Laboratory Technician x1
Job Details
- Job Title: Laboratory Technician
- Reference Number: CLO260904-1
- Location: Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
- Department: Quality and Laboratory
- Job Type: Permanent
- Number of Positions: 1
- Job Category: Manufacturing
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree
- Closing Date: 11 September 2026
Job Description
The Laboratory Technician will be responsible for conducting laboratory tests and analyses to support production processes and ensure that products meet established quality and food safety standards.
The successful candidate will prepare and analyse samples, accurately record and report results, identify deviations from specifications and work closely with production teams to maintain quality and compliance. The role also involves maintaining laboratory equipment, following safety procedures and supporting ISO 17025 and SANAS accreditation requirements.
Responsibilities
Laboratory Equipment and Maintenance
- Set up, maintain and operate laboratory equipment.
- Prepare and maintain stocks of chemical and microbiological reagents, cultures and media.
- Operate laboratory equipment according to standard operating procedures.
- Ensure laboratory procedures are followed correctly.
- Maintain laboratory safety standards.
- Keep the laboratory clean and organised.
- Maintain Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
- Ensure laboratory equipment is calibrated.
- Monitor equipment at the beginning of each shift.
- Report equipment breakdowns promptly.
Sampling and Testing
- Prepare and analyse samples.
- Conduct sampling and testing of products.
- Release raw and packaging materials following the required procedures.
- Perform routine quality control and laboratory analyses.
- Report non-conforming results and conduct retesting where required.
- Prepare and submit final reports.
- Accurately record and file laboratory results.
- Ensure all required procedures are completed before releasing final products to the market.
Laboratory Safety
- Follow all laboratory safety procedures.
- Wear the required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Understand emergency procedures, including the use of eye-wash stations.
- Be familiar with safety representatives and first aiders.
- Report safety incidents promptly.
Quality Systems and Accreditation
- Test products to ensure compliance with Clover standards, methods, procedures and policies.
- Maintain effective document and file control.
- Communicate with clients when required.
- Prepare and send regular reports.
- Report opinions and interpretations where required.
- Approve and issue laboratory reports.
- Conduct internal laboratory audits.
- Assist with resolving non-conformances.
- Assist in maintaining the SANAS quality system.
- Assist with and lead SANAS audits where required.
Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A Bachelor’s Degree or relevant qualification in:
- Food Technology
- Biotechnology
- Microbiology
- A related field
- 2–3 years’ experience in a laboratory or production environment.
- FMCG experience will be advantageous.
- Basic knowledge of laboratory testing procedures.
- Knowledge of quality control principles.
- Familiarity with food safety standards such as HACCP and GMP.
- Basic computer literacy, particularly MS Office.
- Willingness to work shifts, weekends and overtime when required.
Key Competencies
The ideal candidate should demonstrate:
- Proactive and action-oriented behaviour.
- Creative problem-solving abilities.
- An open-minded approach to challenges.
- High standards of accuracy and quality.
- Honesty and consistency.
- Effective decision-making skills.
- Ability to collaborate with others.
- Commitment and motivation.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Effective communication skills.
- Good administrative capabilities.
- Customer-oriented approach.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively in a quality-controlled environment.