Senior Medical Scientist (12 Months Contract - Wits DIH)

SUMMARY:
Background:

• The Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub (DIH) is a division of Wits Health Consortium
• 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:
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

• 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown

• Lead and support research and development initiatives to advance novel diagnostics throughout their product development life cycle
• Contribute to the development and optimization of laboratory protocols and relevant biorepositories
• Design and execute analytical, clinical, feasibility and usability evaluation studies to assess diagnostic performance and readiness for implementation
• Ensure all regulatory, legal, and scientific frameworks are in place prior to evaluation
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate molecular technologies into existing diagnostic workflows
• Transition 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 stakeholders
• Supervise Junior Scientists to advance their careers

• MSc or PhD in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biomedical Science or a related field
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience

• HPCSA registration would be an advantage

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience post qualification

• Proven experience in diagnostic development, particularly in molecular diagnostics
• Strong understanding of analytical and clinical validation processes
• Familiarity with flow-cytometry, PCR, isothermal amplification, sequencing technologies, cell-based (immunophenotyping), and other molecular platforms
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment and knowledge of good laboratory practices and infection control
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong communication skills and scientific writing ability
• Experience with both phenotypic and molecular AMR detection methodologies (and surveillance)
• Knowledge of the South African healthcare and laboratory landscape
• Prior involvement in translational research or public health initiatives
• Experience in presentation at scientific forums and a good publication record
• Ability to travel to clinical sites and collaborating sites internationally
• Good understanding of statistical programs such as Stata/SAS/R

• 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: 07 November 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