Senior Technician.3.04 - Orthopaedic Surgery at University of the Witwatersrand

MAIN DUTIES

1. Management of Orthopaedic Surgery Laboratories:

• Manage the general running of the molecular biology and tissue culture laboratories
• Together with the research team, take responsibility for laboratory stocks of reagents and consumables, including preparation of pipette tips and microfuge tubes for autoclaving and preparation of standard buffers and solutions, including decontaminants, and preparation of other reagents as required
• Monitoring the satisfactory operation of laboratory equipment
• Sourcing quotations from the suppliers, thus ensuring that Purchase Orders (PO) are generated and keeping track of deliveries.
• Provide assistance and training of researchers, clinicians and students on specific experimental techniques and in the use of specialised laboratory equipment.

2. Other duties:

• Assist with equipment audits for record keeping and budget purposes
• Assist with Occupational Health and Safety in the laboratories
• Oversee the transportation and shipment of clinical specimens to other laboratories
• Removal and disposal of old, unnecessary chemicals and equipment

Requirements

• Minimum BSc Hons or equivalent B.Tech. degree in Biological sciences
• 3 - 4 years work experience in a technical research laboratory

Qualities

• Experience using techniques: HPLC, ELISA, Gel Chromatography and handling of isotopes
• Knowledge of the use of chemical substances and safe laboratory practice
• Self-starter with excellent time management skills and ability to take initiative
• Good communication & training skills
• Ability to organise own work-load under the direction of academic staff
• Ability to work as an individual and as a team-player
• Operation of general and specialised laboratory equipment
• Adaptability, high degree of technical competence, ability to multi-task to meet all research needs
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Windows 11, Microsoft Office 2010, 2011, Outlook express e-mail etc.