Junior Medical Scientist - (Virology Research and Development - 1 year contract - Wits Health Consortium)

SUMMARY:
Background:

• Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Limited ("WHC") is a wholly-owned Company of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa) under its Faculty of Health Sciences
• WHC provides Faculty with a legal framework within which to operate the research and other activities necessary to support its academic objectives
• In addition, WHC offers a range of products and services to Academics

POSITION INFO:
Main purpose of the job:

• We are seeking a highly motivated Research and Development Scientist skilled in Molecular Virology to join the mpox diagnostics network, to advance diagnostics for emerging viral infections in South Africa
• Through funding from the South African Medical Research Council the diagnostics network is designing, developing and evaluating novel solutions to improve access to affordable diagnostics to those who need them most
• Culturing isolates of interest and their use in diagnostic assay evaluation is key to the success of this diagnostics network
• Join us in shaping the future of infectious disease diagnostics and contributing to public health innovation in South Africa

• NICD - Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases - Johannesburg
• Ability to travel to a clinical virology research site in Stellenbosch University for a period of time to participate in collaborative research

• Assist with testing of clinical samples for diagnosis of mpox
• Assist with verification and validation of diagnostic assays
• Work in a containment laboratory for culturing of viruses including mpox
• Contribute to the development and optimization of laboratory protocols and relevant biorepositories
• Prepare scientific reports, data analyses, publications, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders
• Supervise junior scientists to advance their careers

• MSc in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biomedical Science or a related field

• HPCSA registration (in Virology) would be an advantage

• Minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience

• Proven experience in laboratory techniques for virology
• Experience with molecular and serological diagnostics for viral infections
• Strong understanding of analytical and clinical validation processes
• Experience with cell culture and virus culture recommended
• Experience in working in high containment laboratories recommended
• Experience working in a regulated laboratory environment and knowledge of good laboratory practices and infection control
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Strong communication skills and scientific writing ability
• Experience in presentation at scientific forums and a good publication record
• Good understanding of statistical programs such as Stata/SAS/R

• Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV
• Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate, and to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions
• This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL
• However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates
• Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful
• Closing date: 21 November 2025
• Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date

• WHC, in accordance with its Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto
• AJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position