Part Time Researcher at University of the Witwatersrand

Job Description

Department Description

The Wits/SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit is an extramural unit of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and is based at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. The unit is seeking a part time (60% / 25 hours per week) researcher with experience in modern techniques of molecular biology, particularly as it is applied to gene therapy, to join its productive team. The unit conducts research aimed at developing novel nucleic acid-based treatment of viral diseases of particular importance to sub Saharan Africa. Research entails application of techniques of molecular and cellular biology to advance silencing and editing of viral gene expression for therapeutic application. Assessment of efficacy of the engineered nucleic acids is carried out in various models after incorporation of the sequences into recombinant viral and non-viral vectors. The incumbent will primarily be involved in research on aspects of this programme, but will also be expected to assist with providing postgraduate student supervision and administrative support within the unit. Details of current and recently completed research activities of the Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit are provided on the laboratory’s website (www.wits.ac.za/agtru/). Ideally the incumbent will assume duty on 1 August 2017.

Brief Description

Position: Part Time Researcher (AC.08) Key responsibilities include working on the following:

• Molecular biology research that would include plasmid manipulations, nucleic acid extractions and quantification
• Cell culture, transfection and related techniques
• Work with recombinant viral vectors derived from adeno-associated viruses, adenoviruses and lentiviruses
• Preparation of non-viral vectors
• Quantification of viral replication using immunoassays and nucleic acid quantification
• Administrative and postgraduate mentoring duties in the Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit.

Requirements:

• Minimum Qualification PhD with postdoctoral experience in gene therapy
• Previous Experience in research applying techniques of Molecular Biology to gene therapy Preferences:

Laboratory experience in applying research on gene therapy For more information (not to submit applications) Contact: Professor Patrick Arbuthnot Telephone: 011 717 2365 Email: [email protected] Closing Date: 16 June 2017

How To Apply

To apply: To apply, please submit a covering letter, a detailed CV with names, addresses, contact numbers and e-mail addresses of 3 referees via i-Recruitment at https://irec.wits.ac.za The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates. Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise. Only online applications will be considered for shortlisting.