Job Description

"Wits-VIDA Research unit is looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow with a passion for Antimicrobial resistant (ESKAPE) pathogens to join their innovative and dynamic team of internationally recognized scientists. The position is available from the 1st of January 2024 with a tax-free annual stipend." Main purpose of the job:

• To promote, build expertise, and provide high-level Biochemistry solutions at VIDA in research activities
• Broaden VIDAxe2x80x99s research capabilities, while complementing existing strengths

Location:

• VIDA xe2x80x93 Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto - Johannesburg, Gauteng

Key performance areas: Generate, analyze, interpret, and process results

• Engage with VIDA researchers/students and assist with molecular biology and biochemistry techniques
• Work closely with researchers and students to perform custom data analysis
• Establish strong collaborative links with experts in the area of molecular biology
• Publish (minimum two first author) findings in internationally peer-reviewed scientific journals yearly
• Present findings in national and international conferences

Research design, implementation, and management

• Research design, grants, collaborations
• Develop and write research and funding proposals
• 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 o Drive research agenda and interests within the context of the VIDA overall strategy
• Assist with writing progress reports to stakeholders including networks and funders
• Research implementation and management
• Provide critical project coordination support ensuring protocols align with project timelines/GANTT charts and budgets

Quality Assurance and Control

• Monitor and manage molecular biology requests or projects to ensure objectives are achieved in terms of turnaround times, cost control, quality, and service
• Responsible for overseeing and monitoring software tools and data resources to ensure the smooth operation of the wet laboratory facility
• Develop, review, and implement Standard Operating Procedures to ensure compliance with all relevant policies and regulations including but not limited to Good Clinical Practice

Research and Academic Development

• Support the development of the division including long-term strategy and research agenda; set and drive strategic plan reporting on quarterly and annual indicators
• Pursue own research interests consistent with the overall research agenda of the organization and in conjunction with the research leadership team
• Advise on the implementation of large multi-site research and dynamically contribute to new, relevant research questions
• Design, write, and submit or contribute to new proposals
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities in line with the organizationxe2x80x99s interest and own research goals
• Assist with student supervision where required
• Participate in teaching and knowledge-exchange programs

Customer Service and Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain authentic, professional relationships and communicate effectively and efficiently with all internal and external stakeholders (suppliers, collaborators, researchers, donors, etc.)
• Train staff effectively; foster a practice of knowledge exchange and peer learning
• Manage internal and external stakeholder expectations and communicate appropriately with initiative and solutions
• Maintain a high standard of successful internal and external stakeholder relations (e.g., negotiations, building productive relationships)
• Escalate issues appropriately, ensuring adequate discretion and risk management, and demonstrate integrated problem-solving
• Effectively manage work processes, teams, and relationships in order to maintain high levels of productivity

Staff management

• Lead cross-functional teams to promote productivity within projects
• 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 staff development wherever possible
• 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 as required
• Demonstrative effective delegation and decision-making

Effective self-management and performance ownership

• Take ownership and accountability for tasks & activities 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 organizational 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 organizationxe2x80x99s core values
• Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback; manage own disruptive emotions and stress
• Take ownership of driving your own career development

Required minimum education and training:

• PhD in the relevant area with a strong background in advanced molecular biology techniques including cloning, expression, purification, and enzyme inhibition assays for bacterial proteins

Required minimum work experience:

• Minimum 2 years experience in a Molecular Biology work environment is essential

Desirable additional education, work experience, and personal abilities:

• Extensive professional experience and will be able to demonstrate a reputation in the field based on achievements in research
• Certification in good clinical laboratory practice (GCLP) and basic health and safety
• Ordered, systematic, and analytical
• Exceptional organizational, 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

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: 10 November 2023.
• Note AJ Personnel is fully POPI compliant.
• Note WHC, in accordance with their 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.

Please note:

• AJ PERSONNEL is only responsible for the advertising of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.
• 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.
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.