unless SANBS provides a specific breakdown.

Edupstairs Application Guidance

Before applying, make sure you meet the academic requirement.

Your first check should be your Grade 12 subjects:

Mathematics + at least one Science subject.

Then prepare an accurate CV that highlights your education and relevant abilities.

Your CV can include:

• Full name
• Contact details
• Grade 12 qualification
• Subjects completed
• Relevant skills
• Computer skills, if applicable
• Work experience, if applicable
• Volunteer experience, if applicable
• References, where appropriate

If you do not have previous employment, do not invent experience.

Instead, focus on your education, skills and willingness to learn.

Highlight Relevant Skills

For this particular position, applicants can highlight genuine skills such as:

• Attention to detail
• Numeracy
• Organisation
• Stock handling
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Following procedures
• Time management
• Computer literacy
• Ability to work under pressure

Only include skills you genuinely possess.

What Kind of Person Would Suit This Position?

The role may suit someone who is:

• Comfortable following strict procedures
• Detail-oriented
• Physically capable of performing routine laboratory support duties
• Comfortable working shifts
• Able to work weekends when required
• Reliable and punctual
• Comfortable working as part of a team
• Interested in healthcare or laboratory environments
• Able to handle routine and repetitive tasks carefully

Because the position involves bio-hazardous waste and blood bank-related operations, applicants should take the safety and procedural requirements seriously.

Important Things Applicants Should Know

This is a permanent position, rather than a learnership or temporary internship.

The role is based at Constantia Kloof in Roodepoort.

Applicants should also understand that the vacancy may involve shift work, overtime and weekend duties.

The position is not advertised as a purely administrative office job. It includes practical laboratory support, inventory activities, waste disposal and cleaning duties.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through the official SANBS recruitment system using the vacancy reference:

sanbs_003418

Search for:

General Laboratory Assistant: Inventory and Processing

Applicants should ensure that all information entered into the application system is accurate and that their contact details are up to date.

General Laboratory Assistant Closing Date

The application deadline is:

23 August 2026

Applicants should submit their applications before the closing date rather than waiting until the final day.

Key Facts at a Glance

Frequently Asked Questions

Does SANBS require Matric for this position?

Yes. The minimum education requirement is Grade 12 with Mathematics and 1 Science subject.

Do I need a university degree?

No university degree is listed as a minimum requirement in the supplied vacancy information.

Is the position permanent?

Yes. The vacancy is advertised as a permanent position.

Where is the position based?

The position is based at SANBS Constantia Kloof in Roodepoort, Gauteng.

How much does the position pay?

The advertised remuneration is R212,282.00.

Will I have to work weekends?

Yes, the vacancy states that weekend duties may be required.

Is shift work required?

Yes. The position includes shift work as required.

Does the job involve bio-hazardous waste?

Yes. Routine bio-hazardous waste disposal is one of the listed duties.

Can someone with only Grade 12 apply?

Yes, provided the applicant has Grade 12 with Mathematics and at least one Science subject and meets the other requirements of the vacancy.

Final Word

The SANBS General Laboratory Assistant position in Roodepoort is a permanent opportunity for applicants with Grade 12, Mathematics and at least one Science subject who are interested in working in a healthcare and laboratory environment.

The role involves blood bank hamper preparation, inventory activities, stock counting, bio-hazardous waste disposal, laboratory duties and SHEQ compliance.

If you meet the educational requirement and are comfortable with shift work, weekend duties and practical laboratory support, consider applying before the 23 August 2026 deadline.

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