Senior Laboratory Technician (TB01482) at North West University

• The purpose of this position is to provide dedicated scientific and operational support to the project by conducting laboratory experiments, generating high-quality research data, and contributing to the timely achievement of the project's deliverables.
• The incumbent will support the Principal Investigator in coordinating stakeholder engagement, managing laboratory procurement processes, and ensuring the efficient day-to-day operation of the research activities.
• The position is essential for maintaining project momentum, ensuring effective resource management, and facilitating the successful implementation of the project's objectives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research and Laboratory Activities:

• Conduct laboratory experiments according to approved protocols; generate accurate, reproducible data; maintain detailed laboratory records; contribute to achieving project milestones and deliverable.

Laboratory Operations and Procurement:

• Monitor laboratory inventory; procure reagents and consumables in a timely manner; maintain equipment and ensure laboratory compliance with safety and quality standards.

Project Administration and Stakeholder Support:

• Assist the PI with stakeholder communication, meeting coordination, progress reporting, and administrative tasks required for project implementation.

Data Management and Reporting:

• Organise research data; contribute to progress reports, presentations, manuscripts, and other project outputs; ensure proper data management and record keeping.

Minimum requirements

• An MSc (NQF level 9) in Biological science and related.
• A minimum of one (1) year’ experience as a technician. 

RECOMMENDATION / ADDED ADVANTAGE:

• Membership with the South African biochemistry and molecular biology.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in antimicrobial drug discovery, particularly against Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. 
• Proven experience in phenotypic high-throughput or medium-throughput screening of compound libraries using bacterial growth inhibition assays.
• Proficiency in microbiological techniques, including bacterial culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, MIC determination, and assay optimisation.
• Experience in handling and screening large compound libraries, with an understanding of hit identification and validation workflows.
• Knowledge of computer-aided drug design (CADD) approaches for target identification and validation, including molecular docking, virtual screening, and structural bioinformatics.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. 
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities in both laboratory and computational research.
• High attention to detail and commitment to producing reproducible, high-quality data.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Apply by: 2 September 2026