Senior Project Scientist at UVU Africa

Job Description

As the Senior Project Scientist, you will report directly to the Executive Management Team of UVU Bio and be deployed on special initiatives across our Skills Development, Entrepreneurial Development and Laboratory Business units in both Cape Town and Kigali.  The role requires an experienced Science or Engineering platform with experience in a Biotechnology field.  

The successful candidate should have a broad national and international network to foster collaborative relationships to progress UVU Bio’s strategic objectives.  

Responsibilities: 

• Manage UVU Bio Skills Development Centre and Laboratory in Cape Town. 
• Supervise laboratory staff, including scientists, technicians, and assistants, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations. 
• Lead implementation of CEO and COO special projects across South Africa and Rwanda. 
• Design R&D Projects and experiments 
• Design skills development courses and coordinate preparation of detailed course outlines in collaboration with Skills Development Program teams in Kigali and Cape Town. 
• Coordinate laboratory activities for candidates of Skills Development Programmes and staff, ensuring the smooth and efficient execution of experiments, tests, and analyses.  
• Keep Skills Development Program Manager appraised on issues regarding the skills programmes.  
• Maintain and enforce laboratory safety protocols and procedures to ensure compliance with local and international regulations. 
• Manage laboratory inventory, including procuring and maintaining equipment, supplies, and reagents. 
• Collaborate with UVU Bio Cape Town and Kigali Lab Managers in the development and implementation of quality control and assurance measures, including occupational health and safety measures and policies. 
• Monitor and analyse laboratory and equipment usage by trainees, prepare reports, and present findings to stakeholders. 
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in laboratory techniques, equipment, and scientific research to drive continuous improvement and innovation. 
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, promoting effective communication and teamwork across all UVU Bio departments and sites. 

Qualifications: 

• Minimum Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., Bioprocessing, Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering or related Biomanufacturing disciplines).  
• Proven experience in mentoring and supervising students or coordination of training. 
• Industry or commercial laboratory experience related to Biomanufacturing is highly preferred. 
• Strong understanding of the R&D value chain and experimental design to answer key research questions. 
• Strong knowledge of laboratory techniques, equipment, and safety protocols. 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse teams and stakeholders. 
• A detail-oriented mindset with a focus on quality and accuracy in laboratory operations. 
• Proficient computer skills, including experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and data analysis software. 
• Familiarity with local and international regulations and standards related to laboratory operations and safety. 
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken