Job Description

Key responsibilities include the following:

o Provide hands-on technical support to academic staff, researchers, and students across teaching and research activities.


o Facilitate student training in laboratory instrumentation, ensuring competency in the use of both basic and advanced scientific equipment.


o Assist in the preparation, setup, and support of practical classes and research experiments.


o Serve as custodian of departmental instruments, including specialized and unique equipment housed exclusively within the University.


o Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and liaison with service providers for calibration, servicing, or repair.


o Maintain accurate records of instrument usage, service history, and availability to optimize access and extend equipment lifespan.


o Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operation of all laboratory spaces in accordance with institutional policies and national regulatory standards.


o Oversee the implementation, monitoring, and regular review of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to maintain best practice and compliance.


o Monitor laboratories conduct to ensure adherence to health, safety, and environmental regulations


o Ensure samples after analysis are discarded in the waste area.


o Ensure OHS&E is maintained at a high level in all laboratories.


o Performs duties deemed necessary by superiors (senior technician and HOD)

Requirements:

o BHSc in Biochemistry/BSc chemistry/BTech in chemistry


o Minimum 2 year's laboratory experience


o Hands-on experience in instruments such as FTIR, UV, TGA, DSC and XRD


o Knowledge of laboratory safety protocols and regulations


o Technical proficiency with scientific instrumentation


o Proficiency in aseptic techniques, cell culture handling, and operation of sterile laboratory equipment.

Core Competencies:

o Attention to detail and people skills.


o Planning and organizing.


o Ability to work in a team (team player).


o Good time management skills and ability to work in a stressful environment.


o Verbal and written communication skills.


o Able to achieve and maintain high standards with meticulous attention to detail.


o Ability to work accurately and adhere to strict deadlines/timelines.


o Highly proficient in the use of analytical equipment (HPLC, DSC, TGA, IR, UV, etc.) and water testing.


o Good documentation practices and strong analytical and problem-solving ability.

Preferences:

o BHSc in Biochemistry/BSc chemistry.


o A person who has worked under pressure in a multidisciplinary environment and sometimes late hours where necessary.


o Ability to lift heavy loads i.e. equipment, gas cylinders, and boxes.


o Experience as a teaching assistant on undergraduate laboratory practicals.


o Hands-on experience in instruments such as FTIR, UV, TGA, DSC and XRD

For more information:

Contact: Professor Yahya E. Choonara


Telephone: (011) 717-2552 I 2052


Email: yahya.choonara@wits.ac.za

Closing Date: 17 October 2025

Detailed Description

Job Requirements

Additional Details

How To Apply

Please apply via I-Recruitment https://irec.wits.ac.za


Please submit a covering letter clearly indicating which post you are applying for, a detailed CV with names, addresses, contact numbers and e-mail addresses of 3 referees via I-Recruitment https://irec.wits.ac.za.


NB: The University will seek confidential referee reports for all shortlisted candidates. At least one referee must be the candidate's current or most recent immediate supervisor or line manager.


Please note: No appointment will be made without the receipt and satisfactory consideration of the required referee reports.


The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.





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