Medical Scientist REF No: NICD1124/001-08 at National Health Laboratory Services

Key Job Responsibilities

• Contribute to the management of diagnostic services for viral haemorrhagic fevers, arboviral diseases, and human rabies by overseeing daily laboratory operations; recommend specialized tests/procedures, interpret, authorize, and communicate results.
• Use expertise and specialized knowledge to advise medical professionals on appropriate testing and interpretation of results.
• Apply expertise across a variety of laboratory tests, including molecular detection techniques, sequencing, various serological platforms, and virological testing, including culturing viruses in different systems.
• Contribute to the management of the quality system, including implementing quality assurance procedures, auditing QC results, and undertaking preventive and corrective actions.
• Contribute to the management of SANAS accreditation requirements and support maintenance and expansion of the accreditation schedule.
• Contribute to the management of high and maximum containment laboratory facilities.
• Perform independent and collaborative research, produce complex scientific reports, and manage multiple research projects, including interpretation, techniques, and procedures.
• Develop and implement proposals, protocols, new technologies, and new approaches.
• Publish peer-reviewed articles and participate in scientific forums such as conferences.
• Participate in the development of research grant funding applications and the management of grants.
• Train and formally supervise staff and students at all levels.

Minimum Requirements and Key Competencies

• MSc or equivalent in Medical Science or a relevant field; PhD preferred
• Registration with HPCSA (virology) required
• At least 5 years of experience as a scientist, with at least 1 year of laboratory management experience
• Experience working in high and/or maximum containment laboratories required
• Knowledge of viral haemorrhagic fevers, arboviral disease, and rabies required
• Experience with implementing ISO15189 required
• Proven track record in scientific writing and communication at conferences (≥10 publications with at least 2 as first or last author for research-focused papers, ≥20 total publications with at least 8 as first or last author, ≥10 conference presentations, including at least 2 international conferences)
• Successful supervision/co-supervision of BSc Hons, MSc, MMED, and PhD students (minimum 3 successful graduations 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 recommended
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and independently recommended
• Problem-solving skills recommended
• Ability to work under pressure and manage high work volumes while keeping abreast of academic literature recommended