Medical Scientist (Immunology/Luminex - Wits VIDA)

SUMMARY:
Background:

• The Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit of the University of the Witwatersrand, formerly RMPRU (Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit) has for over 20 years conducted numerous studies to assess the burden of and prevent vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD)
• Current studies and projects include infant rotavirus and BCG trials

POSITION INFO:
Main purpose of the job:

• To lead scientific portfolios and research with a focus on immunology laboratory-based projects
• To supplement academic training of students and staff in the research unit and supervise students and projects

• Nurses’ Residence, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital - Soweto, Johannesburg

• Research design, grants, collaborations
  • Develop and write research and funding proposals as and when required including protocols and SOPs for qualitative or quantitative studies
  • Explore and propose new avenues of scientific and/or clinical research
  • Develop and design research approaches and research tools
  • Manage and develop scientific research collaborations
  • Drive research agenda and interests within the context of the overall organisation strategy
  • Write and review progress reports to stakeholders including internal, as well as networks and funders, as required
• Research implementation and management
  • Provide project coordination support ensuring protocols align with project timelines/GANTT charts and budgets
  • Provide input and assist other team members in designing, testing, standardising relevant or new assays and research approaches
• Research outputs & reporting
  • Analysis of immunological or relevant scientific data
  • Conduct data analysis and interpretation and write up results for scientific publication
  • Publish and present research outputs, which includes developing and conducting independent scientific research
  • Present scientific data at local and international congresses and publish research in peer-reviewed journals
  • Draft, review and present all other reports as required including, for example, industry guidelines, policy recommendations, technical reviews, systematic reviews

• Supervise/co-supervise postgraduate student projects.
• Participate in training for needed laboratory methods, presentation skills, critical evaluation of scientific approaches and scientific reports, and all other skills required of postgraduate students
• Review thesis, manuscripts etc and examination of postgraduate theses
• Develop strategies to increase and maintain commitment needed to complete the higher degree
• Contribute in an appropriate manner to the University in the form of teaching, administrative roles and academic management

• Monitor and oversee laboratory performance in conjunction with unit leadership, senior scientists and laboratory management to ensure objectives are achieved in terms of staffing levels, turnaround times, and cost containment, minimization of wastage, quality and internal client service (resource management and reporting)
• Implement corrective action to address problem areas in conjunction with senior scientist and laboratory manager
• Assist with oversight, development, implementation and maintenance of standard operating procedures for various aspects of pre-laboratory and laboratory environments
• Participate in regular laboratory meetings to review SOPs, quality assurance, data management, safety etc. in conjunction with the senior scientist/s and laboratory management
• Carry out research as per the grant funded objectives in accordance with GCLP principles
• Maintain the sterility of the laboratory and all associated areas in accordance with GCLP and ISO guidelines as required

• Lead cross-functional teams and supervise high standards of work outputs to promote productivity
• Work with management to empower and develop teams or individuals as skills needs or deficiencies are identified
• Foster an environment that promotes talent recognition, development as well as agency and individual leadership; promote harmony, teamwork and sharing of information
• Mentor, coach and facilitate personal and professional development
• Ensure teams comply with policies, unit standards and administrative and internal communications requirements; promote company policies, strategies and values
• Manage staff effectively including accountability, performance, conduct, efficient working, processes and corrective action on sub-standard performance and issues, as required
• Demonstrative effective delegation and decision-making (apply considered secretion and professional insight)
• Support and drive effective resource management including short- and long-term staffing requirements, optimal staff utilisation and maintain sound labour relations

• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and productivity and demonstrate effective self-management
• Actively and consistently maintain high standards of professionalism in all aspects of personal presentation and delivery
• Apply knowledge of the organisational systems, structures, policies and procedures to achieve results
• Follow through to ensure that productivity standards are consistently and accurately maintained and provide appropriate resolution for challenges
• Support and drive the organisation’s core values
• Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback; manage own disruptive emotions and stress
• Take ownership for driving own career development
• Take responsibility of timekeeping
• You may be required to perform other duties and responsibilities within your abilities at the request of your line manager as per WHC terms and conditions of employment

• PhD in Biological or Medical Science or suitable related field

• Minimum 5 years of experience in an infectious disease research laboratory, medical microbiology, immunology or clinical pathology laboratory
• Must have Luminex experience

• Extensive professional experience and will be able to demonstrate a reputation in the filed based on achievements in research
• Certification in Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and basic health and safety
• Ordered, systematic and analytical
• Exceptional organisational attention to detail and administration skills with working knowledge of Microsoft office and laboratory systems
• Able to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines
• Assertive and confident
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team

• Work in a pressurized environment in meeting turnaround times in high volumes
• Undertake appropriate administrative tasks as directed by the director/research director
• Able to give a degree of strategic direction to scientific research projects and directly supervise student projects
• Required to utilize all resources cost effectively
• Able to assume responsibility for health/safety rules, particularly biosafety rules, and their implementation
• Is potentially at risk to be exposed to hazardous and infectious samples

• • Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.
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