Medical Scientist (12 - Month Fixed Term Contract - Wits AIRU)

SUMMARY:
Background:

• The Antibody Immunity Research Unit (AIRU) conducts research on the development of new vaccines and new approaches to controlling infectious diseases
• The Unit’s research seeks to establish a deeper understanding of antibody responses to infection in order to design better vaccines for the African region which bears the largest burden of infectious disease

POSITION INFO:
Main purpose of the job:

• A position exists for a Medical Scientist in the Antibody Immunity Research Unit (AIRU), based at the NICD to perform HIV, RSV, SARS-CoV-2 and CMV vaccine- and infection-related immunity  research as per grant funded objectives

• NICD, Sandringham, Johannesburg

• Mammalian cell culture (sterile technique, maintaining and cryopreservation of cell lines)
• Performing protein biochemistry techniques and assays (including protein expression and purification using various chromatography techniques, ELISA, SDS-PAGE and/or Western Blot)

• MSc in Microbiology, Virology, Immunology or a related discipline.
• An Honours Degree will be considered, if allied with exceptional, relevant laboratory experience

• Two years previous laboratory experience, and competence in relevant laboratory skills such as cell culture or protein expression and purification or in conducting enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays
• Prior knowledge of molecular biology such as plasmid preparation, PCR, cloning and sequencing, bacterial or mammalian cell culture will be an advantage
• Computer literacy (particularly MS Word and Excel, PowerPoint and preferably GraphPad)

• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Evidence of publications in the field of HIV, SARS-CoV-2 or RSV, would be desirable
• Analytical and problem-solving ability with enthusiasm for basic immunology
• Exceptional self-management, conscientious work ethic as well as above average attention to detail
• Time and project management skills are essential
• Ability to work closely in a collaborative environment
• Motivated, organised, systematic and professional
• Should be able to work under pressure with efficient multi-tasking
• Must be willing to work after hours occasionally, as needed

• Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV including a one pager Cover letter and copies of your ID and qualifications
• 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: 10 June 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
• 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