Jobs Available at National Health Laboratory Services

Key Job Responsibilities 

• Provide strategic leadership to foster coherence and collaboration across the Division and Centres to align organisational priorities to strengthen national and global health security
• Leads the development of a clear departmental vision in alignment with organisational strategy to ensure effective direction, management, and accountability of the specific programme areas managed by the incumbent in delivering its objectives Builds new or strengthens existing partnerships with the National Department of Health, Provincial Departments of Health, World Health Organization, Africa CDC, CDC-USA, CDC-Europe, Funders, universities/research institutions and other stakeholders to position the technical area of work and implementation into National and/or Global health security policies
• Responsible for outbreak detection, investigation and response in partnership with the district and provincial departments of health Lead and coordinate the NICD’s participation in the IHR-related activities and National Action Plans for Health Security  Represent the Division/NICD in global forums to position the area of work in the regional and global health community
• Ensure the development, maintenance, and enhancements of surveillance and reporting of communicable disease public health surveillance related to prioritised disease surveillance, including the GERMS platform; Notifiable Medical Conditions; Event-based surveillance and other relevant surveillance systems to ensure rapid detection and response to specific infectious hazards
• Direct the training and capacity-building initiatives for healthcare professionals in epidemic and pandemic response to specific infectious hazards
• Responsible for communication across the NICD Centres, with National and Provincial Departments of Health and other stakeholders through routine communication, leading the development of guidelines, implementation and dissemination of technical guidelines, comprehensive epidemic and pandemic preparedness plans, maintenance of website and other communication channels
• Lead and coordinate resource mobilisation efforts (funding, staffing) to strengthen the Division’s priorities, operational needs and budgets Oversee the implementation of health, safety and environmental requirements to ensure the implementation of all necessary processes, procedures and legislation.

Minimum Requirements and Key Competency 

• MBChB MMed/FCP (Microbiology/Virology/Clinical Pathology/Infectious Diseases) HPCSA registered specialist in Clinical / Microbiology/Virology /Infectious Diseases  
• 13 to 15 years Management experience preferably in a public health institution  
• 8 to 10 years communicable diseases / public health experience/epidemiology / infectious diseases Knowledge of Microbiology, Virology, Immunology, Molecular Biology

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Key Job Responsibilities 

• Drive improvements in data accuracy within the Surveillance Data Warehouse by leading collaborative efforts with cross-functional specialists to identify and resolve data quality issues Oversee data profiling and report design, ensuring outputs are validated and aligned with the evolving information needs of internal and external stakeholders
• Proactively identify and recommend system enhancements to address changing business requirements and stakeholder expectations, ensuring continuous improvement in data services Proactively identify and recommend system enhancements to address changing business requirements and stakeholder expectations, ensuring continuous improvement in data services
• Conduct strategic research and provide expert recommendations on data mining tools, services, protocols, and standards to support procurement and system development initiativesLead the design and deployment of complex data queries, ensuring timely and accurate responses to business intelligence needs in support of the organisation’s surveillance mandate
• Champion quality assurance practices across data mining and analysis activities, promoting s Manage change control and testing processes for modifications to data models, ensuring that updates are thoroughly validated and documented
• Define and maintain data definitions for new and existing database structures, ensuring clarity, consistency, and usability across the organisation Profile data and design reports to meet stakeholder information needs
• Support researchers by facilitating access to relevant data parameters, ensuring alignment with research objectives and data integrity standards
• Design and execute comprehensive testing protocols, including test scenarios and scripts, to validate data solutions against business requirements and quality benchmarks Mentor and coach team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning, cross-training, and knowledge sharing to build analytical capability.  

