Medical Laboratory Technician: (1 Year Fixed Term Contract)

Main purpose of the job

To provide laboratory, technical and organisational support to a research team discovering and developing new tools to address the TB Epidemic; and also support a team of scientist on the various clinical projects carried out at the DST/NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research (CBTBR).

Location

Wits University and National Health Laboratory Services- Braamfontein

Key performance areas

Assist with writing research protocols and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
Monitor the progress of the research being undertaken through on-going liaison with the research team
Carry out the required research (as identified by the Research Team)
Collaborate closely with the Research Team on related studies within the unit re study design, protocol, research tools and other research related activities
Assist with management and servicing laboratory equipment.
Assist with obtaining quotations, procurement and receipting of goods and services
Assist with research administration and development of bio repository
Perform essays to identify Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Assist with the management and servicing of laboratory equipment
Adhere to SOPs and study protocols for data generation and analysis
Monitor and provide regular feedback on data generation to the research team
Assist with monitoring the updating databases for capturing of research data collected
Capture research data collected into the database
Perform data cleaning as and when required
Monitor and follow data generation and collection procedures.
Visit study sites to collect study data as and when required
Analyse research data
Compile relevant reports and research findings to address questions that transpired from meetings, management or Funders requests.
Conduct a variety of tasks in a mycobacterial research laboratory requiring specific scientific and technical knowledge in the areas of molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology, or mycobacteriology;
Required minimum education and training
A Bachelor of Science degree in either Molecular Biology/ Genetics/ Bioinformatics or Mycobacteria

Required minimum work experience

Minimum 2 years’ experience working in BSL2 molecular biology environment
Experience working with BSL3 level organisms will be advantageous

Additional education, work experience and personal abilities

Good computational skills
Excellent report-writing skills
Scientific and technical knowledge in the areas of molecular biology, biochemistry, microbiology or mycobacteriology
Effective time management skills
Good interpersonal and organizational skills
Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
Ability to work under pressure and being pro-active

The Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates. Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications unsuccessful. In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.