Senior Research Technologist: Laboratory Assistant at The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

Responsibilities:

• General laboratory maintenance and support to staff and students, including IHC laboratory stock inventory,  record keeping, and preparation of basic solutions for the laboratory
• Wash and autoclave laboratory glassware and consumables.
• Manage biohazardous and chemical waste removal from laboratories and for collection by waste companies in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Managing the chemical store and supply to the laboratory when required
• Monitoring and maintaining CO2 and Liquid nitrogen tanks for the laboratory
• Assist researchers and postgraduate students in obtaining liquid nitrogen and dry ice
• Maintain laboratory stock, monitor reagents, and assist with inventory reports and quarterly stocktakes.
• Perform routine laboratory procedures, including tissue embedding, sectioning of FFPE and cryo blocks, and IHC staining, following established protocols.
• Assist with DNA/RNA isolation from biological samples under supervision.
• Support staff and students in experimental animal studies
• Collect, transport, and log laboratory and wastewater samples
• Record and compile quality control data and routine laboratory reports.
• Assist the laboratory manager with SOP compliance and quarterly health and safety inspections.

Core Requirements:

• BSc or BTech in Molecular Biology, Biomedical Science  or similar qualification
• 1 -2 years’ hands-on experience in IHC staining
• 1-2 years’ hands-on experience in molecular biology techniques, including RNA and DNA isolation
• Familiar with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)
• Maintaining experimental records (lab book) and working with protocols and SOP’s
• Understanding of quality control within a laboratory setting
• Valid Code B driver’s licence and ability to travel for sample collection and site activities.

 Advantageous:

• BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology or related field
• Hands-on experience in immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis.
•  Hands-on experience in sample management and handling of biological specimens
•  Knowledge of laboratory maintenance, including cleaning and autoclaving of glassware, and adherence to occupational health and safety protocols
•  Experience in handling chemicals, biohazardous materials, and biological specimens.
•  Experience of working in a GLP or SANAS-accredited laboratory or similar environment