Salary: R212,282 to R293,376 per annum, depending on the applicable vacancy
Position: General Laboratory Assistant: Inventory and Processing
Locations: Tembisa and Roodepoort, Gauteng
Closing date: 23 August 2026
Listing reference: sanbs_003418
The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) has advertised a General Laboratory Assistant: Inventory and Processing opportunity for candidates interested in building experience in the medical, healthcare and laboratory sciences environment.
The role focuses on practical laboratory support, inventory handling, blood bank hamper preparation, stock control, cleaning and bio-hazardous waste disposal.
The vacancy information supplied for this opportunity lists remuneration of R293,376 and R212,282 per annum for the respective vacancy information, so applicants should carefully verify which salary applies to the specific business unit and position they are applying for.
SANBS General Laboratory Assistant Vacancy at a Glance
| Vacancy detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Employer | South African National Blood Service |
| Position | General Laboratory Assistant: Inventory and Processing |
| Listing reference | sanbs_003418 |
| Industry | Medical, Health & Social Care |
| Job category | Medical Research and Laboratory Sciences |
| Business units | Tembisa / Constantia Kloof |
| Listed locations | Tembisa and Roodepoort, Gauteng |
| Remuneration | R212,282–R293,376 per annum |
| Closing date | 23 August 2026 |
| Employment equity | No |
Because the supplied vacancy information contains different remuneration and contract details, applicants should rely on the specific official listing attached to their application when confirming the final package.
Salary and Financial Considerations
The vacancy information lists annual remuneration of R212,282 and R293,376, depending on the applicable position.
For comparison, these amounts are approximately:
- R212,282 per year: about R17,690 gross per month
- R293,376 per year: about R24,448 gross per month
These monthly figures are calculated by dividing the annual amount by 12 and should not be treated as take-home pay. Actual income after deductions may be lower.
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Applicants should confirm the exact salary attached to their vacancy before making financial decisions.
What Does a General Laboratory Assistant Do?
The General Laboratory Assistant provides practical support to laboratory operations and helps ensure that routine activities are completed efficiently and according to established procedures.
This particular role has a strong inventory and processing component.
Responsibilities can include:
- Preparing blood bank hampers
- Delivering and collecting blood bank hampers
- Packing received stock
- Conducting stock counts
- Supporting inventory activities
- Performing routine bio-hazardous waste disposal
- Completing daily laboratory duties
- Maintaining cleanliness in designated areas
- Following Standard Operating Procedures
- Supporting SHEQ requirements
- Performing other general laboratory functions
Accuracy and consistency are important because the position involves laboratory materials, inventory and health and safety procedures.
Blood Bank and Inventory Responsibilities
A major part of the role involves assisting with blood bank hamper preparation, collection and delivery.
The successful candidate may also assist with receiving stock, packing materials and completing stock counts.
Inventory work requires careful attention to detail because incorrect handling or recording of materials can affect laboratory operations.
Candidates should therefore be comfortable following procedures and working accurately when handling supplies.
Bio-Hazardous Waste Disposal
The role also includes routine bio-hazardous waste disposal.
This means employees must follow the applicable workplace procedures when handling and disposing of laboratory waste.
Applicants should understand that this is different from ordinary cleaning work and requires strict adherence to health, safety and hygiene requirements.
Laboratory Cleaning and General Support
The successful candidate will also perform routine duties that help maintain an effective laboratory environment.
These may include cleaning designated areas, supporting daily laboratory activities and ensuring that workspaces remain organised.
The role therefore combines inventory responsibilities with practical operational support.
SHEQ Compliance
Employees are expected to comply with Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) requirements.
Following Standard Operating Procedures is an important part of the job.
Candidates should be comfortable working in an environment where safety, hygiene, quality control and accurate procedures are taken seriously.
Minimum Educational Requirements
The stated minimum educational requirements include:
- Grade 12
- Mathematics
- At least one Science subject
This makes the opportunity potentially relevant to matriculants who completed Mathematics and a Science subject and are interested in healthcare, laboratory support or medical services.
However, meeting the educational requirements does not guarantee appointment. Candidates must also satisfy the other requirements of the vacancy.
Skills and Competencies
SANBS identifies several competencies that are relevant to the role.
Attention to Detail
Accuracy is important when working with stock, laboratory supplies and routine procedures.
Problem-Solving
Candidates should be able to identify problems and respond appropriately within established procedures.
Communication
Good communication is important when working with colleagues and supporting different laboratory activities.
Teamwork
The role requires employees to work effectively with other staff members and departments.
Adaptability
Candidates should be able to adjust to changing work requirements and operational demands.
Ethical Behaviour
Working in a healthcare-related environment requires professional and ethical conduct.
Additional Requirements
Applicants should be prepared for the practical requirements of the position.
The vacancy indicates that the successful candidate may be required to:
- Work overtime when necessary
- Perform shift work
- Work weekends when required
- Maintain good physical health
- Have reasonable endurance and mobility
- Have proficient eyesight
Candidates should therefore understand that this is not necessarily a conventional Monday-to-Friday office position.
Why Consider a Laboratory Assistant Career?
A laboratory assistant position can provide valuable exposure to the healthcare and medical laboratory environment.
For candidates interested in laboratory sciences, healthcare support or medical services, the role can help develop practical experience in areas such as:
- Laboratory procedures
- Inventory management
- Workplace safety
- Hygiene and sanitation
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Quality compliance
- Stock control
These skills can become useful when pursuing future opportunities within healthcare, laboratory services and related fields.
Financial Planning for Applicants
Applicants should consider the full financial impact of the opportunity rather than focusing only on the advertised annual salary.
Before accepting the position, consider:
- Transport costs
- Accommodation
- Meals during shifts
- Mobile communication
- Other work-related expenses
- Applicable payroll deductions
For example, someone living close to the workplace may retain more of their salary after transport expenses than someone commuting a long distance.
Understanding your expected monthly expenses can help determine the practical value of the opportunity.
Closing Date
The listed closing date for the General Laboratory Assistant vacancy is:
23 August 2026
Applicants should submit their applications before the deadline and avoid waiting until the final day.
Because the supplied vacancy information contains different remuneration and business-unit details, candidates should verify the exact location, contract arrangement, salary and requirements attached to the vacancy they select.
How to Prepare Your Application
Before submitting an application, candidates should prepare:
- An updated CV
- Details of their Grade 12 qualification
- Mathematics results or subject details
- Science subject details
- Relevant work experience, where applicable
- Accurate contact information
- Any other supporting information requested in the official vacancy
Apply for General Laboratory Assistant Job Opportunity 2026 at Tembisa SABS
Apply for General Laboratory Assistant Job Opportunity 2026 at Roodepoort SABS
Make sure all information provided is accurate and consistent with your qualifications and experience.
Final Takeaway
The SANBS General Laboratory Assistant: Inventory and Processing vacancy offers an opportunity for qualifying Grade 12 candidates interested in entering the medical and laboratory environment.
The role involves blood bank hamper preparation, inventory handling, stock counts, bio-hazardous waste disposal, cleaning and general laboratory support.
The supplied vacancy information lists annual remuneration ranging from R212,282 to R293,376, depending on the applicable vacancy information. Applicants should confirm the exact package associated with their selected position before applying.
With the closing date set for 23 August 2026, candidates who meet the Grade 12, Mathematics and Science requirements should review the official vacancy carefully and submit a complete application before the deadline.
