Control Technical Assistant - Mammal Research Institute - Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To provide administrative and technical assistance and research support to students, staff, and collaborators within the Mammal Research Institute (MRI), with a focus on the Stable Isotope laboratory and Wildlife Management.

The incumbent will be responsible for:

Administration and Asset Management 

• Receiving goods from suppliers and deliver to relevant stakeholder(s);
• Submitting approval for write-off of non-functional equipment. Write-off when approval is received;
• Facilitating exporting and receiving research equipment and samples with courier services;
• Managing and keeping clean storerooms, including stock control and inventory;

Financial Administration 

• Searching for equipment and vendors for needed equipment or services;
• Requesting and preparing quotes for needed equipment and services;
• Preparing purchase orders and submit them to the relevant stakeholder(s);
• Arranging for forex payments;
• Submitting invoices to creditors;
• Following up on non-payment issues / debtors;
• Preparing invoices for MRI (including Wildlife Management and Stable Isotope Laboratory) vehicle usage and send accounts to vehicle users;
• Checking if accounts have been paid and follow up on payments;
• Requesting and tracing journal transfers;

Maintenance of Facilities

• Arranging for and following-up on repairs and maintenance of physical facilities; 
• Conducting minor equipment maintenance;

Fleet Management 

• Managing vehicle bookings, issuing and return of vehicles;
• Conducting vehicle inspections after each use;
• Monitoring and ensuring that vehicle users are compliant with MRI guidelines;
• Conducting minor repairs and report issues to Facilities management;
• Contacting the Transport Unit for scheduling services, and repairs when required;
• Providing information to Finance regarding vehicle insurance issues;
• Facilitating the renewal of licence disks each year with the Transport Unit;
• Handling the acquisition of new vehicles;
• Arranging roadworthiness inspections with the Transport Unit;

Research Assistance 

• Providing technical assistance and support to MRI staff, associates, fellows, and postgraduate students;
• Assisting with sample collection, and field equipment maintenance for research;
• Arranging transportation for students and research equipment to the field;
• Accompanying students on short field trips for safety and assistance;

Occupational Health and Safety

• Conducting monthly safety inspections and submit reports;
• Monitoring and reviewing of MRI laboratory safety control measures;
• Monitoring and ensuring compliance with chemical waste management guidelines;
• Conducting waste packaging, storage and disposal and arrangements with waste removal service providers;

Research and Laboratory management 

• Coordinating the activities and operations of allocated laboratories;
• Maintaining/updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols for laboratories;
• Contributing to reports and contribute to publications; 
• Assisting with identifying funding opportunities and writing proposals;
• Managing the acquisition, repair, and maintenance of equipment;
• Managing the security and access of the MRI.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant Bachelors or BTech degree in Zoology, or related field / Agriculture / Biochemistry with at least three (3) years relevant experience; OR
• Relevant National Diploma in Zoology, or related field / Agriculture / Biochemistry with at least five (5) years relevant experience;
• Experience in managing a laboratory;
• Financial administration and budgeting experience;
• Driver’s license.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Efficient organisational and administrative skills;
• Report writing skills;
• Advanced knowledge in Zoology, Biochemistry & Ecology;
• Advanced computer literacy (Microsoft suite) and statistical applications;
• Physical fitness and mobility, including the capability to move heavy objects;
• Willingness and ability to do ecological fieldwork on foot in the BIG 5 reserves;
• Ability to convey information clearly and concisely to groups or individuals verbally and in writing;
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with others to encourage and support communication and teamwork for effective completion of goals;
• Ability to work independently, to accomplish tasks and processes accurately and completely.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• MSc in Zoology or Entomology or a related field;
• Experience with Stable Isotope analyses and applications;
• Experience in a laboratory work environment.

CLOSING DATE: 16 February 2026