Research Assistant (12 Months FTC)

SUMMARY:
A Research Assistant (12 Months Fixed Term Contract) vacancy is available at our Client, Wits Health Consortium in Braamfontein - Johannesburg

POSITION INFO:

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 the Academics conducting these activities in order to assist with the management thereof.

Main purpose of the job

• To conduct research into the genetic causes of developmental disorders in African patients together with the project team
• Duties will include research implementation; DNA extractions and -normalization; data generation and management; analysis and assisting in writing publications; and compilation of relevant reports

Location

• Division of Human Genetics, Braamfontein

Key performance areas

• Conduct a literature review to determine what research has been done and what the gaps in knowledge are
• Carry out required research activities, as identified by the Research Team
• Assist with applications for obtaining ethical approval from relevant regulatory committees/bodies
• Assist with writing research protocols and the development of SOPs
• Engage community stakeholders regarding research studies, as and when required
• Collaborate closely with the Research Team on related studies within the unit re-study design, protocol, research tools and other research-related activities
• Assist with the cataloging of research samples
• Assist with management and servicing of laboratory equipment
• Assist with obtaining quotations and receipting of goods and services
• Follow SOPs and protocols for data generation and analysis
• Monitor and follow data generation and collection procedures
• Assist with monitoring and updating databases for capturing of research data collected
• Perform data clean up as and when required
• Assist with the writing up of results for distribution/publication
• Compile relevant reports and research findings to address questions that transpired from meetings, management or funders requests
• Comply with all NIH (Funder) requirements including timesheets
• Assist with ad hoc research duties

Required minimum education and training

• A BSc Honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry)
• An MSc degree will be advantageous
• Training in molecular laboratory techniques

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities

• Interest in human genetics research related to developmental disorders
• Ordered, systematic and analytical in approach to research
• Good administrative skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office and management of large data sets
• Able to work under pressure, adhere to deadlines and follow through on assigned tasks
• Self-motivated, able to work independently
• Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team to ensure project delivery, and to advance the general aims and objectives of the unit
• Experience in writing publications would be advantageous
• Local and international travel might be required from time to time
• May be required to work at the various project sites around South Africa and in Africa
• Able to adapt to changing and demanding work environments Overtime will be required from time to time
• Maintain effective working relationships with other staff at all levels
• Willing to travel
• Driver’s license and own transport

Required minimum work experience

• 1-year work experience in a research or laboratory environment
• Experience with the generation and analysis of human genetic data is highly advantageous

TO APPLY

• Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV - Please Apply Online
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.
• The closing date for all applications is 20 January 2021.
• 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.
• In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.

Please note that AJ PERSONNEL is only responsible for the advertising of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.

AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position. 

NB! This job is now closed. You can apply for other jobs by uploading your CV.