Job Description

UP Professional and Support

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FACULTY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE


HANS HOHEISEN WILDLIFE RESEARCH STATION


CONTROL VETERINARY TECHNOLOGIST


POST LEVEL 8

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the above vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.


The Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station (HHWRS), adjacent to the Orpen Rest Camp in Mpumalanga, is a research platform managed by the Faculty of Veterinary Science. The station is within the Greater Kruger National Park and approximately 70km from Hoedspruit. Facilities at the station include a main building that houses a number of research laboratories (including a BSL 2+ laboratory), offices and an auditorium that seats 88 people, self-catering accommodation for students and researchers, and on-site freestanding accommodation for permanent staff.


The Faculty is seeking to appoint a Veterinary Technologist with experience in a broad range of laboratory techniques, who will be responsible for the management and administration of all laboratories in accordance with relevant legislation, regulations, UP policies and Faculty operating procedures. It will also be expected from the successful candidate to maintain, manage and oversee all the functions of the premises, including two support staff members. It will also be expected from the incumbent to reside at HHWRS.



RESPONSIBILITIES:


These duties and functions include, but are not limited to:

Manage, control and oversee all tests and training services at the Hans Hoheisen Wildlife Research Station (HHWRS) laboratories that may be utilised by internal academic departments of the University of Pretoria and other institutions; Perform complex laboratory examinations and tests; Provide technical support to researchers and practical training for the students within the guidelines of the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC), Section 20/7 and ethical approvals granted to individual projects and regulatory body accreditation; Maintain, manage and oversee designated facility functions at the premises; Supervision of staff; Coordinate Community Engagement activities within the surrounding Bushbuckridge municipality, inclusive of educational and scientific outreach; Financial administration; Maintain a research project register; and Maintain an approved biobank.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:Veterinary technology qualification: B-Tech-degree and 3 years' experience or National Diploma and 5 years' experience in laboratory techniques and management; Registration with the South African Veterinary Council as a Veterinary Technologist; Proficient knowledge of ISO 17025, GLP, biology, research methodology and health and safety; Proficient in at least three of the following laboratory competencies: microbiology, serology, mycology, molecular biology and parasitology (internal and external) techniques; Experience in managing two or more laboratories; Experience in supervising staff.


REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; Knowledge of business and management principles involved in planning, resource allocation, and co-ordination of people and resources; Well-developed planning, organisational and supervisory skills; Computer literacy; Excellent written and verbal language skills; Ability to work independently and in isolation, and as part of large teams; and A sound understanding of the regulatory frameworks. Ability to work independently and in isolation, and as part of large teams; and A sound understanding of the regulatory frameworks.


ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:MTech in Veterinary Technology (or equivalent); Experience in facility management; Experience in financial management; Experience in performing a wide range of laboratory techniques; Experience in providing practical/vocational training in a research and or academic environment; Experience in coordinating and leading community outreach activities; and Knowledge of the greater Ehlanzeni area.


PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

PLEASE NOTE: The successful candidate will be required to undergo a basic health screening on appointment and thereafter an annual health screening.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.
Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za
In applying for this post, please attach:A comprehensive CV; Certified copies of qualifications and SAVC registration; and Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE: 23 November 2025

Application that are received after the closing date, or that do not comply with at least the minimum requirements, will not be considered.

ENQUIRIES:
For application-related enquiries: Ms Granny Maseko (granny.maseko@up.ac.za), Tel: (012) 529 8495.


For enquiries relating to the post content: Prof Armanda Bastos (armanda.bastos@up.ac.za), Tel: (012) 529 8349.


Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 January 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference will be given, to candidates from under-represented designated groups. All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process. The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.