Medical Scientist (Entomology) at National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)

Job Description

• REFERENCE NUMBER: NICD1124/001-08 (READVERTISEMENT)

Key Job Responsibilities

• Contribute to the management of surveillance vector-borne disease and overseeing daily operations of entomology laboratory/ies and insectaries; recommending specialized test/ procedure to be used, interpretation, authorization and communication of the results.
• Uses expertise and specialized knowledge to advise stakeholders on appropriate surveillance approaches for vector-borne diseases (including testing and interpretation of results).
• Apply expertise/knowledge in variety of laboratory tests including molecular detection techniques and sequencing, different serological platforms and virological testing including culturing of vector-borne viruses in different systems
• Contribute to the management of the quality system including the implementation of appropriate quality assurance procedures, audit the quality control (QC) results, preventative and corrective actions
• Contribute to the facilities management of entomology laboratories and insectaries
• Perform independent and collaborative research producing complex and scientific reports and responsible for overall management of multiple research projects, interpretation, techniques, and procedures
• Develop and implement proposals/ protocols/ new technologies/ new approaches
• Publish peer-reviewed articles and participate in scientific forums such as conferences Involved in development of research grant funding applications and the management of such grants
• Training and formal supervision of staff and students at all levels.

Minimum requirements and key competencies

• MSc or equivalent / PhD preferred, in field of entomology preferred
• Registration with HPCSA (virology) recommended but not required
• 5 years’ experience as scientist; at least 1 year laboratory management (or team lead) experience 
• Knowledge of arboviral disease and arboviral entomology required 
• Demonstrate track record of scientific writing and scientific communication at conferences (>=10 and at least 2 first or last author research focused >=20 and at least 8 first or last author, >=10 conferences proceeding(at least >=2 international)
• Successfully supervise /co-supervise BSc Hons, MSc or PhD(successful graduation of at least 3 postgraduates and at least 2 currently under supervision/co supervision
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) recommended
• Good interpersonal skills recommended
• Analytical thinking with attention to detail is recommended
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and independently recommended
• Problem solving skills recommended
• Ability to work under pressure and dealing with high work volumes while keeping abreast with academic literature recommended.
• Willing to travel and do field-based entomological work