SCIENTIST PRODUCTION GRADE A (FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY) (X3 POSTS)

Department of Health

Chief Directorate: Emergency and Clinical Support Services

Salary: R791 604 per annum
Centre: Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute
Province: Western Cape
Closing date: 17 August 2026
Circular: No 27 of 2026

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Requirements

Minimum educational qualification: Science Degree (Bsc) (Hon) or relevant qualification that allows registration as a Professional Natural Scientist. Registration with a professional council: Registration with the SACNASP as a Professional Natural Scientist. Experience: 3 years post qualification natural scientific experience. Inherent requirement of the job: Ability to operate specialised analytical instrumentation and perform laboratory-based analytical work. Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy, confidentiality and attention to detail under operational pressures and deadlines. Willingness to participate in after-hours or court-related duties where required. Competencies (knowledge/skills): Forensic Toxicology principles and medico-legal death investigation processes. Analytical chemistry and toxicological analysis techniques, including chromatography and mass spectrometry. Operation and troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation (e.g. LC-MS/MS) and laboratory equipment. Biological specimen handlings, chain-of custody and laboratory safety procedures. Quality Management Systems and ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements. Quality management and quality control principles, including the interpretation and monitoring of internal quality control data, statistical quality assurance tools and Levy-Jennings charts. Applicable legislation, ethical principles and regulatory requirements relevant to forensic science and medico-legal investigations. Research methodology, scientific writing and data analysis principles. Microsoft Office, Laboratory Information Systems, computer-based scientific applications and statistical programs, (e.g. SPSS, R). Programme and project management, staff development and operational laboratory processes. Work with medico-legal and potentially hazardous biological specimens within a forensic environment. Analytical and problem-solving skills. Scientific and technical preparation skills. Scientific method development, validation an data interpretation principles. Data analysis and interpretation. Technical report writing and scientific communication. Planning, organisational, and time management. Interpersonal, teamwork and communication. Training, mentoring and supervision. Attention to detail and record-keeping. Ability to work independently and under pressure within a medico-legal environment. Ability to communicate clearly and discreetly in person and in writing. Appropriate experience working in an analytical or forensic toxicology environment. Appropriate experience working within and ISO/IEC 17025 Environment. Appropriate experience operation LC-MS/MS instrumentation.

Duties

Effective and efficient scientific analysis and Medico-legal service delivery. Efficient method development, validation and laboratory improvement. Effective and efficient research, innovation and knowledge generation. Effective Human Capital development and Scientific leadership. Effective Quality Management System (QMA), Compliance and Operational support.

Where to send your application

Applicants apply online: www.westerncape.gov.za/health-jobs (click “online applications”)

Enquiries

Ms B Davies Tel No: (021) 406-6026/6412 or email: Bronwen.Davies@uct.ac.za

Note

No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to a practical test. Candidates will be subjected to a security clearance prior to appointment. Candidates who are not in possession of the stipulated requirements may also apply. Such candidates will only be considered for appointment on condition that proof of qualification for registration to register with the relevant council and proof of payment of the prescribed registration fees to the relevant council are submitted on or before the day of the interview. This concession is only applicable to candidates who apply for the first time for registration in a specific category with the relevant council (individuals who must apply for change in registration status).

Taken from Public Service Vacancy Circular 27 of 2026, published by the Department of Public Service and Administration on 31 July 2026. Open the PDF to check this post against the original. Last checked 31 July 2026.

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