ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH RESEARCH UNIT
CAPE TOWN OFFICE
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) strives to improve the nation’s health and quality of life by funding and conducting relevant and leading health research. It further aims to promote equity, career development and progression.
SENIOR RESEARCH TECHNOLOGIST (E)
Duration: One year and 9 months contract
The SAMRC’s Environment and Health Research Unit requires a suitably qualified research technologist to support and manage research activities related to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance through wastewater monitoring. The role involves planning, executing, and analyzing environmental samples, ensuring the integrity of data, overseeing laboratory procedures, and contributing to the broader research goals of the SAMRC's AMR project. The successful candidate will provide technical expertise, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to support research outcomes that inform public health interventions. In addition to this, the incumbent will be responsible for maintaining good laboratory practice (GLP), laboratory equipment and performing administrative tasks related to the core functions of the facility.
Responsibilities:
- Perform microbial and molecular analyses, including microbial culture, PCR, sequencing, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).
- Adherence to protocol, SOPs and timelines
- Receiving and logging of samples onto LIMS (Laboratory information management systems)
- Quality control of documentation and processes within the laboratory
- Isolation of DNA and RNA from wastewater and similar environmental samples
- DNA and RNA quality control
- Assist with supply chain management as per project requirement so that laboratory stock is maintained
- Management of assets and ensuring laboratory equipment is well maintained
- Filing of documents as per operating procedures including keeping detailed and accurate laboratory records
- Prepare progress reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Participate in project meetings, workshops, and conferences to present research findings.
Core Requirements:
- Relevant 3- year tertiary qualification in Environmental Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or similar qualification or higher
- 1 -2 years’ knowledge/experience in Environmental Microbiology or related field
- 1 -2 years’ knowledge/experience with basic molecular biology techniques e.g., RNA, DNA isolation, bacterial culturing, PCR and gel electrophoresis
- 1 year experience with environmental sampling
- Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
- Maintaining experimental records (lab book) and working with protocols and SOP’s
- Understanding of quality control within a laboratory
- Code 08 valid drivers license (manual)
Advantageous:
- BSc (Hons) in Environmental Microbiology or related field
- Environmental sampling, particularly wastewater
- Knowledge/experience with sample management
- DNA and RNA quality control experience
Terms & Conditions: The SAMRC retains the right not to make an appointment. In accordance with the SAMRC’s Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from the designated groups. For this reason, we require race, gender and disability status to be specified. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. By submitting your application, SAMRC concludes that you are a competent person to consent and that you are giving consent to the SAMRC to process and further process all personal information contained in the application in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, Act No 4 of 2013 (as amended). The SAMRC does its best to provide the most accurate information; however, if there is anything wrong and unclear applicants are encouraged to contact the HR Recruitment Office at 021-938 0648 before the closing date.
A salary in the region of R 369 669.00 per annum, cost-to-company, will be negotiated in consideration of experience and qualifications.
Closing date: 8 May 2025
PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R844A) IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOUR SUBMISSION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED SHOULD YOUR APPLICATION NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE REQUIRED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION.
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