Minimum requirements & key competencies 

• Honours degree in Biological sciences, Epidemiology, Computer Science or Health sciences Masters degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, or a relevant discipline (Desirable)
• Data warehouse and data quality training desirableCertification in MicroStrategy or other enterprise analytical reporting tool
• 8 years’ experience in data analytics, data warehousing, data quality or analytical reporting, of which
• 3 years should be at a supervisory or team lead level Experience in data warehousing and/or data analysis and/or data quality and/or analytical reporting
• Proficiency with data visualisation and reporting tools, including MicroStrategy, SQL and Power BI Understanding of South African data protection regulations (e.g. POPIA)
• 1 or more years of Lab experience Strong understanding of data mining models, structures, theories, principles, and practices. Knowledge of data modeling.

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Key Job Responsibilities 

• Design and/or implement surveillance and research activities of the Centre for HIV and STI with specific reference to cross-disciplinary linking of pathology data, in collaboration with all role players, including the NICD GERMS programme and HIV surveillance laboratories.
• Assist in establishing strategic goals for the Epidemiology Section of the Centre for HIV and STI through a consultative process with creation/regular review of the Centre’s annual and 5-year strategic plansEnsure that operational objectives are met according to agreed project timelines as per the strategic planInterpret and communicate epidemiological findings to relevant stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and policymakers
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement evidence-based strategies for disease prevention, control, and health promotionStay updated with the latest research, methodologies, and advancements in the field of epidemiology to ensure best practices are implemented in research and analysisContribute to the development of research proposals, grant applications, and scientific publications
• Collaborate with local and international organisations and agencies to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices in epidemiology Initiate, develop, and implement epidemiologic studies and surveillance programmes relevant to the Centre of HIV and STI activities, including study design, data collection, data entry, data management, data cleaning, data analysis, and report writing Analyse large datasets using statistical software to identify trends, patterns, and risk factors associated with diseases and health conditions
• Supervision and management of field staff for surveillance programmes and epidemiological studies Create and produce reports and contribute significantly to existing NICD publications, such as communiqués and bulletin, as well as produce scientific papers on relevant subjectsProvide additional support for the other activities of the Centre for HIV and STI as well as other NICD requirements
• Participate in relevant internal, Provincial, National, and International meetings and conferences, to facilitate the objectives of the Centre for HIV and STIStrengthen systems for accessing NHLS and private laboratory data for epidemiological applications with specific reference to Centre for HIV and STI surveillance and outbreak response Develop and implement laboratory-based data for action reports and analysis of communicable disease data generated from the NICD Surveillance Warehouse
• Be proactive in ensuring that successful grant applications are submitted and research funding raised by the Centre team Ensure that coordinated quality assurance processes are in place throughout the Epidemiology Section of the Centre for HIV and STI Document and maintain records of Epidemiology Section of the Centre for HIV and STI outputs through periodic Centre activity reports and contributions to the NICD annual report Train, develop and manage epidemiology staff to ensure they have the skills required by the organisation and are able to achieve their performance objectives

Minimum requirements & key competencies 

• Masters degree in Epidemiology (or public health) (essential) 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 (essential)
• At least 4 years experience as a leader in a public Health setting (essential) Expert Knowledge of epidemiology and statistical methods
• Expert Knowledge of and insight into laboratory practice, and interpretation of laboratory tests with specific reference to NICD and NHLS Knowledge of statistical software packages for epidemiological analysis, MS Access, Excel, STATA or SAS Proven leadership management skills

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Key Job Responsibilities 

• Receives, sorts, registers and refers specimens for testing Liaises with the registration area during data capturing and track missing samples.
• Preparation of samples for examination according to the standard operating procedures Performs tasks in support of the pre and post analytical processes as per discipline requirement; which include but not limited to media preparation, glassware washing, specimen centrifugation.
• Labelling, sorting and staining of slides. Monitoring of relevant lab equipment and appropriate troubleshooting to ensure it is maintained and in good working order Storage and retrieval of samples (where applicable) in accordance with standard operating procedures
• Autoclaving and disposal of waste in accordance with standard operating procedures and legislation. Efficient monitoring of stock levels, to ensure continuous supply to the lab Storage and retrieval of records Comply with policies and procedures of the NHLS, Quality Standards and the Occupational Health and Safety Act 

