Laboratory Researcher - (SBIMB Laboratory and Biobank - 12 Months Fixed Term Contract - Wits SBIMB)

SUMMARY:
Background:

• Named after Nobel Laureate and Wits University graduate, Sydney Brenner, the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB) is a burgeoning multi-disciplinary research institute dedicated to investigating the molecular and genomic aetiology of diseases among African populations

• To conduct biomedical molecular and genomic research addressing health priorities in Africans

• To become a leader in biomedical research on the African continent, conducting world-class, innovative and relevant research, that will benefit the southern African community, and to excel as a centre for learning

POSITION INFO:
Division: Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB)

Main purpose of the job:

• Laboratory-based researcher required to manage laboratory activities on the 1000 ONT long-read WGS from the Soweto, South Africa project

• Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB) - 9 Jubilee Road Parktown Johannesburg

• Carry out the required research experiments and laboratory duties (as identified by the Research Team)
• Draft research protocols and the development of SOPs for the project
• Sample Preparation & Processing: Extract DNA, perform quality control (QC), and prepare libraries for PROMETHION ONT platform
• Sequencing Run Management: Set up, operate, and maintain the PROMETHION platform
• Protocol Optimisation: Troubleshoot PROMETHION ONT-based workflow
• Project Support: Assist with literature reviews, draft research reports, and prepare figures/plots for presentations

• MSc or PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. Molecular Biology, Genetics or Laboratory Science) and experience in Molecular Biology Techniques

• Minimum 2 years of laboratory experience
• Experience with next generation sequencing platforms is advantageous

• Strong organizational skills
• Good communication skills
• Attention to detail and self-motivated
• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Sound knowledge of best practices and lab standards
• Able to work under pressure and adherence to deadlines
• Follow through on assigned tasks, able to work independently and work as part of a diverse or multidisciplinary team

• Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV
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• 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: 27 February 2026
• 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
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• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position