Vacancies at National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)

Job Description

• REFERENCE NUMBER: NICD0525-001-01

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) Competency in Microsoft Excel, R Studio and Stata essential
• Infectious diseases epidemiology experience essential
• Research experience
• Skilled in epidemiology and application of epidemiological skills
• Understand the research process, field research experience
• General management and administration (desirable)
• Knowledge of and insight into NHLS and
• NICD laboratory practice(desirable)
• Communication skills (verbal & written)
• Ability to work under pressure

Interpersonal skills

• Time management
• Attention to detail
• Planning and organizing skills
• Thinking on one’s feet
• Assertiveness
• Flexibility / Adaptability
• Ability to produce statistics
• Report writing skills
• Diplomatic skills
• Teaching / Training

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Job Description

• REFERENCE NUMBER: NICD1124/001-08 (READVERTISEMENT)

Key Job Responsibilities

• Contribute to the management of surveillance vector-borne disease and overseeing daily operations of entomology laboratory/ies and insectaries; recommending specialized test/ procedure to be used, interpretation, authorization and communication of the results.
• Uses expertise and specialized knowledge to advise stakeholders on appropriate surveillance approaches for vector-borne diseases (including testing and interpretation of results).
• Apply expertise/knowledge in variety of laboratory tests including molecular detection techniques and sequencing, different serological platforms and virological testing including culturing of vector-borne viruses in different systems
• Contribute to the management of the quality system including the implementation of appropriate quality assurance procedures, audit the quality control (QC) results, preventative and corrective actions
• Contribute to the facilities management of entomology laboratories and insectaries
• Perform independent and collaborative research producing complex and scientific reports and responsible for overall management of multiple research projects, interpretation, techniques, and procedures
• Develop and implement proposals/ protocols/ new technologies/ new approaches
• Publish peer-reviewed articles and participate in scientific forums such as conferences Involved in development of research grant funding applications and the management of such grants
• Training and formal supervision of staff and students at all levels.

Minimum requirements and key competencies

• MSc or equivalent / PhD preferred, in field of entomology preferred
• Registration with HPCSA (virology) recommended but not required
• 5 years’ experience as scientist; at least 1 year laboratory management (or team lead) experience 
• Knowledge of arboviral disease and arboviral entomology required 
• Demonstrate track record of scientific writing and scientific communication at conferences (>=10 and at least 2 first or last author research focused >=20 and at least 8 first or last author, >=10 conferences proceeding(at least >=2 international)
• Successfully supervise /co-supervise BSc Hons, MSc or PhD(successful graduation of at least 3 postgraduates and at least 2 currently under supervision/co supervision
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) recommended
• Good interpersonal skills recommended
• Analytical thinking with attention to detail is recommended
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and independently recommended
• Problem solving skills recommended
• Ability to work under pressure and dealing with high work volumes while keeping abreast with academic literature recommended.
• Willing to travel and do field-based entomological work

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Job Description

• REFERENCE NUMBER: NICDCDC0425/001-01

Key Job Responsibilities

• Apply quality assurance processes and standard operating procedures in order to ensure that the Sequencing core facility is constantly able to provide a high quality, cost effective and efficient service
• Manage and process high sample volumes in a sequencing laboratory environment
• Participate in research and development to assess the appropriateness of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) applications improving on existing protocols and optimizing new applications
• Perform a total Data Quality Management on the facility which involves the implementation and monitoring of systems to ensure accurate and reliable results
• Monitors and manages sequencing requests/projects to ensure objectives are achieved in terms of turnaround times, cost control, quality and service
• Monitor equipment calibration and maintenance to ensure the reliable results and implementing safety procedures in order to ensure safe working environment and compliance with all regulations.

Minimum requirements & key competencies

• BSc Honours in molecular biology or related field (MSc / MTech preferred)
• 1-3 years’ molecular biology experience
• Experience in genetic sequencing including operating sequencing instruments will be an advantage
• Previous experience in a research laboratory is essential
• Working knowledge of principles of good laboratory practice
• Working knowledge of Accreditation principles
• At least 1 year experience post internship 
• At least 1 scientific research abstracts
• Involvement and validation of either 1 new diagnostic methodology or significant modification to existing applications/procedures
• Ability to work under pressure with minimal supervision
• Ability to optimize processes to achieve maximum efficiencies
• Basic understanding of finance
• Attention to detail
• Informal or small group teaching
• Analytical skill
• Time management skills
• Report writing skills
• Computer literacy
• Planning and organizing
• Interpersonal skills