Main purpose of the job :
- We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Research and Development Scientist to join our dynamic team focused on advancing diagnostic technologies for mpox and antimicrobial resistance in South Africa.
- Through funding from the South African Medical Research Council and the Novo Nordisk Foundation, our group is designing, developing and evaluating novel solutions to improve access to affordable diagnostics to those who need them most
Location :
32 Princess of Wales Terrace, ParktownKey performance areas :
Lead and support research and development initiatives to advance novel diagnostics throughout their product development life cycleContribute to the development and optimization of laboratory protocols and relevant biorepositoriesDesign and execute analytical, clinical, feasibility and usability evaluation studies to assess diagnostic performance and readiness for implementationEnsure all regulatory, legal, and scientific frameworks are in place prior to evaluationCollaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate molecular technologies into existing diagnostic workflowsTransition into a cross-functional team investigating innovative laboratory technologies for the identification and monitoring of antimicrobial resistance (AMR)Prepare scientific reports, data analyses, publications, and presentations for internal and external stakeholdersSupervise Junior Scientists to advance their careersRequired minimum education and training :
MSc or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biomedical Science or a related fieldMinimum 5 years of relevant experienceProfessional Body Registration :
HPCSA registration would be an advantageRequired minimum work experience :
Minimum of 5 years experience post qualificationDesirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities :
Proven experience in diagnostic development, particularly in molecular diagnosticsStrong understanding of analytical and clinical validation processesFamiliarity with flow-cytometry, PCR, isothermal amplification, sequencing technologies, cell-based (immunophenotyping), and other molecular platformsExperience working in a regulated laboratory environment and knowledge of good laboratory practices and infection controlExcellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaborativelyStrong communication skills and scientific writing abilityExperience with both phenotypic and molecular AMR detection methodologies (and surveillance)Knowledge of the South African healthcare and laboratory landscapePrior involvement in translational research or public health initiativesExperience in presentation at scientific forums and a good publication recordAbility to travel to clinical sites and collaborating sites internationallyGood understanding of statistical programs such as Stata / SAS / RTO APPLY :
Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CVPlease 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 conditionsThis will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNELHowever, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job marketPlease take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective positionWits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidatesCandidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessfulClosing date : 07 November 2025Note : No CV will be accepted after the closing datePlease 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 theretoAJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health ConsortiumAJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position