Medical Scientist (12 Months Contract)

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Additional information:

• The Mycology Division aims to improve the outcomes of people affected by serious, life- threatening fungal diseases in South Africa and the African region through public health-focused epidemiological, clinical and basic science research and innovation
• Their work also stretches to other important infectious diseases

Main purpose of the job:

• To perform laboratory testing on clinical samples or fungal or bacterial pathogens using phenotypic and molecular assays
• To help conceptualise, design and manage research projects
• To conduct research and to provide scientific support for other researchers in order to fulfil the research mandate of the Wits Mycology Division

Location:

• NICD- 1 Modderfontein Road, Sandringham, Johannesburg

Key performance areas:

• To perform ethical and relevant research (basic and applied) that will provide new information on human diseases or disease-causing agents and which promotes the NHLS’ goal of becoming a world-class research organisation
• To apply specialised knowledge (molecular testing as well as classical microbiology) and provide interpretation of results so that appropriate treatment or control methods can be implemented to diagnose infections/diseases and characterise pathogens
• To evaluate and implement appropriate tests relevant to the activities of Wits Mycology including assay design, laboratory testing, data entry, data management, data cleaning, data analysis and report-writing/publishing in scientific journals
• To improve existing laboratory tests and expand the test repertoire in order to enhance the provision of pathology services
• To contribute to the teaching of students (from NHLS or academic institutions), health professionals and technical staff in research skills in order to develop research capacity
• To train students, health professionals and technical staff in laboratory skills and health sciences to ensure that they can deliver improved and effective diagnostic services and have better knowledge of fungal infections
• To write and submit research grant proposals to further the research capacity of Wits Mycology
• To write scientific reports and papers for submission to scientific, peer reviewed journals and congresses to disseminate new research findings
• To liaise with research collaborators and research supervisors on project implementation, both nationally and internationally, to stimulate debate and ensure that the research meets high standards
• Complete QC as per study specific protocol/SOP with internal quality control in conjunction with relevant staff
• Perform internal audits as required
• Monitoring of equipments and temperature charts daily; as required
• Complete routine equipment maintenance, calibrate the laboratory equipment as required for the operation of that equipment
• Run various quality control procedures as defined by the assay protocol or SOP
• Assist with stocktaking and ordering of consumables and reagents as required
• Management and storage of biohazardous waste and toxic materials
• Timeously report all non-conformances within the QMS to management
• Oversee the maintenance and calibration of equipment
• Run bioinformatics workflows and scripts to analyse next-generation sequencing data
• Contributing to assembling of whole genome sequences with currently established workflows
• Monitor and control stock levels
• Monitor and control work flows and turnaround times
• Respond to and report quality control issues to laboratory manager
• Demonstrate cost consciousness, and assists in meeting budgetary targets
• Project management

Required minimum education and training:

• BSc Honours Degree in a relevant field
• Peer-reviewed publications will be advantageous

Required minimum work experience:

• 2-5 years’ experience in a medical microbiology laboratory and/or in a research diagnostic pathology laboratory

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

• Knowledge of good laboratory practice (GCP) and basic health and safety
• Knowledge of appropriate research methodology and method validation
• Knowledge of writing research publications
• Knowledge of grants applications processes
• Knowledge of research ethics
• Knowledge in the use of web based databases
• Knowledge of new research technologies
• Basic Knowledge of relevant discipline
• Teaching and assessment experience
• Knowledge of Quality control in the laboratory
• Policy Translation or diagnostic improvement

TO APPLY:

• Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above requirements will not be considered for the respective position.
• Please Apply Online and complete your registration on Ditto Hire (our application tracking system) to enable and protect you as a candidate to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions. This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL. However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market.
• The closing date for all applications: 31 January 2025.
• Note WHC, in accordance with their Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.

Please note:

• AJ Personnel is only responsible for the advertising and response handling of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates.
• Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks from the closing date can consider their application to be unsuccessful.