Senior Technician

University of the Witwatersrand-Johannesburg, South Africa

Key responsibilities include the following:

  • Lab support for student practical teaching sessions and to researchers (including cell culture (microbiology), procurement of chemicals, sample preparation/testing, routine maintenance and calibration of cell lab equipment).
  • Ensure the functioning and management of the labs as well as oversee and implement schedules for the service/maintenance/troubleshooting of all equipment within the labs.
  • Monitor and timeously re-order routine lab consumables and ensure chemical stores are managed according to OHS requirements and industry standards.
  • Routinely update all lab SOPs in line with internal protocols and external regulations.
  • Support researchers by preparing experiments and cleaning of specialized lab equipment.
  • Supervision of Technicians and liaising with lab suppliers as required.

Requirements:

  • A minimum of a Professional degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or the Pharmaceutical Sciences.
  • Must have demonstrable competency in the pharmaceutical research cell lab environment using specialized software, chemicals, consumables and equipment.
  • A minimum of 2 years' experience with the use and troubleshooting of highly specialized pharmaceutical instruments and handling of cells and drug compounds.
  • Knowledge on the purchase of cell lines, pharmaceutical raw materials including Quality Control of Finished Pharmaceuticals.
  • Knowledge of instrument and formulation, cell culture and in vitro and ex vivo cell techniques.

Preferences:

  • A MSc degree/ PhD in pharmaceutical sciences or field related to the key responsibilities of the job.
  • A keen interest to develop and supervise students in pharmaceutical cell-based research.