Jobs at National Health Laboratory Services

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Be responsible for developing of the overall surveillance strategy of the Division’s surveillance platform, ensuring that the attributes of the platform are able to deliver on its objectives set in agreement with the various NICD centre’s for the diseases under surveillance Ensure that co-ordinated quality assurance processes are in place throughout the Epidemiology Section of the DivisionTo maintain an Epidemiology team to provide high quality teaching and training which is responsive to national and international requirements on NICD and other training programmes. As part of the management team within the NICD, the Senior Epidemiologist will be required to provide additional support for the other activities of the Division as well as other NICD needs.
• Ensure that the NICD supports the Provincial Departments of Health in their infectious Disease Epidemiology needs Contribute to the development of the overall surveillance strategy for the Division Be actively involved in the writing and submission of scientific papers, reports, grant writing Participate in relevant internal, Provincial, National and International meetings to facilitate the objectives of the Division Advocate the Division’s epidemiological services to different stakeholders Strengthen the relationship between NHLS, NICD and DoH by being the liaison for all three institutions Collaborate with the NICD Units and Surveillance Data Warehouse to provide National and Provincial DoH with support in large/severe outbreak investigations and response in the field.
• This would include close liaison with all role players including NHLS, Directorate of the Provincial DoH and the Communicable Diseases Units and outbreak response teams in the provinceStrengthen systems for accessing NHLS and private laboratory data for epidemiological applications with specific reference to surveillance and outbreak responsePlay a lead role in the development of laboratory-based early warning systems for outbreaks and analysis of communicable disease data generated from Surveillance Data Warehouse Ensure the Epidemiology Section of the Division is compliant with NICD/NHLS HR policies and directives. 

Minimum Requirements and Key Competencies

• MMED / Master’s degree in Epidemiology(or public health) PHD in Epidemiology/Public Health or equivalent desirable Code 8 valid Driver’s License
• Minimum 6 years post qualification experience in infectious disease epidemiology surveillance within a public setting At least 4 years’experience as a leader in a public Health setting Expert Knowledge of epidemiology and statistical methods

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Key Job Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative and scientific leadership for the Centre in line with NICD’s strategic role and responsibilities Assist the National Department of Health and other stakeholders with timely expert advice and surveillance/research data relevant the Centre’s area of focus Establish strategic goals for the Centre through a consultative process with creation/regular review of the Centre’s annual and 5-year strategic plans
• Ensure that operational objectives are met according to agreed project timelines as per the strategic plan and annual performance plan Facilitate closer working relationships between sections in the Centre and with other Centre Heads in those areas where there exist opportunities for joint working towards common goals and NDOH prioritiesBe responsible for Centre budget (operational and capital expenditure) creation, expenditure and financial governance
• Ensure the Centre is compliant with NICD/NHLS policies and directives Be proactive in ensuring that successful grant applications are submitted and research funding raised by the Centre team Ensure that all sections contribute to the outputs of the Centre in terms of NICD surveillance publications, peer-reviewed scientific publications and other reports Create/maintain a cross-Centre team to co-ordinate a high quality teaching and training programme responsive to national and international requirements
• Ensure that coordinated quality assurance processes are in place throughout the Centre Undertake section lead responsibilities for one Centre section according to experience/skills, where applicable Document and maintain records of all Centre outputs through periodic Centre activity reports and contributions to the NICD annual report Co-ordinate the Centre’s interaction with media in line with NICD/NHLS policies
• Ensure that the Centre is responsive to outbreaks of Public Health Significance and to support the functions of the Outbreak Response Unit/ Emergency Operations Centre/NMC Ensure that the Centre is at cutting edge of latest developments and to encourage innovative initiativesPromote transformation and development in the Centre Management of all staff to ensure the centre is operated both efficiently and effectively.

 
Minimum Requirements and Key Competencies

• Minimum Medical Qualification–MMed (Virology/Microbiology)/FC-Path(Virology/Microbiology)/ PhD in (Virology/Microbiology) Masters in Medical Science/ Masters in Epidemiology and HPCSA registered as a specialist in Clinical Microbiology/Virology/Infectious Diseases or Medical Scientist Clinical Microbiology/Virology/Infectious Diseases
• Epidemiology expertise desirable 10 to 15 years Management experience preferably in a public health institution 8 to10 years communicable diseases/public health experience/epidemiology/ infectious diseases experienceManagerial/ administrative experience (> 10 years)
• Management and Leadership skills Financial management (> 5 years)Public health surveillance experience (> 5 years) Laboratory experience (>3 years) Writing successful grant applications and performing research(> 5 years) Teaching and training experience (> 5 years)

