Medical Scientist - Mycology (9 Months’ Contract - Wits Health Consortium)

SUMMARY:
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

POSITION INFO:
Division: Wits Mycology

Main purpose of the job:

• To conduct research and to provide scientific support for research projects in order to fulfil the research mandate of Wits Mycology
• Specific responsibilities will include cryptococcal antigen testing, Histoplasma antigen testing and real time PCR
• Other responsibilities will include performing laboratory testing for the COMBAT Candida program of work

• 1 Modderfontein Road, Sandringham, Johannesburg

• Wits Mycology aims to improve the outcomes of people with varied lived experiences who are affected by life-threatening or disabling fungal diseases through clinical trials, observational studies, social science studies, and laboratory research and innovation
• Our research also stretches to other important infectious diseases
• We work in South Africa, across the African continent and globally
  

• To perform ethical and relevant research (basic and applied) that will provide new information on human diseases or disease-causing agents
• To apply specialised knowledge and provide interpretation of results
• To evaluate and implement appropriate tests relevant to the activities of the Mycology division including assay design, laboratory testing, data entry, data management, data cleaning, data analysis and report-writing/ publishing in scientific journals
• To contribute to the teaching of students (from NHLS or academic institutes), health professionals and technical staff in research skills in order to develop research capacity
• To write and submit research grant proposals to further the research capacity of the Mycology division
• To write scientific reports and papers for submission to scientific, peer reviewed journals and congresses in order to disseminate new research findings
• To liaise with research collaborators and research supervisors on project implementation, both nationally and internationally, in order to ensure that the research meets high standards
• Complete QC as per study specific protocol/SOP with internal quality control in conjunction with relevant staff
• Perform internal audits as required
• Monitoring of equipment’s and temperature charts daily; as required
• Complete routine equipment maintenance, calibrate the laboratory equipment as required for the operation of that equipment
• Run various quality control procedures, as defined by the assay protocol or SOP
• Assist with stocktaking and ordering of consumables and reagents as required
• Management and storage of bio-hazardous waste and toxic materials when required in the safety manual
• Timeously report all non-conformances to management
• Develop and review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the study, new experimental protocols and equipment
• Manage logistical shipping process of Infectious and Biological substances from hospital to the laboratory
• Order laboratory consumables and equipment
• Monitor and control workflows and turnaround times
• Perform relevant administration i.e. filing, copying, email etc.
• Report any quality assurance issues to laboratory management
• Demonstrate cost consciousness and assist in meeting budgetary targets
• Build and maintain authentic relationships with all stakeholders ensuring that all interactions are professional
• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrate effective self-management
• Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintained

• MSc or BSc (Hons) Degree in Microbiology or related field

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in a Medical Microbiology Laboratory

• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice (GCP) and basic health and safety
• Knowledge of appropriate research methodology and method validation
• Knowledge of writing research publications
• Knowledge of grants applications processes
• Knowledge of research ethics
• Knowledge in the use of web-based databases
• Knowledge of new research technologies
• Basic Knowledge of relevant discipline
• Teaching and assessment experience
• Knowledge of Quality control in the laboratory
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work independently on multiple projects and manage high volumes of samples efficiently
• Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate effectively with laboratory and clinical teams

• 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: 08 April 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