Research Assistant .3.05 (AD.12.4) at University of the Witwatersrand

• The Division of Human Genetics is based in the School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of the WitwatersranThe Division provides clinical and laboratory services and teaches medical genetics and genomics at under-and post- graduate level. It also has a number of active research projects, including one studying Developmental Disorders in Africa (DDD-Africa).
• The Division has a vacancy for a Research Assistant (AD.12) on Eight (8) months, fixed term contract to coordinate training activities linked to the DDD-Africa international training program grant and provide administrative support in successfully implementing the program objectives.

Brief Description        
Minimum education

• BSc(Hons), Human Genetics or similar

Minimum work experience

• 1 year work experience as a study coordinator, research assistant or lecturer would be advantageous. Experience in project coordination, monitoring and reporting are advantageous.

Desirable personal abilities

• A solid understanding of human and medical genetics concepts and molecular laboratory techniques. Tactful, respectful, and non-judgmental. Thoroughness, with good attention to detail. Good administrative skills together with working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365. Able to prioritize own workload and work towards deadlines. Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Respectful with sound work ethiAble to multi-task.

Demands of the job

• Working overtime or over weekends may be required from time to time Able to work in a pressurized environment. Local travel may be required from time to time (with own reliable transport).

Key performance areas

Program coordination:

• Plans and coordinates the initiation of the new international training program, and the establishment of operating policies and procedures.
• Plans, implements, and maintains financial operations related to the training program.
• Monitor timeframes and scope of activities as circumstances dictate.
• Manages budget effectively. Monitor and evaluate progress and spending and prepare relevant reports.
• Write program specific documents (e.g., annual reports).
• Co-ordinate and serve as point of contact between sites and sponsors (including meetings, e-mails, teleconferences, video conferencing, negotiations with suppliers, etc.).

Curriculum design and implementation

• Works with the leadership team to Conceptualise and design the training program curriculum.
• Compiles training documentation and -guides.
• Assists in obtaining ethical approval from relevant regulatory committees when appropriate.
• Monitor the progress of the curriculum through ongoing liaison with the leadership team.
• Participates in teaching parts of the curriculum as appropriate.
• Oversees course assessment by managing deadlines, curating marks and monitoring trainee’s progress.
• Coordinates accreditation of the curriculum for certification through the appropriate University body.

Trainee relations

• Facilitates communication and coordinates activities between trainees and the leadership team.
• Oversee trainee communications, coordination efforts, incident response and conflict resolution.
• Keeps an updated contact list of trainees, and monitors progress through the program.
• Acts as point of contact for trainees, funders, and leadership team.

Laboratory coordination

• Coordinates laboratory process associated with DNA processing.
• Coordinates the implementation of material transfer agreements.
• Ordering and monitoring laboratory stock for training and DNA sequencing.
• Oversees and coordinates DNA shipment from participating countries.
• Liaises with laboratory and bio informaticist to facilitate data transfer.

Effective self-management and performance ownership

• Takes ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrates effective self-management.
• Follows through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintained.
• Maintains a positive attitude and responds openly to feedback.
• Takes ownership for driving own career development by participating in ongoing training and development activities available in the Division.

Closing Date: 11 December 2025