Current Vacancies at The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)

Responsibilities:

• To manage staff’s performance at one site across more than one study project.
• Staff training.
• Process improvement to ensure process optimization.
• To manage research projects.
• To contribute to research translation activities.
• Report compilation and presentations of findings at various forums.
• Financial management and administration work.

Core Requirements

• Master’s degree in environmental health, public health or relevant field for this position.
• At least 2 year working experience in environmental health, public health studies or a research environment.
• Experience with writing research reports
• Experience writing research output / social media output.
• Experience managing a portfolio of research translation products

Advantageous:

• 3 - 4 years in a research environment, organisation of research output, research translation and website/internet uploads.

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Responsibilities:

• Processing and Analysis of Next Generation sequencing data.
• Building bioinformatics networks – both local and international.
• To lead laboratory and data analyses for genomics and multi-omics research and method development projects.
• Produce manuscripts and grant applications relevant to the outcomes of these projects.
• Capacity development for NGS and bioinformatics
• Registered for PhD, proposal written and accepted by the University in molecular biology, Human Genetics of a related field.

Core Requirements:

• MSc degree in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Genetics or a related field
• At least two years’ experience with next generation sequencing data analysis
• Presenting research findings and reports at relevant conferences/meetings
• Familiar and up-to-date knowledge of next generation sequencing modalities
• Experience in working in Linux environments
• First authored publication in a national/ international peer reviewed journal

Advantageous:

• Experience with postgraduate student mentorship and training
• A track record initiation and management of research projects.
• Comprehensive use of computational clusters
• Proficiency in common scripting languages (Python, Java and R)

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Responsibilities:

• Adherence to protocol, SOPs and timelines and the ability to resolve problems independently within the Genomics Pentre
• Receiving and logging of samples onto LIMS (Laboratory information management systems)
• Quality control of documentation and processes within the laboratory
• Isolation of DNA and RNA from blood, saliva, stool and tissue samples
• DNA and RNA quality control
• Prepare RNA and DNA libraries for sequencing
• Assist with supply chain management as per project requirement so that laboratory stock is maintained
• Management of assets and ensuring laboratory equipment is well maintained
• Filing of documents as per operating procedures including keeping detailed and accurate laboratory records

Core Requirements:

• BSc or BTech In Molecular Biology, Genetics or similar qualification or higher
• 1 -2 years’ knowledge/experience in Molecular Biology or Genetics
• 1 -2 years’ knowledge/experience with basic molecular biology techniques e.g. RNA, DNA isolation, PCR and Gel Electrophoresis
• Knowledge of GLP
• Maintaining experimental records (lab book) and working with protocols and SOP’s
• Understanding of quality control within a laboratory

Advantageous:

• BSc (Hons) in Genetics or related field
• Knowledge/experience in next generation sequencing laboratory workflows
• Knowledge/experience with sample management
• DNA and RNA quality control experience

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Responsibilities:

• Overseeing logistical arrangements for the relevant ethics committee meetings within timelines and SAMRC policies.
• Compilation of agendas, producing minutes and providing feedback to applicants within the required timelines for both HREC and ECRA.
• Coordination of any actions resulting from the HREC and ECRA meetings.
• Ensuring effective record keeping of all applications, including approvals and amendments, and managing delegated expedited reviews and ratification.
• POPIA compliance and confidentiality
• Previewing submitted applications for ethics approval to ensure applications are complete.
• Monitoring submission of annual progress reports.
• Responding to general queries and provide accurate and timely advice in relation to complex matters about research ethics applications.
• Presenting on selected topics that promote research integrity during applied ethics workshops.
• Overseeing logistical arrangements for other training opportunities outside of SAMRC, for REC members.
• Compiling and submitting the annual and 5-yearly audit reports for both HREC & ECRA to the National Health Research Ethics Council (NHREC).
• Preparing reports to the EMC and Research & Development Committee
• Reviewing and editing newly developed policies and guidelines.
• Managing the HREC and ECRA budgets to ensure expenditure according to SAMRC policies and within budget.
• Assisting with continued development and implementation of the ethics module on the online Research and Innovation Management System (RIMS) for both HREC and ECRA
• Undertaking other duties, commensurate with the role, as required by their Line Manager.
• Coordinating and updating information in research ethics office databases and websites to ensure that all research ethics-related documents and forms are up to date.
• People management/ staff development.
• Capacity development of RECs members

Core Requirements (Qualification and Experience):

• Postgraduate Diploma in either Health Research Ethics/Bioethics/Medical Ethics/Medical Law.
• At least 5 years’ relevant experience in a higher education /research institution.
• Experience in administration of Research Ethics Committee, including online submissions.
• Proficiency in using Microsoft packages including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Advantageous

• Masters/MSc/M.Phil in either Health Research Ethics/Bioethics/Medical Ethics/Medical Law.
• Experience in administration of Research Ethics Committee, including online submissions.

Required competencies (skills, knowledge, and behavioural attributes):

• Experience of servicing committees including maintaining committee records, producing reports and monitoring action points and/or working in a role where research ethics have been an important part of your daily work.
• High level administrative, verbal, and written communication skills, including demonstrated ability to prioritise a high-volume workload, meeting deadlines and working independently or as part of a team.
• An understanding of NHREC requirements, standards, and guidelines relevant to clinical and research ethics.
• Demonstrated experience and competence in the preparation of agendas and minutes, and drafting correspondence.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet monthly deadlines and maintain a high level of confidentiality.

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Responsibilities:

Data Management

• To develop and implement data management policies.
• To develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the management of sequencing data at the Genomics Platform (in collaboration with SAMRC IT department).
• To develop and implement data storage solutions for the Genomics Platform.
• To maintain systems to curate, store and manage sequencing data.

Quality Control

• To develop and maintain data quality control pipelines.
• To perform NGS data quality assessments following sequencing.
• To ensure integrity of NGS data before transfer to clients.
• To communicate any data quality issues with laboratory staff and laboratory manager.

Data Transfer

• To develop and implement effective data transfer solutions for the Genomics Platform.
• To oversee all aspects of data transfer including logging, quality control and archiving.
• To address any data transfer issues

Stakeholder Engagement

• To communicate with clients during the data transfer process to understand their needs.
• To communicate data transfer requirements and issues effectively with SAMRC IT department.
• To communicate data transfer requirements and issues effectively with the Centre for High Performance Computing.

Core Requirements:

• MSc in Bioinformatics or Genetics or a related field
• One year experience with working in a Linux and Windows environment
• Two years’ experience with NGS data analysis and quality control
• Knowledge of GATK Best Practices
• Experience with managing NGS data sets
• Experience with creating scripts for uploading and transferring large data sets.
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills

Advantageous:

• Experience with working in a high-performance computing environment
• Strong knowledge in one scripting programming language.
• Experience with data analytics using R programming language