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Key Job Responsibilities

Operational efficiency of laboratory

•  Formulate, co-ordinate and execute emergency response plan  Manage and take accountability for the integrity of data and / or results captured by technical and/or clerical staff  Review SOP’s annually with the view of ensuring appropriateness. Ensure document control is current  Identify errors and conduct root cause analysis Conduct trend analysis, develop, implement and monitor improvement plan Resolve and complete Non-Conformances within prescribed time-frames and ensure that documentation is current  Monitor and ensure efficient stock usage  Review results of lot-to-lot verification and signs them off Assess and organize the workload to optimize efficiency and quality of patient care.  Deputise in th absence of the lab manager,

QMS

•  Implement appropriate quality assurance procedures, reviews the IQC results and takes the appropriate action Establish and perform preventive measures for failures in quality control and equipment.  Weekly and Monthly QC reviews trend analysis and review of QC Trend analysis and review of non-conformances and corrective actions 

Processing of samples/Assessment/Interpretation of results

• Perform bacteriological investigations i.e. TB-NAAT, Microscopy, culture, identification of bacteria and sensitivity testing.  Enter and review results in comparison with international standards & best practice  Effective response to customer queries regarding tests performed Communicate results to clients as and when required.

Teaching, Training & Dev of Laboratory staff

•  Develop and implement a training programme  Review and analyse training competency of laboratory staff  Conduct operation research and development to improve procedures Conduct Training of students e.g. technicians, technologists, scientists and registrars.

Minimum requirements and key competencies

• National Diploma in Biomedical Technology or Bachelor of Health Science- Laboratory Science: Biomedical Technology  HPCSA registration as a Medical Technologist in Microbiology or Clinical pathology (independent practice)
•  7 years’ experience in a microbiology lab post qualification Preparation of different sample types for examination Perform sampling and analysis on various specimen types Experience in processing samples for TB within the last 3 years will be advantageous Knowledge on the use of specified instrumentation 

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Key Job Responsibilities:

• Field incoming requests to the Service Desk via both telephone and e-mail to ensure courteous, timely and effective resolution of end user issues. Evaluate documented resolutions and analyze trends for ways to prevent future problems Alert management to emerging trends in incidents Assist in software releases and roll-outs according to Change Management best practices Diagnose and resolve software and hardware incidents, including operating systems (Windows and Mac) and across a range of software applications
• Perform remote and onsite analysis, diagnosis, and resolution of complex desktop problems for end users, and recommend and implement corrective solutions, including offsite repair Install, configure, test, maintain, monitor, and troubleshoot end-user workstations and related hardware and software in order to deliver required desktop service levels. Perform upgrades different types of software and hardware Resolve incidents with printers, copiers and scanners Assist users with mobile computing devices including mobile phones
• Administer and resolve issues with associated end-user workstation networking software products Collaborate with Infrastructure Engineers to ensure efficient operation of the company’s desktop computing environment Answer to and perform moves, adds and changes (MAC) requests as they are submitted Ensure that physical desktop connections (i.e. RJ-45 Ethernet jacks, RJ-11 telephone modem jacks, connectors between PCs and servers, etc.) are in proper working order Prepare tests and applications for monitoring desktop performance, then provide performance statistics and reports Assist in preparing, maintaining, and upholding procedures for logging, reporting, and statistically monitoring desktop operations
• Create, maintain and publish relevant support documentation in order to assist all staff/students in the quick resolution of their incidents and service requests and enable users to become more self-sufficient Develop and maintain an inventory of all monitors, keyboards, hard drives, modems, network cards, and other components and equipment Accurately document instances of desktop equipment or component failure, repair, installation, and removal

Minimum Requirements and Key Competencies

• 3-year diploma or a degree in IT ITIL Foundation certification MCSA Certification (desirable) CompTIA A+3 years’ Work experience in an IT environment
• 2 years in Desktop Hardware and software support in a customer service environment 1-year mobile device support experienceKnowledge of desktop hardware and software applications Basic Knowledge of Mobile Operating Systems Knowledge of Desktop Operating Systems Knowledge of multi-functional printersExcellent knowledge of PC and desktop hardware Excellent knowledge of PC internal components

