HR191
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JOB DESCRIPTION
Forms must be downloaded from the UCT website: http://www.uct.ac.za/depts/sapweb/forms/forms.htm
This form serves as a template for the writing of job descriptions.
A copy of this form should be kept on file in your office.
For re-evaluations, this form must be sent to your relevant HR Advisor/Officer
POSITION DETAILS
Position Title (current title)
Department / Laboratory Assistant
Status of Post (tick)
New Post
Job Grade (current grade)
5
Faculty (if applicable)
Health Sciences Faculty
Department
Clinical Laboratory Sciences
Re-evaluation
Section (if applicable)
Date of Compilation
31 March 2011
FOR OFFICE USE
Job Title
Date of Grading
Grading Result
ORGANOGRAM
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT
HEADS OF DIVISIONS IN FALMOUTH BUILDING
HEADS OF DIVISIONS IN IIDMM BUILDING
LABORATORY MANAGER
FALMOUTH BUILDING
LABORATORY MANAGER
IIDMM
LABORATORY ASSISTANTS
LABORATORY ASSISTANTS
PURPOSE
The main purpose of this position is to support the laboratory and it’s research and teaching by
performing laboratory maintenance. This includes cleaning of lab instruments, glassware and
replenishing materials required for lab functions.
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JOB CONTENT
Key Performance Areas (4 – 6)
1) General cleaning of laboratory
% of
time
spent
20
2) Waste removal and care of
Laboratory
20
3) Washing and autoclaving
20
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Activities / Objectives / Tasks
Results / Outcomes
Competencies
Mopping and sweeping of lab floors
Disinfect lab surfaces
Clean and defrost fridge and freezers
Clean balance areas
Clean and refill water baths
Mop and disinfect walk in incubator
and fridge floors and surfaces
Clean incubators under supervision
Cleaning of specialized areas* under
supervision for special requirements
Monitor and report cleaning material
stocks for ordering.
Moving of lab furniture for deep
cleaning of a monthly basis
Cleaning of centrifuges and rotors
Used glassware
Autoclave items for discarding where
necessary
Hazardous waste (red bins)
Broken glass
Containers for sharps to be replaced
when full
Maintain records of disposal of
hazardous waste for invoicing
Non-hazardous waste removal
Safe removal of radioactive waste and
cleaning of area.
Prepare instruments for sterilization
Operate washing machines for
glassware
Monitoring sterilization procedures
Uninterrupted and smooth
functioning of the lab
General cleaning
knowledge offered in
Special lab training
courses by UCT
Ensuring a safe lab environment
Knowledge of
hazardous waste
removal in
accordance with
safety regulations
Ensures equipment functioning at
optimum levels
Minimal technical
knowledge
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4) General laboratory maintenance
20
5) Administration
20
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Laundering of lab coats
Packing pipette tips into dispensing
boxes to fulfill the requirements of the
labs.
Autoclaving of growth media for
microbiological culture and liquid
media for cell culture.
Operate and clean autoclaves.
De-ionise water system pressure
check list and ice machine as well as
monitoring ice supply to labs.
Freeze dryer oil changes.
Collection of liquid nitrogen and filling
of reservoir tanks as required.
Filling liquid nitrogen fridges from the
tanks.
Monitoring of Liquid Nitrogen Dewars
and the uninterrupted supply from the
central supply area.
CO2 monitoring.
Assess plastic consumable usage and
restock as required.
Prepare media and reagents as
required.
Check -80 freezers for excess ice and
clean where necessary.
Keeping records to ensure lab
adherence to safety legislation and
good lab practice
Provide cross cover for lab assistance
where required in the department as
requested by the lab manager.
Where requested to assist with exam
processes
Assist with training courses and/or
seminars where requested to do so.
Constant uninterrupted supply of
lab consumables
Knowledge of liquid
nitrogen safety
Provide assistance to other
laboratories for reasons identified
by the lab managers
Flexibility
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Assist with messenger duties as
requested by lab manager
*Specialised areas include:
Dark rooms, GLP lab, PCR lab, TC Lab, DNA Lab, BL2 and 3 labs, Labs working with Infectious Diseases and the advanced training lab
on level 3 WBN
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MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Qualifications
Matric
Minimum Experience
2 years
AUTHORITY
Compiled by
PRINT NAME
Abdu Mohamed
Berenice Arendse
Approved by
Graham Christians
Reviewed by
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SIGNATURE
CONTACT NO.
DATE