Research Technician: 12 Months Fixed Term Appointment - HIV Pathogenesis Programme (HPP) at University of KwaZulu-Natal

The HPP needs to fill a Research Technician position. The incumbent will be required to be highly motivated, organized, meticulous, and hard-working, and be able to work independently. The incumbent will report to the HPP Laboratory Manager and researcher, Prof Zaza Ndhlovu.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Relevant BSc (Honours) degree in a Biomedical field
• Minimum one-year experience working in a biomedical research laboratory (exclusive of time spent in a lab towards completion of an Honours degree)
• Familiarity with biomedical research laboratory procedures and safety requirements
• Experience working with human samples
• Experience with flow cytometry
• Tissue culture experience

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist senior researcher and his team with experiments, quality control and data verification
• Ordering of reagents and inventory keeping
• Undertake general sample processing of HIV positive blood samples
• Freezing and cataloguing of cells
• Develop specific laboratory experiments and analytical tools
• Review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as required
• General laboratory housekeeping, including equipment maintenance
• General health and safety checks
• Participation in the department’s various academic activities – Journal Club, Research Update,

Terms of appointment and Selection Process

• The post will be offered on a one-year, fixed term contract. The terms and conditions governing this appointment will be in compliance with those of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The position is potentially renewable, depending on availability of funds.
• The monthly cost of employment for this position will be R17,000 – R23,000, dependent on the experience of the successful candidate.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday, 4 February 2023. The University, however, reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date in order to facilitate further searches.