Technician I.3.04 at University of the Witwatersrand

• The Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology has well-equipped laboratories and facilities with collaborative ties with local industry to support its research output. The Department is looking for a part-time (50%) technicians to make a major contribution to ensure the smooth running of all labs and support student practical teaching sessions, researchers and assist in the implementation of schedules for the service/maintenance/troubleshooting of all specialized lab equipment liaise with the principal/senior technician.

Brief Description        
Key responsibilities include the following:

• Prepare, sterilize, and maintain laboratory equipment, culture media, and consumables for teaching and research activities.
• Oversee aseptic techniques and ensure proper use of biosafety cabinets, incubators, and other sterile culture facilities.
• Conduct routine maintenance, calibration, and performance checks of cell culture and related scientific instruments.
• Ensure strict compliance with biosafety, aseptic procedures, health and safety regulations, and institutional policies.
• Supervise and train students during practical sessions, providing technical guidance in sterile handling and cell culture techniques.
• Maintain accurate records of cell lines, culture conditions, equipment usage, maintenance schedules, and laboratory inventory.
• Assist academic staff with research projects, including experimental setup, monitoring cell growth, and troubleshooting technical challenges.
• Manage storage and proper labelling of cell cultures, chemicals, and reagents, while ensuring safe disposal of biohazardous and chemical waste.
• Implement and monitor laboratory access control and security protocols to maintain a sterile and safe working environment

Requirements:

• BPharm/MPharm/Bsc/National Diploma/BTech in a relevant scientific field
• Minimum 1 year’s laboratory experience
• Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and regulations
• Technical proficiency with scientific instrumentation
• Proficiency in aseptic techniques, cell culture handling, and operation of sterile laboratory equipment.
• Ability to supervise and train students in practical laboratory sessions while ensuring compliance with biosafety and safety standards.
• Strong record-keeping, equipment maintenance, and laboratory management skills, including safe storage and disposal of chemicals and biohazardous materials.

Core Competencies:

• Attention to detail and people skills.
• Planning and organizing.
• Ability to work in a team (team player).
• Good time management skills and ability to work in a stressful environment.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to achieve and maintain high standards with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work accurately and adhere to strict deadlines/timelines.
• Highly proficient in the use of analytical equipment (HPLC, DSC, TGA, IR, UV, etc.) and water testing.
• Good documentation practices and strong analytical and problem-solving ability.

Preferences:

• BPharm/MPharm/Bsc/National Diploma
• Person who has work in a sterile laboratory
• A person who knows how to grow human and animals’ cells
• A person who has worked under pressure in a multidisciplinary environment and sometimes late hours where necessary.
• Ability to lift heavy loads i.e. equipment, gas cylinders, and boxes.
• Experience as a teaching assistant on undergraduate laboratory practicals.
• Hands-on experience in instruments such as FTIR, UV, TGA, DSC and XRD

Deadline:20th November,2025