Job Description

Job Summary Division: Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit (AGTRU)
Main purpose of the job:

• We are seeking an experienced Animal Technologist to oversee animal care and husbandry, ensure compliance with the National Code of Animal Use, and support the planning and execution of research procedures
• The role involves providing technical expertise to a research-intensive project, performing laboratory tests and experiments, and ensuring the accurate collection, interpretation, and reporting of scientific data to support ongoing investigations

Location:

• Wits Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg

Key performance areas:

• Monitoring animal health and providing routine care
• Assist with breeding activities (SPF)
• Administration treatments as per directive
• Managing animal husbandry
• Maintaining clean and safe environment
• Providing technical support for research activities, such as sample collection (blood, tissue), administering medications, and assisting with surgical procedures
• Carrying out specific experimental procedures as required, under the guidance of researchers and according to established protocols
• Maintaining accurate records and adhering to ethical principles and regulatory requirements
• Perform sample processing and analysis
• Maintaining equipment and ensuring proper functioning
• Inventory management
• Ensuring compliance with biosafety and biosecurity
• Maintaining facility standards (cleanliness/organisation)
• Keeping up-to-date with advancements in laboratory animal science, research methodologies, and relevant regulations
• Participating in training programs to enhance skills and knowledge related to animal care, research techniques, and ethical considerations

Required minimum education and training:

• BTech in Veterinary Technology, National Diploma in Veterinary Technology, or MSc/PhD in Medical discipline with Para Veterinary Registration
• South African Veterinary Council registration to practice veterinary and para-veterinary procedures

Required minimum work experience:

• 5 years' experience in a research environment

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

• The ability and willingness to learn specific, practical techniques and apply this knowledge to the research project
• Working aseptically and with biohazardous material
• Operation of electrical and non-electrical laboratory equipment
• Set-up and maintenance of quality management systems
• Membership with The Institute of Animal Technology
• Knowledge of safe laboratory practice and health and safety regulations
• Ability to organize your own workload under the direction of line manager
• Ordered and systematic with strict compliance with protocols
• Good administrative skills
• Able to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines

TO APPLY:

• Only if you meet the 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 handling on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position

AJ Personnel
Recruiter