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Key Job Responsibilities

• Manage, maintain and update surveillance and research study databases within designated NICD Centres Manage and develop data staff members so that they acquire skills required for optimal performance Compile and automate standard & adhoc reports, graphs, tables and spread sheets for data distribution Perform daily back up and security for databases and ensure that data can be easily retrieved
• Perform data audits as and when required Develop data collection tool to ensure effective capturing of information /data Ensure all fields on data collection forms match those the database Oversee the technical aspects of electronic data collection tools Develop and maintain pipelines for the automated coding of cancer reports. Link cancer reports to external data sources using probabilistic record linkage and machine learning techniques.
• Maintain quality and strict confidentiality of information collected Contribute to the recruitment and selection process of new data staff members Develop new databases for projects as required Contribute to the development and implementation of standard operating procedures for use and acquisition of database tools and the protection of confidential information Oversee the development and maintenance of a filing system for all studies Oversight of onboarding new labs Coordination of NCR app with IT specialist Ensure all cancer reports are coded according to current global standards (ICD-O-3), monitor developments in classification systems, and coordinate implementation of updates (ICD-O-4, ICD-11) as required.
• Set up and run data cleaning programmes for logical data checking which will then generate error reports or queries requiring validation (i.e. ensure all dates correlate admin date, collect date, outcome date, dob, etc; ensure all sex related questions tie together – no men with cervical cancer; ensure death questions match outcome of death; and other outliers of numbers, observations, etc)
• Liaise with surveillance sites and laboratory staff with respect to data queries and manage the flow of queries in order to improve the quality of data provide clean, good quality datasets available for quarterly analysis Ability to drawdown required datasets for analysis Participate in epidemiologic research related to surveillance data.

Minimum requirements and Key Competencies

• National Diploma in Information Technology or Epidemiology (NQF 6) or MSc/MPH in Epidemiology/Biostatistics/Informatics 6 years’ experience in data management Experience in ICD-O-3 coding. Experience in database development using MS Access or SQL 

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Key Job Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory testing and research under supervision and within a multidisciplinary team, under supervision of Senior Medical Scientists/Pathologists/Laboratory Manager On the bench training for laboratory staff e.g. Intern Scientists, Medical Technologists and Technicians Contribute to laboratory administration (e.g. records, procurement, stock, control, equipment maintenance) Record administration in accordance with current policies/procedures and SOPs
• Engage in troubleshooting and ensure that error logs/corrective action reports are completed according to set requirements Ensure that maintenance logs are accurate, up to date and accessible for retrieval Participate in quality management activities Co-supervise small research projects. Conducts tests and procedures independently Perform equipment maintenance.

Minimum Requirements and Key Competencies

• BSc Honours degree or equivalent or MSc in Medical Science or relevant field Registered with HPCSA (virology) 0 – 3 years’ experience post-internship Knowledge of pox, rabies, viral hemorrhagic fevers and other emerging zoonotic viral diseases of public health importance in South Africa highly recommended
• Experience with cell culture, virus isolation, different serological assays highly recommended Knowledge of laboratory biosafety and biosecurity highly recommended
• Experience in working in biocontainment laboratories highly recommended At least 1 scientific research abstracts Involvement in the development & validation of either 1 new diagnostic methodology or significant modifications to existing applications/procedures

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Key Job Responsibilities

•  Receive queries and ensure that they are resolved timeously Work as part of a team based and to facilitate sound administration on assigned projects Comply with reasonable request from the line manager Assist with travel arrangements for the CRDM Facilitate proper reporting management and report writing
• Responsible for ensuring that all new staff in the Centre will be received and inducted into the Centre and provided with the resources required to fulfil their position (e.g. computer, office space, pin codes and pass cards)Keep and maintain efficient administrative support to the Centre to ensure maximum efficiency and smooth running of the Centre including review and approval of office/laboratory supply acquisitions Handle general incoming and outgoing correspondence, (telephone, email, fax etc.) including taking any necessary action and maintaining accurate records
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders within NICD NHLS, the study sites, and other relevant organizations in order to improve administrative processes, communications and information flows Responsible for organizing local and international meetings and workshops from conception through to completion, including liaison with international coordinators/ budget holders, suppliers and venue; also including liaison with participants and organizing travel and accommodation
• Perform routine administrative (minute taking, filling, faxing, follow up on outstanding issues etc.) duties for the Centre to ensure that the Centre operates smoothly Receive and distribute courier parcels to ensure that the courier deliveries are efficiently distributed within the division Prepare operational reports and schedules, formatting and compiling monthly/ project reports to ensure efficiency and to collate documents and make sure they get handed in on time.

