Job Opportunity: Principal Scientist (3 Year Contract – Mycology)
Company: AJ Personnel
Job Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, at NICD (Sandringham) and/or Wits Biohub (Parktown)
Expected Salary: R16,000 – R18,000 per month
Job Date Posted: Sat, 26 Oct 2024
Job Summary:
AJ Personnel is seeking a highly skilled Principal Scientist with a strong background in medical microbiology/mycology to join a prestigious research division committed to improving the outcomes for individuals affected by serious and life-threatening fungal diseases in South Africa and the broader African region. This position is for a 3-year contract, serving as a pivotal role in managing the research laboratory and leading laboratory work programs. The role also involves engagement with key stakeholders, grant writing, and providing strategic direction to the lab team.
About the Division:
Wits Mycology division is driven by the mission to enhance health outcomes through comprehensive research encompassing epidemiological studies, clinical trials, and advancements in laboratory science. Their ambitious scope extends to addressing other significant infectious diseases impacting those with advanced HIV and critically ill patients in hospitals. Esteemed funders, including the NIHR, Gates Foundation, US CDC, Wellcome Trust, and MRC, back the division’s groundbreaking research and surveillance programs. The current laboratory operations are housed at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases in Sandringham, with a new BSL2 mycology/microbiology facility set to open at the Wits Biohub in Parktown by 2025 and plans for a future BSL3 facility.
Main Purpose of the Job:
- Oversee and support technical and scientific laboratory functions while managing a comprehensive portfolio of laboratory programs and initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Lab Coordination and Management:
-
Facilitate comprehensive program oversight to ensure integrated and efficient lab operations. This includes managing staff contracts, work plans, and training.
-
Support lab staff in strategizing, troubleshooting, planning, and executing program activities effectively.
- Align laboratory strategies with long-term operational objectives for achieving excellence in research outcomes.
2. Financial, Supply Chain, and Contract Management:
-
Ensure proficient implementation of approved budgets for lab programs and projects, adhering to applicable policies and procedures.
-
Oversee the execution of lab budgets in alignment with organizational goals and financial protocols.
-
Facilitate effective contract management and compile regular management reports.
- Collaborate with operations staff to ensure robust IT infrastructure and systems are operational to enhance productivity.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Grant Writing:
-
Identify potential funding opportunities supporting the vision and mission of Mycology, spearheading proposal development initiatives.
-
Provide expert technical and writing assistance on grant proposals.
- Foster productive working relationships with national and global partners, including donors, governmental bodies, and other relevant stakeholders.
4. Staff Management:
-
Support lab staff and scientists in balancing research priorities and managing workloads efficiently.
-
Offer guidance, shaping lab research agendas and facilitating participation in prominent conferences.
-
Oversee all laboratory staffing needs, including induction, probation, and disciplinary measures.
-
Ensure the performance management system is regularly executed and followed through.
-
Encourage and support staff development through identifying external opportunities for professional growth.
-
Ensure the lab team receives necessary training for alignment with organizational goals.
- Monitor, evaluate, and manage the lab team’s performance, upholding the HR policies and procedures.
5. Bioinformatics Workflows:
-
Conduct bioinformatics workflows and scripts for next-generation sequencing data analysis.
-
Contribute to assembling whole genome sequences through established workflows.
- Train staff, students, and collaborators, enhancing their bioinformatics skill sets.
Minimum Education and Training Requirements:
-
PhD in Medical Microbiology with approximately 5 years of experience in microbiology and molecular laboratory management.
-
Preferably HPCSA registered, competent in authorizing and signing diagnostic samples.
-
Experience with next-generation sequencing, particularly on Illumina or comparable platforms, is advantageous.
-
2-3 years of experience handling diagnostic samples in an accredited laboratory environment.
- Foundational knowledge in bioinformatics.
Minimum Work Experience Requirements:
-
At least 5 years of demonstrated experience in microbiology and molecular laboratory management.
- Held positions as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) in leading lab projects on research grants.
Additional Education, Experience, and Personal Abilities Desired:
-
Competency in data management and experience in clinical or research microbiology labs.
-
Proficiency in nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and training and supervision of lab staff.
-
Experience in assay development, validation, and whole-genome sequencing analysis using bioinformatics tools is highly desirable.
-
Strong adherence to good laboratory practices, quality assurance, and laboratory accreditation standards.
-
Completion of Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) courses is advantageous.
-
Exposure to clinical trials with an understanding of LDMS and LIMS systems.
-
Meticulous grant and academic writing skills with project management experience preferred.
-
Financial acumen and budgeting insight.
-
Resilient under pressure, self-driven, with a customer-oriented approach.
-
Exceptional proficiency in MS Office applications with sound interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong team player committed to innovation and detail-oriented task completion.
Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and experience requirements are encouraged to submit an updated comprehensive CV. AJ Personnel facilitates advertising on behalf of the Wits Health Consortium, and only pre-selected applicants will be contacted.
Tips on What To Include In CV
When crafting a curriculum vitae (CV) for the Principal Scientist position in Mycology at Wits, tailor your document to emphasize relevant expertise and experiences as outlined in the job description. Begin with a professional summary that highlights your PhD in Medical Microbiology and over five years of experience in microbiology and molecular laboratory management. List your key technical skills, including proficiency with next-generation sequencing (NGS), particularly Illumina platforms, and foundational bioinformatics knowledge.
Detail your laboratory management experience, emphasizing your capability to manage lab operations, oversee budgets, and facilitate staff training and development. Mention your hands-on experience with diagnostic samples, nucleic acid extraction, and PCR techniques. Underline your ability to lead projects, identifying any past roles as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator in relevant studies. Highlight your grant writing skills, particularly any successful funding applications aligned with infectious diseases or microbiology.
Add a section for notable achievements, such as publications, presentations at conferences, or contributions to notable research studies. Showcase your interpersonal skills, detailing experience in stakeholder engagement and team leadership. Additionally, mention any completed courses like Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP), which would be advantageous for this role. It’s crucial to demonstrate your organizational skills, ability to work under pressure, and proficiency with MS Office. Conclude by ensuring your CV aligns with the employer’s focus on improving outcomes for populations affected by fungal diseases and other advanced infectious diseases.