Laboratory Technician - Forestry and Agric Biotech Institute at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Assisting the culture collection’s curator;
• Receiving new deposits, which entails communicating with depositors in person or by email, databasing the strain information, preparing and storing collections and digitizing storage information;
• Processing requests, which entails reviving strains from the collection, checking their identities and following up with the requestors;
• Revitalizing existing cultures, which entail duplicating cultures, updating the database, and storing them;
• Managing the inventory of antibiotics and media ingredients;
• Operating freeze dryers.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• BSc Honours (Agronomy, Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Soil Science) with 2 years of proven experience in the following:
• DNA Isolation, PCR and sequencing;
• Fungal isolations and preservations.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Genetics, molecular biology and microbiology;
• Appropriate language and communication skills;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Computer skills in MS Office package and email;
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team;
• Efficient planning, organising and prioritising skills;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Ethical insight and reliability;
• Professionalism;
• Flexibility and adaptability.  

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• MSc (Agronomy, Microbiology, Plant Pathology, Entomology and Soil Science) with 2 years’ of proven experience in the following:
• Managing microbial collection.