Minimum requirements and key competencies

• Grade 12  2 -3years of Experience in office administration Experience in a medical environment General office administration procedures MS Office, including Outlook

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Key Job Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory testing and research under supervision and within a multidisciplinary team, under supervision of Senior Medical Scientists/Pathologists/Laboratory Manager On the bench training for laboratory staff e.g. Intern Scientists, Medical Technologists and Technicians Contribute to laboratory administration (e.g. records, procurement, stock, control, equipment maintenance) Record administration in accordance with current policies/procedures and SOPs
• Engage in troubleshooting and ensure that error logs/corrective action reports are completed according to set requirements Ensure that maintenance logs are accurate, up to date and accessible for retrieval Participate in quality management activities Co-supervise small research projects. Conducts tests and procedures independently Perform equipment maintenance.

Minimum Requirements and Key Competencies

• BSc Honours degree or equivalent or MSc in Medical Science or relevant field Registered with HPCSA (virology) 0 – 3 years’ experience post-internship Knowledge of pox, rabies, viral hemorrhagic fevers and other emerging zoonotic viral diseases of public health importance in South Africa highly recommended
• Experience with cell culture, virus isolation, different serological assays highly recommended Knowledge of laboratory biosafety and biosecurity highly recommended
• Experience in working in biocontainment laboratories highly recommended At least 1 scientific research abstracts Involvement in the development & validation of either 1 new diagnostic methodology or significant modifications to existing applications/procedures

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Key job responsibilities

• Follow and use proper project management principles on all projects  Participate in projects to understand new target systems’ processes and provisioning needs and implement solutions  Communicates any and all progress, roadblocks, issues to the team and management in a timely manner  
• Facilitate Joint Analysis and Design (JAD) sessions, conduct business interviews and other information gathering techniques in order to determine business requirements  Analyse and document business requirements in consultation with users according to appropriate methodology and techniques Design complex technical solutions in line with the Business requirements to ensure clarity and completeness of the solution
•  Develop and debug complex system components in line with technical specifications for quality implementation purposes  Determine and evaluate performance measures of the system to ensure optimal utilization Scrub, manipulate and load data from other sources into the systems to ensure accuracy and correctness of information  Provides code review, testing, debugging, technical documentation, general testing instructions, and lead/assist in go-live planning, go-live moves, and post-live support  Troubleshoot and support issues identified  Ensure all change management and compliance procedures are being followed  
• Oversee resources associated with the design, development, testing and implementation phases of projects to ensure quality deliverables and assist in their growth Provide training and documentation to relevant stakeholders to ensure they understand and can achieve optimal system utilization  Perform other duties within scope as required or assigned by emergency or other operational reasons for which the employee is qualified to perform.

Minimum requirements & key competencies

•  NQF Level 6 (Information Technology/Computer Science/Software Development/Software Engineering)  Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Software Developer  3+ years’ experience with Microsoft .NET Core/.NET 5+ development using C#  Microsoft technologies including: ASP.NET Core, Entity Framework Core, and LINQ, modern web and mobile development frameworks and technologies including: Front-end: JavaScript (ES6+) 
• Critical  TypeScript, ReactJS, Angular, or Blazor  Backend: RESTful APIs, ASP.NET Core Web API, Styling: CSS3, SASS/SCSS, and responsive design frameworks (e.g., Bootstrap, Tailwind)  Database development including relational database design (SQL Server or PostgreSQL), SQL, and ORM tools like EF Core  UI/UX design and rapid prototyping  Experience with version control and CI/CD tools (e.g., Git, GitHub/GitLab, Azure DevOps, or Jenkins) 
• Critical  Experience leading and managing software development projects in structured or Agile environments  Proficient in software modelling using UML and/or modern design tools (e.g., Lucidchart, Draw.io)  Experience developing and integrating solutions with Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Online (Power Platform experience advantageous)  Strong understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)  Experience with unit testing and automated testing frameworks (e.g., xUnit, NUnit, Selenium, Playwright)  Familiarity with Agile methodologies (Scrum/Kanban) and DevOps practices 
• Critical Experience with asynchronous programming, parallelism, and concurrency in modern .NET  Strong skills in debugging, performance tuning, and application optimization  Deep understanding of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP), Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), and microservices.

