Project Coordinator (Medical Science - 12 Months Contract - Wits NICD)

SUMMARY:
Background:

• The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) is a major global player in infectious disease intelligence
• The NICD is a source of knowledge and expertise in regionally relevant communicable diseases to the South African Government, SADC countries, and the African continent
• The NICD assists in the planning of policies and programs and supports appropriate responses to communicable disease problems and issues.

POSITION INFO:
Main purpose of the job:

• To co-ordinate the sampling and laboratory management operations of wastewater-based surveillance projects, associated data management, and stakeholder engagement

• Wastewater Genomics

• Centre for Vaccines and Epidemiology, NICD – Johannesburg

• Oversee maintenance of the sample collection schedule and reporting spreadsheet
• Address any issues arising that may negatively impact sample collection
• Co-ordinate the accurate and timeous capture of all sample data and results on the project into the project database
• Liaise with contracted IT service provider to regularly back up database
• Liaise closely with the Project Administrator and Project Manager to ensure accurate and timely payment of external courier service providers by providing proof of sample collection, and confirmation of receipt of good quality samples

• Liaise with the Laboratory Technicians and Project Manager to ensure timely delivery of sampling consumables and submission of sample information by sites
• Work closely with collaborators at sampling sites, and contracted courier service provider to identify and mitigate risks to sample collection, handling and integrity
• Maintain up to date and accurate records of project equipment, and stock levels of sampling consumables at sites

• Work with the Laboratory Technicians and Scientists to:

• Liaise closely with the Senior Scientist, Project Manager and Administrator to ensure the stock inventory is feeds into procurement projections and placement and delivery of orders
• Liaise with the Administrator and Project Manager to timeously request orders, and follow up for delivery for consumables and reagents

• Work with the wastewater epidemiologist and relevant team members to ensure completeness and integrity of sample data on the database
• Ensure that all data queries linked to sample collection and processing, and laboratory equipment and stock management are addressed timeously

• Training and capacity, team co-ordination and stakeholder management
• Work with the senior leadership and scientists on the team, lead the implement the internal and external capacity development activities
• This will include, but not be limited to:
• Liaise with the Project Manager and input into the Division capacity development plans
• Draw up and co-ordinate implementation of other training plans as directed by the division leadership
• Prepare reports on the training activities
• Liaise with all team members as necessary to ensure smooth execution of the sample collection and laboratory operations in the division
• Liaise with the division leadership to ensure stakeholder relations are maintained externally for smooth operation of the sampling programme and laboratory operations
• Skills in the following areas: inter-personal relations, conflict resolution, self-awareness, people management, empathetic under pressure, respect for people and integrity

• MSc or equivalent in Medical Science or another relevant field

• Minimum of 1 year work experience in a research environment

• HPCSA registration would be advantageous
• Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) would be advantageous
• Project management training and work experience in a laboratory setting
• Ability to take initiative and prior efficiency under pressure
• Training in data handling and management

• 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
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• 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: 29 August 2025
• 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