About the Unit:
One of the core objectives of the Molecular Diagnostics program in the NextGen Health Cluster is to develop technologies, devices and assays for POC detection, surveillance and molecular epidemiology of zoonotic and veterinary diseases that adversely affect human and animal health in South Africa. The full range of detection technologies include molecular techniques such as PCR, isothermal amplification, real time PCR and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
For more information about Molecular Diagnostics and NextGen Health, please visit https://www.csir.co.za/molecular-diagnostics and https://www.csir.co.za/nextgen-health respectively.
Key responsibilities:
- Assist Senior Researchers and conduct research on development of molecular diagnostics for zoonotic and veterinary diseases;
- Assist in collaborative research projects as necessary with other leaders/scientists/team members involved in development of molecular diagnostics;
- Assist Senior Researchers in growing partnerships and engaging with Industry partners for research and development of molecular diagnostics;
- Perform molecular tests to augment and confirm clinical symptoms observed, and other laboratory tasks (e.g. bacterial culture and cloning, PCR, sequencing etc.);
- Perform laboratory management, certification and maintenance (inventory and equipment maintenance);
- Apply and liaise with government agencies and departments to obtain relevant permissions and permits for controlled and notifiable diseases;
- Adhere to best practice and compliance with agreed quality and safety standards such as GLP, GMP, and execution of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs);
- Interact with intra- and interdepartmental personnel in scientific discussions for assay development or improvements;
- Write and review reports, technical documents and presentations to support molecular diagnostic development, qualification and validation;
- Keep up-to-date on new technologies and techniques in the field of molecular diagnostics;
- Present scientific findings, developed technologies and contribute towards publishing relevant articles in scientific journals.
Qualifications, skills and experience:
- A Master’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, microbiology or related field with at least one year relevant work experience;
- Experience in disease surveillance, monitoring and epidemiology will be advantageous;
- A strong background in molecular biology is required;
- Expertise in development and application of molecular diagnostics for veterinary and zoonotic diseases is required;
- Strong verbal and written communication skills;
- Proficiency with MS Office suite and relevant scientific softwares.
PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.
For more info, please contact the CSIR Recruitment Centre on 012 841 4774 or email us at [email protected] Please do not submit your application to this mailbox
The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the Employment Equity Act of 1998. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, consents and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from a registered credit bureau and/or SAPS (in relation to positions that require trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances) and may also verify the applicant’s educational qualifications and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.