Minimum requirements & key competencies 

• Grade 12/ Matric/ NQF level 4/ N2(Essential) HPCSA Registration as a Laboratory Assistant (Essential) in Microbiology / Clinical Pathology.
• 1 year plus prior experience in a laboratory environment is advantageous Knowledge of Laboratory (Essential) 

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Key Job Responsibilities 

Laboratory Safety Compliance: 

• Ensure compliance with health and safety measures at all times Adherence to decontamination procedures at all times Compliance on recording of temperature reading in accordance with relevant SOP’s 

Laboratory Process (Produced laboratory work and /or Laboratory Reports) 

• Receive, sort and testing of patient samples according to laboratory SOP Ensures that reliable and accurate results are generated for reporting Adherence to set turnaround time for all tests Daily filing and storage of specimens Assess for abnormal results according to laboratory SOP and reports findings to supervisor Prepare reagents for specialised testing Daily documentation of data in own area of work. 

Maintained and Operated Equipment: 

• Perform equipment maintenance as per schedule Compliance and application of SOP’s Performance of quality checks Competency certificate for operation of equipment Compliance with maintenance of reagent log sheets 

Quality Assurance: 

• Run routine IQC samples as per SOP and participation with EQA Identify IQC errors and report deviations to supervisor Daily document log sheets (room temperature, fridges, etc.). 

Teaching, Training, Research and Development of Laboratory: 

• Train and be competent using SOP’s for all instruments in the laboratory including maintenance in own area of work 

Minimum requirements & key competencies 

• Grade 12/NQF 4 SMLTSA Certificate Registration with HPCSA as a Medical Technician desirable At least 0 to 3 years post-qualification experience in a laboratory environment Knowledge of technical appliances Knowledge of quality control procedures Health and safety regulations

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Key Job Responsibilities 

• Assist with the maintenance and management of mosquito colonies Assist with teaching and training of students/visitors on mosquito rearing
• Assist with mass-rearing Insectary management and administration Report any challenges encountered in the insectary immediately to the Supervisor
• Assist with general insectary equipment maintenance and monitoring temperature and relative humidity in the insectary according to standards operating procedures (SOPs)
• Attend laboratory and Insectary management meetings as requested to review ongoing performance Actively participate in and contribute to SIT research projects. 

Minimum Requirements and Key Competencies 

• Grade 12 plus Higher certificate NQF level 5 equivalent
• 1 year work experience in mosquito rearing or related work 6 months in supporting research projects Knowledge of Health and safety regulations of an Insectray 

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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]
• 5 years’ experience in applied epidemiology, public health and communicable diseases post MSc/MPH qualification (essential) Experience with data analysis and Database development (essential) 

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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 serviceMonitors 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

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Key Job Responsibilities 

• Support project coordination through accurate and timely input of project information using electronic platforms and issuing of status reports for monitoring and evaluation purposes Undertakes follow-up actions , including liaison with internal and external stakeholders, on project implementation activities and drafts change in the program work plans and interim reports as required
• Compile and prepare all related training/workshop/meeting (event) materials and equipment to ensure that events run smoothly Book, prepare venues in advance for trainings, workshops and meetings to ensure smooth delivery of these events
• Coordinate regular project logistics for travel, accommodation, car hire, conference registration and other logistics arrangements for events including large events involving international stakeholders.
• Drafting of reports and minutes for all events. Keep records and documents in order to ensure safekeeping and that they are easily accessible Support grants management through reconciling grant expenditure as required and liaise with Grants Office/s Supports project management through drafting of reports as required 

Key Competencies 

• Grade 12 Diploma in Business Management/ Business Administration Project Management Certificate required
• 5 years post qualification relevant experience Knowledge of PFMA and GAAP Good report writing skills Good analytical skills required