The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that research, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisation's work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state. The CSIR has a vacancy for a Lab Attendant Rope Testing in the The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that researches, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa.

The organisation¿s work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.

Laboratory Attendant About The Job The CSIR has a vacancy for Laboratory Attendant in the Rope testing laboratory within the Mining Cluster

. The incumbent will be responsible to receive, prepare and handle steel wire rope samples for testing and inspection, ensuring they are processed safely, accurately and in accordance with laboratory procedures. The role includes sample preparation, operation of equipment, handling of hazardous materials, and transportation of heavy test specimens to support efficient rope testing operations.

The position is based in Johannesburg.

For more information about the work of the Mechanical testing laboratory, visit https://www.csir.co.za/future-production-mining.

Key Responsibilities

- Receive, prepare and inspect rope test specimens;
- Confirm accurate receiving of ropes by confirming accuracy of paperwork;
- Ensure accuracy of information supplied on test application form when receiving samples;
- Accurate recording of information in the rope receiving book on a consistent basis;




- Transport big and heavy rope specimens from one station to the next in the laboratory using a big trolley;
- Cast white metal collars and sockets on rope ends using hot molten metal at 300 degrees;
- Un-laying (brushing) of rope ends using pliers and pipes;
- Degrease ropes daily in a hot degreasing chemical;
- Replenishing strong degreasing chemicals in various containers;
- Draining contaminated/hazardous grease from degreasing bath;
- Casting of white metal and resin end caps using hot molten metal at temperatures of up to 300 degrees;
- Preparing the broken rope specimen for inspection (separating broken wires, clean wires in solvent) using paraffin;
- Operate overhead cranes;
- Organise work to ensure minimum preparation turnaround times;
- Ensure that the correct personnel are informed in good time, of any depletion of consumables or materials, when minimum stock levels are reached;
- Manage and use consumables efficiently to avoid waste;
- Carry out planned maintenance actions as indicated by the Lab Supervisor before use.
- Clean machines, daily housekeeping and basic equipment maintenance in area of responsibility, to minimise equipment downtime;
- Comply with the laboratory¿s safety and quality rules and procedures;
- Comply with the Quality Management System, ISO 17025:2017 standard, SANAS requirements, DMS regulations and customer needs consistently.

Qualifications, Skills,



And Experience

- An N3 or NQF level 4 qualification in mechanical engineering or relevant field with at least one year experience working as a general worker;
- Physical fitness including working at heights, climbing ladders, working in confined spaces;
- Driver¿s license will be advantageous;
- Crane operator¿s licence (Up to 7.5 tons);
- Literacy and numeracy skills;
- Basic knowledge of laboratory techniques
- Basic understanding/knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and OHS;
- Good communication skills;
- All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

Closing date: 12 August 2026 PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY. For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on (phone hidden) or email us at [email protected] The CSIR is an equal chance employer. As such, it is committed to the employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances) and may also verify the applicant¿s educational qualification and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date, and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.

📌 Lab Attendant Rope Testing (Douro-Dummer)
🏢 Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
📍 Douro-Dummer