Medical Laboratory Technician (12 months’ contract - Wits AGTRU / MRC)

SUMMARY:
Background:

• Wits Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit (Wits AGTRU) aims to counter viral infections that cause serious health problems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in sub-Saharan Africa
• Wits AGTRU’s research unit is dedicated to driving molecular technologies from discovery to clinical application, advancing innovation through intellectual property (IP) generation, and fostering the next generation of scientific leaders
• With strong support from South African and international funding agencies, our research addresses critical challenges in biomedical science and healthcare in general
• Wits AGTRU has a well-equipped molecular biology laboratory that specialises in a wide array of advanced methodologies
• Specific areas of expertise are in:
• Optimising mRNA production and lipid nanoparticle formulation for preclinical applications
• Engineering recombinant viral vectors for disease prevention and treatment
• Assessing gene transfer efficiency in mammalian cells
• Conducting preclinical evaluations of promising vaccines and antiviral therapeutics

POSITION INFO:
Division: Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit (AGTRU)

Main purpose of the job:

• To provide technical assistance, support, and expertise towards a research-intensive project
• This includes implementation and execution of molecular biology assays under the principles of good laboratory practice

• University of the Witwatersrand, Medical School
• 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193

• Carry out laboratory experiments and assays, including but not limited to bacterial culture, PCR, molecular cloning, restriction enzyme digestion, in vitro transcription, ELISA's
• Maintain cultured mammalian cells and carry out experimental procedures related to cell culture (microscopy flow cytometry, ELISA's, real-time PCR)
• Prepare media and reagents for cell culture activities, plasmid cloning and propagation, chromatography, gel electrophoresis
• Keep accurate records of tests and assays performed
• Monitor and maintain laboratory equipment
• Maintain stock of laboratory reagents (order new stock, dispose of used or expired stock)
• Monitor mouse colonies (basic animal husbandry including inspection, weighing and record keeping)
• Maintain open line of communication with manager
• Engage with unit during weekly meetings

• BScHons/MSc/BTech in Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry or similar field
• Membership to the South African Veterinary Council is advantageous

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a research laboratory or industry.
• Prior experience in mammalian cell culture and animal husbandry is preferred

• The ability to learn specific, practical techniques and apply this knowledge to solve technical problems
• Knowledge of the use of chemical substances, biohazardous substances, and safe laboratory practice and knowledge of health and safety regulations
• Ability to organize own workload under the direction of academic staff
• Adaptability, high degree of technical competence, ability to multi-task to meet all research needs
• Operation of specialized equipment, requiring specialist training
• Computer literacy
• Ordered and systematic with strict compliance to protocols
• Good administrative skills
• Able to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines

• 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: 13 March 2026
• Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date

• 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