Job Description

Listing reference:

ukzn_000688

Listing status:

Online

Apply by:

23 October 2025

Position summary

Industry:

Education & Training

Job category:

Others: Education and Training

Location:

Durban

Contract:

Fixed Term Contract

Remuneration:

Market Related

EE position:

Yes

Introduction

The incumbent will undertake general sample processing of HIV positive blood samples; freeze and catalogue cells; prepare reagents; assist the senior researcher and his team with experiments, quality control and data verification; and will carry out general laboratory housekeeping, including temperature monitoring and equipment maintenance.

Job description

The incumbent should have hands-on experience in general molecular biology techniques, for example: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, cloning, sequencing, sequence analysis, FACS analysis and tissue culture, which includes

culturing, transfection and infection of primary cells and cell lines

Have experience working in a biomedical research laboratory (exclusive of lab time related to the completion of an Honours research project) Be familiar with biomedical research laboratory procedures and safety requirements Have Good computer literacy (Microsoft Office)

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist senior researcher and team with experiments, quality control and data verification Undertake general sample processing of HIV positive blood samples Freezing and cataloguing of cells, as required Preparation of reagents Maintenance of equipment Temperature monitoring of equipment General laboratory housekeeping Health and safety checks of laboratory, as required Participation in the department's various academic activities - journal club, lab meetings,

quality improvement meetings and audits, etc.

Prepared to work after hours, as required

Minimum requirements

BSc Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant biomedical field Hands-on experience in general molecular biology techniques, for example: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, cloning, sequencing, sequence analysis, FACS analysis and tissue culture, which includes culturing, transfection and infection of primary cells and cell lines Minimum one-year experience working in a biomedical research laboratory (exclusive of lab time related to the completion of an Honours research project) Familiarity with biomedical research laboratory procedures and safety requirements Good computer literacy (Microsoft Office).


Enquiries regarding this post and requests for the job profile may be directed to Mrs Tarryn Tomlinson (HPP's Grants & Administration Manager), leslie@ukzn.ac.za.

Terms of appointment and Selection Process:

The post will be offered on a one-year, fixed term contract. The terms and conditions governing this appointment will be in compliance with those of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The monthly cost of employment for this position will be R17,000 - R17,500, dependent on the experience of the successful candidate.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday, 23 October 2025. The University, however, reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date in order to facilitate further searches. The selection process will commence in October 2025 and will continue until suitable candidates are appointed or a decision is taken not to fill the posts.

Applicants are required to complete the relevant application form for support staff which is available on the UKZN vacancies webpage, demonstrating specifically how they meet the minimum requirements for the position.