PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Additional technical capacity is required within BioMMet to support the increasing research, contract research and analytical service workload. This position is responsible for providing specialist technical support for the Department's molecular biology laboratories and associated cell culture and bioenergetics research platforms. The incumbent will implement and support specialised molecular biology techniques, maintain laboratory infrastructure and equipment, provide user training, and ensure the reliable, safe and efficient operation of the Department's molecular biology research facilities. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Operational activities:

• Perform routine molecular biology, protein biochemistry, cell culture and bioenergetics procedures, and maintain assigned laboratory equipment and facilities. Ensure laboratory and equipment readiness through routine inspections, preventative maintenance, first-line troubleshooting, performance verification, equipment start-up and shutdown procedures, and operational status checks. Monitor laboratory gases, utilities, and environmental conditions where applicable, coordinate equipment servicing and repairs, and maintain the operational readiness, safety and functionality of assigned laboratories.

Research & Innovation:

• Assist with the development, optimisation, validation and implementation of molecular biology protocols and laboratory workflows. Support new analytical capabilities within molecular biology, cell culture and bioenergetics research. Contribute technical expertise to research projects and method improvements.

Teaching & Learning:

• Train and support undergraduate and postgraduate students, staff and researchers in laboratory techniques, equipment operation, laboratory safety, good laboratory practice and quality procedures. Supervise new users, assess competency where applicable, and ensure compliance with laboratory rules and assigned laboratory duties.     

Laboratory Administration:

• Manage laboratory inventories, reagents, consumables, gases, standards and laboratory supplies. Maintain equipment logbooks, maintenance records, quality documentation, training records and asset registers. Verify laboratory assets, coordinate procurement and service requirements, record equipment faults in institutional asset management systems where applicable, and ensure laboratories remain organised, adequately stocked and operational. 

Quality control:

• Implement and maintain quality assurance procedures, equipment records, quality control measures, traceability and documentation in accordance with departmental quality systems and ISO/IEC 17025 principles where applicable. 

Ad hoc tasks:

• Perform additional duties related to laboratory operations, departmental projects and institutional priorities as directed by the Research Director or delegated line manager.

Occupational Health and Safety:

• Comply with laboratory biosafety, chemical safety and occupational health requirements. Support risk assessments, waste management, incident reporting, emergency preparedness and safe operation of laboratory facilities.

• A diploma / advanced certificate in molecular biology in biochemistry (NQF Level 6).
• A minimum of two (2) years' experience in basic laboratory skills and management, including the day-to-day operation and management of a molecular biology research laboratory.
• A minimum of two (2) years' experience in molecular biology techniques, including NA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid quantification and other related molecular biology techniques.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in protein biochemistry techniques, including protein extraction and purification, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, immunodetection and biochemical enzyme analyses.
• A minimum of two (2) years' experience in training staff, undergraduate, postgraduate students and researchers in laboratory techniques.
• A minimum of two (2) years' experience in research method development, including the development, optimisation and validation of laboratory protocols.

ADDED ADVANTAGES:

• A minimum of two (2) years' experience in shared research platform support, including the management and maintenance of shared laboratory equipment and the provision of technical support to researchers and other platform users.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in cell culture techniques, including mammalian cell culture, aseptic techniques and the maintenance of cell lines.
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in bioenergetics instrumentation, including the operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of Seahorse XF and/or Oroboros O2k systems.
• Research experience in mammalian metabolism, mitochondrial function, cancer metabolism or metabolic disease.
• Registrations with HPCSA / SACNASP.
• Membership of SASBMB, SASBMB.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:  

• Advanced knowledge of molecular biology an protein biochemistry techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, PCR, quantitative PCR (qPCR), gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid analysis, protein extraction, protein quantification, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting and immunodetection techniques.
• Ability to optimise, troubleshoot and implement molecular biology protocols.
• Ability to maintain specialised molecular biology equipment and perform routine preventative maintenance and first-line troubleshooting
• Ability to train users, demonstrate analytical procedures and assess competency before granting independent instrument access.
• Record keeping of equipment booking, usage logs, results and quality documentation.
• Strong computer literacy and experience with scientific software used for molecular biology data acquisition and analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Language proficient in a multi-lingual environment.

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to effectively work independently and in a team.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to function under pressure.
• Ability to plan, organise and prioritise work effectively.
• Willingness to take ownership of assigned instruments, laboratories and technical responsibilities.
• Natural innovator who strives for ‘best practice’ and technical advancement.

REMUNERATION:

The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.                     

ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Prof Roan Louw on 018 285 2545

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Dolly Lebepe on 018 299 4936

CLOSING DATE: 15 November 2026

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES: As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official NWU vacancy website. Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.

If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.

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