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Key Job Responsibilities

•  Receive queries and ensure that they are resolved timeously Work as part of a team based and to facilitate sound administration on assigned projects Comply with reasonable request from the line manager Assist with travel arrangements for the CRDM Facilitate proper reporting management and report writing
• Responsible for ensuring that all new staff in the Centre will be received and inducted into the Centre and provided with the resources required to fulfil their position (e.g. computer, office space, pin codes and pass cards)Keep and maintain efficient administrative support to the Centre to ensure maximum efficiency and smooth running of the Centre including review and approval of office/laboratory supply acquisitions Handle general incoming and outgoing correspondence, (telephone, email, fax etc.) including taking any necessary action and maintaining accurate records
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders within NICD NHLS, the study sites, and other relevant organizations in order to improve administrative processes, communications and information flows Responsible for organizing local and international meetings and workshops from conception through to completion, including liaison with international coordinators/ budget holders, suppliers and venue; also including liaison with participants and organizing travel and accommodation
• Perform routine administrative (minute taking, filling, faxing, follow up on outstanding issues etc.) duties for the Centre to ensure that the Centre operates smoothly Receive and distribute courier parcels to ensure that the courier deliveries are efficiently distributed within the division Prepare operational reports and schedules, formatting and compiling monthly/ project reports to ensure efficiency and to collate documents and make sure they get handed in on time.

Minimum requirements and key competencies

• Grade 12  2 -3years of Experience in office administration Experience in a medical environment General office administration procedures MS Office, including Outlook

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Key Job Responsibilities

• To clean the different venues/ offices/ rooms/ kitchens/ hallways and stairs on a daily basis to ensure a clean and hygienic condition Responsible for vacuuming carpeted areas and spot cleaning carpets
• To dust, damp wipe, wash or polish furniture, ledges, window sills, external surfaces of cupboards, and shelves Sweeping and mopping of floors To wash dishes in the kitchens, replenish kitchen supplies and wash/ clean fridges
• To empty waste bins and take waste to designated areas To clean toilets, urinals, hand basins, sinks, showers etc. to ensure hygienic toilet facilities
• To replenish consumable items (Soap/ toilet rolls/ paper towels) and ensure that stock is always available To set up tables/ chairs and equipment for events as needed Follow health and safety regulations and use chemicals as directedReport deficiencies or needs to the Co-ordinator.

Minimum requirements and key competencies

• Grade 10
• Knowledge of health and safety Basic understanding of health and safety Knowledge of cleaning machinery/ cleaning 

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Key Job Responsibilities

• Provide epidemiologic support for all activities of the CRDM with specific reference to laboratory-based and syndromic surveillance, research activities, outbreak investigations and pandemic response requiring support Play a lead role in the development of investigation forms, standard operating procedures, database development real time data checks, preparing weekly surveillance and research reports and supporting site staff with project activities
•  Assist with CRDM related surveillance and other activities as need Train the appropriate audiences on study procedures, databases and reporting Strengthen electronic systems for accessing NHLS and private laboratory data for epidemiological applications with specific reference to CRDM surveillance and research Generate reports, interpret data and provide analyses to ensure that accurate data is available for analysis and preparation of manuscripts
• Keep up to date with relevant, current and emerging research, methods and technologies to ensure personal growth and development, perform appropriate research and publish in relevant scientific journals Comply with any reasonable and lawful instruction issued by the manager.

 
Minimum requirements & key competencies 

• MSc in Public Health and / or MPH Field Epidemiology or relevant equivalent (essential)Valid driver’s license [Code E / EB]
•  0-3 years’ experience in applied epidemiology, public health and communicable diseases post MSc/MPH qualification (essential)
• Experience with data analysis and Database development (essential)  Competency in Microsoft Excel, R Studio and Stata essential Infectious diseases epidemiology experience essential Research experience

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Key Job Responsibilities

• Engage with NICD users and assist with next generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis  Perform basic and advanced and interpretation on data produced from next generation sequencing systems (e.g. Roche 45, Illumina or Ion torrent platforms)as well as develop, improve, modify and operate data analysis Conduct and initiate research in the area of NGS data analysis  Work closely with researchers and collaborators to generate /provide data analysis reports, project reports and perform custom analysis as requested  
• Participate in training employees/staff with bioinformatic skills and build confidence amongst users to analyze and understand their own data resulting in improved and effective research outcomes  Perform a total Data Quality Management of the facility which involves the implementation and monitoring of systems to ensure objectives are achieved in terms of turnaround times, cost control, quality and service
• Monitors and manages bioinformatics requests/projects to ensure objectives are achieved in terms of turnaround times, cost control, quality and service Responsible for overseeing and monitoring of software tools and data resources to ensure smooth operation of the sequencing facility  Develop and implement costing model for Bioinformatics solutionsMaintain hardware and software infrastructure  Establish strong collaborative links with experts in the area of Bioinformatics.

Minimum Requirements and Key Competencies

• MSc in Bioinformatics or related field PHD in Bioinformatics (Desirable) Five years’ (5 yrs) experience with next generation sequencing data analysis Three Years (3 Years )
• Experience with relevant sequence analysis tools/ best practices  Background or experience in molecular biology or microbiology