Junior Medical Scientist - (Wits Health Consortium)

About the position

Background:

• Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Limited ("WHC") is a wholly-owned Company of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa) under its Faculty of Health Sciences
• WHC provides Faculty with a legal framework within which to operate the research and other activities necessary to support its academic objectives
• In addition, WHC offers a range of products and services to Academics

Division: EViTOH

Main purpose of the job:

• To assist with a research program focusing on emerging and re-emerging viral threats within a One Health surveillance framework
• The incumbent will perform and interpret molecular and serological diagnostic tests, sanger and next generation sequencing, work with the Lab Manager to ensure and support compliance with SANAS accreditation and quality management standards
• Work will include BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory environments, primarily involving arboviruses, respiratory, and zoonotic viruses

Location:

• Parktown, Johannesburg

Key performance areas:

• Design, perform and validate molecular and serological diagnostic tests according to SOPs and accreditation standards
• Conduct Sanger and NGS sequencing and bioinformatics analysis
• Virus isolation and tissue culture
• Molecular techniques such as gene cloning, primer design
• Present findings internally or externally and contribute to publications where appropriate
• Prepare and maintain complete validation documentation
• Ensure accuracy, reliability, and traceability of all results generated
• Coordinate and oversee internal quality control and external quality assurance programmes
• Ensure compliance with SANAS accreditation requirements
• Conduct and document internal audits, identify non-conformances, and manage corrective and preventive actions
• Assist in equipment calibration, maintenance, and verification, ensuring up-to-date records and service reports
• Assist in stock management of reagents, QC materials, and consumables
• Database maintenance
• Prepare and submit scientific, technical, and progress reports for internal management, external funders, and collaborators
• Contribute to grant proposals and funding applications
• Attend and present at national and international conferences and workshops

Required minimum education and training:

• Masters in Virology, Microbiology or related field

Professional Body Registration:

• HPCSA or SAVC

Required minimum work experience:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a SANAS registered diagnostic or Clinical Research Laboratory

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

• Experience in molecular and sero-diagnostics techniques including realtime PCRs, ELISA and Immunofluorescence assays
• Experience in Sanger and NGS sequencing and bioinformatics and phylogenetic analysis
• Experience in cell culture and virus isolation
• Practical knowledge of SANAS accreditation procedures
• Have experience in developing/validating diagnostic techniques
• Have experience in Laboratory work under BSL2/BSL-3 conditions with viruses, primarily arboviruses, respiratory and zoonotic viruses
• Experience in quality management, SOP writing, audits, test validation and accreditation processes
• Professional communication within the laboratory team and across departments
• Travel Nationally and internationally for collaborations and training as recommended by the PI

TO APPLY:

• Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV
• Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate, and 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
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position
• 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 to be unsuccessful
• Closing date: 11 December 2025
• Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date

Please note:

• WHC, in accordance with its 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
• AJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position

Desired Skills:

• SOP
• SANAS
• SANGER
• NGS
• Research
• Quality Control
• Junior Medical Scientist