Microbiology Laboratory Technician at Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI)

The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) is recruiting a Microbiology Laboratory Technician to join the research diagnostic lab team based at AHRI Durban research campus. The Microbiology Laboratory Technician’s will mainly be responsible for performing various diagnostic and research procedures/assays as required by various research projects that include testing for sexually transmitted infections, respiratory infections and working with strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in a Biosafety Level 3 laboratory (BSL3). The incumbent will perform microbiology, molecular biology and other biochemistry techniques. The position requires a dedicated individual who is self-motivated, committed to service excellence and possesses outstanding attention to detail skills.

Overview of Duties

• Keep accurate records.
• Maintain good clinical laboratory practice.
• Conducts microbiology experiments including culture and susceptibility testing of M. tuberculosis.
• Conducts molecular biology experiments including genetic manipulation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in BSL3.
• Implement and maintain sound general BSL3 and BSL2 housekeeping procedures and work effectively with others as a team to ensure delivery of quality work and a safe working environment in accordance with health and safety protocols.
• Writing of new SOP’s and reviewing of existing ones as required.
• Implement corrective and preventive actions as identified.
• Operate maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment to ensure that it is working efficiently and providing accurate results, this includes recording instrument maintenance and quality control results.
• Troubleshoot test and instrument issues and report incidents including instrument failures, human errors and test failures to Lab Supervisor or the Clinical Laboratory Manager.
• Perform overtime/shifts, including weekends, when required.
• Employ laboratory tools including equipment and the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and various software to perform required tasks

Minimum Qualifications

• B.Tech/BSc degree in Mircobiology

Minimum Experience

• 2-3 years related laboratory experience.

Advantageous

• Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) registration.
• Mycobacterium tuberculosis BSL3 laboratory experience.
• Experience in Staining and culture of M. tuberculosis.
• Experience in drug Susceptibility testing of M. tuberculosis.
• Experience in Molecular biology

AHRI is fully compliant with South African labour law and is committed to employment equity. AHRI reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date in order to facilitate further searches. Furthermore, AHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment.