Recruitment Vacancies at South African National Biodiversity Institute

The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individual to provide leadership in genomics research

• This position requires a MSc degree in Genomics, Genetics, Molecular Biology or related field with NQF 9. This position also requires proven record of at least 2 years in high-throughput wet lab experience including sample preparation, library construction, and sequencing protocols.
• The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position: In depth knowledge and hands-on experience of genomics technologies, especially next generation sequencing. Long read sequencing will be advantageous. Comprehensive knowledge of the sequencing lab to ensure that the necessary reagents are stocked, equipment maintenance and repairs as needed. Knowledge of legislation, policies, and processes, related to genomics is essential. Good planning, organizational, analytical and problems solving skills to interpret data, troubleshoot, and optimize workflows for efficient library preparation is essential. Excellent communication (written and verbal), computer literacy and experience in MS Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook, bioinformatics will be advantageous. The possession of a valid driver’s license with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential. 

 Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Conduct high-throughput library preparation techniques for Illumina/Oxford Nanopore/Pacbio
• Develop and implement a program to optimise workflows with focus on quality, efficiency and the use of standard operating procedures.
• Participate in national and international collaborative projects
• Serve on relevant internal, national and international platforms on foundational biodiversity genomics data collection and curation
• Mentor and supervise early career scientists

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Fixed-term contract ending 31 March 2025

• The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) is looking for a self-motivated individual to ensure compliance with all mandatory finance and donor funded financial management and reporting procedures; including the preparation of budgets, forecasting and monitoring of expenditure and contracts, preparation of financial reports, the submission of financial management reports and deal with audit requests.
• This position requires a degree in Financial Management or equivalent qualification with NQF 7. A postgraduate qualification in Financial Management or equivalent qualification with NQF 8 will be an added advantage.  6 years’ experience in project administration and/or management are required, 3 years of which should be in supervisory level.
• The following competencies are required for the candidate to be successful in this position:
• extensive knowledge and understanding of Financial Management, Public Finance Management Act, Treasury Regulations, and Generally Recognised Accounting Practice is essential; extensive knowledge and understanding of project management techniques, tools, methodologies; and frameworks; proven ability and experience in managing finances, budget and funding for multiple projects from multiple funders; advance knowledge of financial management external to SANBI, that is, budgeting for proposals, report to donors, budgeting and reporting, etc; comprehensive knowledge about government Human Resources Management, Supply Chain Management, Information Technology Management including Corporate Governance policies, procedures, and processes is essential; being highly organised and efficient; a clear-thinker able to solve problems and see all sides of a situation; ability to manage high pressure and be able to juggle with multiple stakeholders each with their own challenges whilst multi skilling across multi projects simultaneously; demonstrate outstanding stakeholder engagement and relationships management; attention to detail in dealing with budgeting, financial management, and reporting; systemic visualisation of various projects entailing a programme, advanced planning, organizing, problem solving skills; proven ability to perform monitoring & evaluation of multi projects; proven ability to work under pressure with diverse team while being quality and safety conscious; extensive knowledge and experience in working with legislation, policies, procedures, processes, practices, systems, and frameworks related to project, management, donor funding, and stakeholder management; excellent financial report writing, and communication at all levels (both verbal and written); excellent computer literacy and experience in the application of software tools including (Ms Word, MS Project, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet and Outlook). The possession of a valid driver’s licence with at least one-year practical driving experience and a willingness to travel is essential.    

 Key Performance Responsibilities include:

• Identify and manage risks and provide financial management support to the Project Manager: Groen Sebenza;
• Interpret policies and procedures and advise project leaders;
• Undertake financial reporting for the project, liaison between partners and coordinate project audit;
• Ensure effective financial administration of projects;
• Maintain project systems, donor and PFMA compliance and ensure accurate financial reporting; and
• Advise project leaders and enforce project compliance and Human capital development and transformation and implement and drive change and transformation.