About the position
Background:
- Named after Nobel Laureate and Wits University graduate, Sydney Brenner, the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB) is a burgeoning multi-disciplinary research institute dedicated to investigating the molecular and genomic aetiology of diseases among African populations
Mission
- To conduct biomedical molecular and genomic research addressing health priorities in Africans
Vision
- To become a leader in biomedical research on the African continent, conducting world-class, innovative and relevant research, that will benefit the southern African community, and to excel as a centre for learning
Division: Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB)
Main purpose of the job:
- Laboratory-based researcher required to manage laboratory activities on the 1000 ONT long-read WGS from the Soweto, South Africa project
Location:
- Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB) - 9 Jubilee Road Parktown Johannesburg
Key performance areas:
- Carry out the required research experiments and laboratory duties (as identified by the Research Team)
- Draft research protocols and the development of SOPs for the project
- Sample Preparation & Processing: Extract DNA, perform quality control (QC), and prepare libraries for PROMETHION ONT platform
- Sequencing Run Management: Set up, operate, and maintain the PROMETHION platform
- Protocol Optimisation: Troubleshoot PROMETHION ONT-based workflow
- Project Support: Assist with literature reviews, draft research reports, and prepare figures/plots for presentations
Required minimum education and training:
- MSc or PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. Molecular Biology, Genetics or Laboratory Science) and experience in Molecular Biology Techniques
Required minimum work experience:
- Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience
- Experience with next generation sequencing platforms is advantageous
Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:
- Strong organizational skills
- Good communication skills
- Attention to detail and self-motivated
- Ability to work independently and in a team
- Sound knowledge of best practices and lab standards
- Able to work under pressure and adherence to deadlines
- Follow through on assigned tasks, able to work independently and work as part of a diverse or multidisciplinary team
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: 27 February 2026
- 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:
- Research
- Laboratory
- Molecular biology
- MSC
- PhD
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology Techniques
