Job Description

Job Summary Division:

• Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit (AGTRU)

Main purpose of the job:

• We are seeking a motivated researcher to design and lead preclinical vaccine testing projects, focusing on immunology, virology, and molecular biology
• The role involves conducting advanced laboratory experiments (including flow cytometry, cell culture, and animal models), analysing immune responses, and interpreting complex data
• The successful candidate will also contribute to publishing research in high-impact journals, applying for grants and fellowships, maintaining equipment and SOPs, and supporting training for students and collaborators

Key performance areas:

• Design and implement research projects
• Publish findings in high-impact journals
• Maintain in-depth knowledge about the current state of the field
• Operate and maintain flow cytometry (or similar) equipment and analyse related data
• Design and execute experiments, analyse data, interpret findings and prepare reports of results
• Maintain accurate records of daily research activities
• Set up standard operating procedures (develop procedures and write up necessary documentation)
• Provide training to partners and postgraduate students
• Write reports for internal and external dissemination
• Submission of project-related grant applications
• Securing of research grants or fellowships
• Monitor assigned projects, ensuring adherence to project timelines, and budgets
• Coordinate and troubleshoot operational activities such as laboratory activities, legal, IT, procurement etc.
• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrates effective self-management
• Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback
• Acquire new knowledge/ skills to support the research project
• Participate in training events/ workshops
• Mentoring of junior researchers or students

Required minimum education and training:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Molecular Medicine, Immunology or Vaccinology
• Strong background in vaccine research and/or immunology with proven experience/expertise in the field (e.g., first-author publications, awards and grants, patents filed)
• Good academic track record (conference proceedings and research publications)

Required minimum work experience:

• Minimum 1 years' experience in a research laboratory or industry.
• Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Goal-oriented individual interested in pursuing academic research
• Membership of the South African Veterinary Council to practice veterinary and para-veterinary procedures is desirable
• Good project management skills showing ability to work in an organized, systematic and meticulous manner
• The ability to troubleshoot and overcome any hurdles experienced during the course of the research activities
• The ability to work well under pressure
• Willingness to learn and implement new technologies
• Professional manner in the work environment
• A self-motivated individual capable of focusing on the goal of the research project

TO APPLY:

• Only if you meetthe minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV
• 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: 29 August 2025
• Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date

Please note:

• 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 handlingon behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position

AJ Personnel
Recruiter