Junior Research Scientist - Durban at Technology Innovation Agency

Job Advert Summary    
To assist in the design, execution and analyses of experiments within the laboratory environment at the Platform. 

Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) is a talent driven, customer- centric and impact focused organisation. In our endeavour to support technology innovation with socio-economic outcomes; we seek to infuse the organisation with team players that find resonance as value creators, agile thinkers, progressive attitudes, customer-centricity, dynamic work ethic and an optimistic disposition.  We aim to harness these attributes in a manner that they culminate into a culture of teamwork, impact, and accountability.

In executing its mandate, the organisation provides funding and non-funding support to stimulate innovation so that it provides a catalytic impact to the economy whilst improving people’s lives and protecting the environment. The Agency endeavours to promote the careers of previously disadvantaged persons by applying the principles of the Employment Equity Act, as amended.

Minimum Requirements    
Qualifications

• BSc, B Tech, National Diploma (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology)
• Preferred: BSc Honours, MSc (Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, Microbiology)

Job Experience

• 1 years’ experience in the relevant scientific field
• Preferred: 2-4 years’ experience in relevant scientific field or management context

Duties and Responsibilities    
DUTIES:

Finance

• Give input to the formulation of the operational budget and monitor and track applicable spending.
• Assist in managing and monitoring financial obligations that clients/projects have to TIA (e.g., service fees).

Stakeholder Relationships

• Assist relevant Scientist in ensuring that the Platform and section in which the candidate is assigned, is compliant with the relevant accreditation prescripts and procedures.
• Support the Platform to deliver required services to its stakeholder on brief, on time and with the requisite levels of quality.
• Respond in a timely manner to internal and external stakeholder queries.
• Maintain professional engagements and continuously exceed expectations.

Internal Processes

• Plan, set up and undertake experiments
• Record experimental results and analyse them accordingly.
• Review experimental results ensuring effective analysis of data and provide technical opinion (to the relevant Research Scientist)
• Provide support in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and new tests methods and their validation
• Provide input into the development of research protocols and SOP for the laboratory
• Prepare technical reports, summaries and reviews of the reports
• Assist in the collation and review of new technical processes and procedures
• Source approved equipment and consumables and track stock levels.
• Provide support with experimental set-up, preparation of reagents and sterile consumables
• Perform quality control on laboratory equipments to ensure that they're operational
• Ensure the cleanliness and general housekeeping of the laboratory.
• Perform limited trouble shooting of the instruments
• Write motivations as required to execute Platform activities in line with TIA processes, SCM, Legal etc, and to ensure compliance with approved industry norms
• Provide general administrative support to the Platform

Learning and Growth

• Assist in ensuring continued compliance with Legislation, e.g. PFMA and National Treasury Guidelines;
• Assist in the process leading to Bioprocessing Platform complying with different statutory requirements i.e. SANAS.