Responsibilities:

• Formulate research proposals and conduct/coordinate research projects independently

• Processing of biological samples including isolation of PBMCs and nucleic acids from nonhuman primates’ biological samples (blood, tissues and stool)

• Implementation of tissue culture methods including propagation and titration of SIV/SHIV and other BSL-2 pathogens of research interest

• Successful execution of a variety of immunological assays (e.g. Elispot, ELISA), parasitological tests (e.g. Kato-Katz), molecular biology methods (e.g. Real time PCR) and other relevant laboratory assays of research interest

• Ensure accuracy and precision of laboratory results and procedures during pre-analytical, analytical and post analytical.

• Ensure SAMRC policies and unit operational protocols are observed, understood and implemented

• Work with statistical and bioinformatics software packages e.g. GraphPad Prism, MedCalc, ClustalW, or R

• Presentation at local and international conferences, workshops, seminars and research related meetings

• Produce and submit research outputs/articles to peer-reviewed international journals for publication 

• Collaborate with other researchers, providing laboratory expertise, and ensuring publications adhere to scientific standards and best practices.

• Provide technical and laboratory research support to scientists and PUDAC’s clients

• Provide technical and scientific training to junior staff and PUDAC-hosted postgraduate students

• Assist in managing all operational aspects of the molecular and immunology laboratories, including procurement and management of laboratory kits, consumables and stock inventory

• Assist PUDAC with servicing of laboratory equipment, SCM/HR/IT/Risk & Asset/Finance related matters and ordering of goods through JDE

Core Requirements:

• Master of Science (MSc genetics or Molecular Biology)

• At least 3-5 years' experience in using nonhuman primates (NHPs) as a research model

• Experience in providing support in molecular biology, genetics and immunology/virology and assist in managing the sufficient operation of laboratories

• Evidence of scientific outputs in form of published articles in peer-reviewed international journals and presentations in scientific conferences

• Exposure in data management, analysis, interpretation and presentation

• Collection and storage of biological samples and quality control

• Bioinformatics tools implementation

• Willing to undergo regular TB testing and required health checks

Advantageous:

• Exposure to laboratory research environment using nonhuman primate models and coordination of projects

• Knowledge/experience in molecular, immunology and virology assay workflows

• Experience working in an animal laboratory environment.

• 3-5 years’ practical experience with basic immunology and molecular biology techniques including PBMCs, protein and RNA isolation, ELISA, cell culture, cheminformatics and PCR

• Demonstrate communication, presentation, reporting and writing skills