Job Description

UP Professional and Support

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FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
NEXT GENERATION SEQUENCING FACILITY MANAGER (Contract position)
PEROMNES POST LEVEL 7 In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following 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.



RESPONSIBILITIES:Maintaining and overseeing the NGS facility equipment, ensuring optimal functionality; Coordinating sequencing projects from sample intake to delivery of results; Conducting quality control checks, validating NGS protocols, and optimizing workflows; Training and supervising junior staff members on sequencing procedures and best laboratory practices; Managing sequencing requests, sample tracking, and pooling strategies; Monitoring sequencing error trends and implementing corrective and preventive measures; Identifying potential risks for sequencing and implementing mitigation strategies; Liaising with relevant people for maintenance of the facility, e.g., facility director/consultants, laboratory coordinator, and supplier(s); Planning and ordering of reagents and consumables; Analysing and reviewing the NGS data after sequencing; Providing basic bioinformatic support to clients for data interpretation; Monitoring and managing data storage, the archiving process, and data transfer to clients; Serving as the primary point of contact for users, advising on experimental design, cost-effective strategies, and data interpretation; Communicating with the clients regarding sequencing requests, project feasibility, and timelines; Advising clients on appropriate sequencing protocols and experimental design. Attending to the client's queries on sequencing. Organising workshops and training sessions; Staff/student orientation on sequencing; Drafting monthly newsletters; Guiding clients on sequencing data pipelines and downstream analysis.


MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:MSc in Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related field; Two or more years working in an NGS facility, laboratory management, and data analysis; Experience in nucleic acid sequencing techniques; Hands-on experience with library preparation for diverse applications and protocol optimization/validation/troubleshooting; Proficiency in quality control (QC) metrics (e.g., Q30 scores, read alignment, coverage uniformity) and implementation of corrective measures for sequencing anomalies; Data management expertise, including storage solutions, metadata organization, and compliance with data security/privacy policies.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

Bioinformatics competency to support basic data analysis (FASTQ processing, alignment, variant calling) and guide users on appropriate pipelines; Excellent writing, Organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills; Broad knowledge of genome sequencing, including appropriate sequencing techniques for infectious pathogens; Expert knowledge of next-generation sequencing technologies; Expert knowledge of NGS quality control (QC) metrics; Knowledge of handling and storing NGS data; Good knowledge of managing an NGS facility, including supervision of junior staff member(s); Competent in molecular and virological techniques; Competent to work in a Biosafety level 2 facility; Hands-on experience with library preparation for diverse applications and protocols; Bioinformatics competency to support basic data analysis; Assertive, highly organized with attention to detail, and leadership skills.


ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:Phd qualification in Bioinformatics, Virology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or related field; HPCSA registration as a scientist Experience in managing an NGS sequencing facility Valid Driver's licence


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; Names, e-mail addresses, and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact; Names and contact details of peer reviewers (academic and research);


CLOSING DATE: 02 September 2025

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Ms N Muller, Tel: (012) 356 3242, email: natasha.muller@up.ac.za, for application-related enquiries, and Prof S Mayaphi, Tel: (012) 319 2351 email: sim.mayaphi@up.ac.za, for enquiries relating to the post content.


Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 November 2025, 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 may be given, but is not limited to, candidates from under-represented designated groups. All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials. The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions.