Job Description

PRIMATE UNIT & DELFT ANIMAL CENTRE

(CAPE TOWN OFFICE)

The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) strives to improve the nation's health and quality of life by funding and conducting relevant and leading health research. It further aims to promote equity, career development and progression.



Senior Officer: Laboratory Administrator

Duration: Permanent

Primate Unit & Delft Animal Centre (PUDAC) constitutes a team of pre-clinical scientists, laboratory animal technologists and research technicians. Our core business is to produce new knowledge and to provide pre-clinical and vaccine development research support, animal models and animal management services for biomedical research.

PUDAC seeks to appoint a highly energetic and suitably qualified Senior Officer to render administrative services; increase the effectiveness of PUDAC's administration and ensure efficient office administration for the PUDAC laboratories as per operational requirements. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining a systematic and accurate laboratory documentation system, procurement of laboratory supplies/consumables/services and maintenance/service of lab equipment and record keeping.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, coordinate and manage all logistics and operational aspects of the analytical laboratories and animal facilities.
• Assist in arranging the Platform's scientific/research meetings, training, workshops, seminars and conferences.
• Collation, submission, and record-keeping of laboratory documents.
• Assist with arranging regular TB testing on PUDAC staff and vendors.
• Assist with renewal of research permits, correspondences related to research & ethical compliances (holding, import, export and transport permits), including professional memberships of staff and related registration/maintenance fees.
• Minute taking and ensure are correctly recorded, signed, actioned and filed.
• Coordinate monthly inspection/ maintenance of research equipment in liaison with the responsible scientific and technical staff.
• Assist with budget control and Finance/SCM related matters.
• Procurement and monitoring of all lab consumables, perishables/refreshments & cleaning products / all animal food, etc.
• Communication/liaison with clients, debtors/creditors.
• To compile, reconcile, adherence to SAMRC/PUDAC SOPs, QC and submit laboratory financial journals and bills.
• Assist with submission of progress and financial reports to the funders.
• Assist with administration associated with internal and external audits, e.g., NSPCA /ECRA inspections.
• Assist in compliance with MRC HSE policies in liaison with the relevant staff.

Core Requirements:

• 3-year Diploma in Office Administrative/ Business Management or similar relevant qualification or higher.
• 1 - 2 years' experience with Administration in a laboratory setting
• Knowledge and experience in the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Supply Chain Management (SCM).
• Knowledge of audit processes in a research/laboratory setting
• Willing to undergo regular TB testing and required health checks.
• Computer literate with high proficiency in Microsoft Office-Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Organized and systematic.
• Strong administrative skills
• Analytical and creative problem-solving skills

Advantageous:

• Knowledge of Good Laboratory Practice
• Good Laboratory Practice [GLP] training certificate
• Knowledge of Laboratory information management system/data systems
• Exposure to laboratory animal research environment.
• Understanding of medical/laboratory terminology
• Experience with Quality control in a research / laboratory setting

Terms & Conditions: The SAMRC retains the right not to make an appointment. In accordance with the SAMRC's Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from the designated groups. For this reason, we require race, gender and disability status to be specified. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. By submitting your application, SAMRC concludes that you are a competent person to consent and that you are giving consent to the SAMRC to process and further process all personal information contained in the application in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, Act No 4 of 2013 (as amended). The SAMRC does its best to provide the most accurate information; however, if there is anything wrong and unclear applicants are encouraged to contact the HR Recruitment Office at 021-938 0648 before the closing date.

A salary in the region of R 275 143 per annum, cost-to-company, will be negotiated in consideration of experience and qualifications.

Closing date: 30 September 2023

PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R 653A) IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS. PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT YOUR SUBMISSION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED SHOULD YOUR APPLICATION NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE REQUIRED INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTATION.

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