Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Limited ("WHC") is a wholly-owned Company of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa) under its Faculty of Health Sciences
WHC provides Faculty with a legal framework within which to operate the research and other activities necessary to support its academic objectives
In addition, WHC offers a range of products and services to Academics
Duties & Responsibilities
Division: Wits Mycology Main purpose of the job:
To lead and coordinate the laboratory and scientific components of Wits Mycology research, including the CombAT Candida clinical trial and associated laboratory projects
The incumbent will support the transition, establishment and ongoing management of the Biohub laboratory facility, ensuring appropriate laboratory systems, workflows and governance are implemented
For CombAT Candida, the incumbent will oversee laboratory workflows for Candida surveillance and clinical trial specimens, ensure high quality processing and stoage of samples, and provide strategic scientific input into study design, analysis and dissemination
The role combines hands-on laboratory work with project management, staff supervision, and coordination between laboratory, clinical and research teams
Location:
1 Modderfontein Road, Sandringham, Johannesburg
More Info:
Wits Mycology aims to improve the outcomes of people with varied lived experiences who are affected by life-threatening or disabling fungal diseases through clinical trials, observational studies, social science studies, and laboratory research and innovation
Our research also stretches to other important infectious diseases
We work in South Africa, across the African continent and globally
Key performance areas:
Culture, identification and characterisation of Candida species from clinical and surveillance specimens
Processing, aliquoting and storage of clinical samples including colonisation swabs, blood culture isolates and other specimens
Molecular testing including nucleic acid extraction and PCR assays
Participation in research laboratory analyses related to the CombAT Candida study
Troubleshooting laboratory assays and workflows
Drafting and updating laboratory standard operating procedures
Ensuring accurate and timely data capture
Provide oversight of laboratory activities supporting the CombAT Candida study and other mycology research projects
Support the transition, establishment and operational management of the Biohub laboratory facility, including development of workflows, equipment setup and laboratory governance systems
Coordinate specimen receipt, processing, storage and shipment between clinical sites and the laboratory
Monitor laboratory workflows, inventories and sample tracking systems
Liaise with clinical teams to ensure appropriate sample collection and transfer
Ensure laboratory data is captured accurately and transferred to study databases
Monitoring and maintaining laboratory equipment and infrastructure
Monitoring stock levels of reagents and consumables
Maintaining organised laboratory records and documentation
Supporting budget oversight for laboratory activities
Filing of records of worksheets
Train and mentor laboratory scientists, technologists and students
Provide supervision and oversight of laboratory staff involved in study procedures
Promote teamwork, information sharing and effective laboratory communication
Ensure adherence to laboratory standards including GLP or GCLP principles
Required minimum education and training:
MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Medical Mycology, Molecular Biology or a related field
Professional Body Registration:
HPCSA Registration as a medical scientist
Required minimum work experience:
Minimum 5 years’ experience working in a microbiology or infectious disease research laboratory, preferably including medical mycology or fungal pathogens
Evidence of peer reviewed publications and experience contributing to research projects or clinical studies
Experience coordinating laboratory activities, supervising staff and supporting laboratory operations
Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:
Experience working in a microbiology laboratory, specifically medical mycology and Candida species
Experience supervising or training laboratory staff, technologists or students
Excellent organisational and project management skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to coordinate activities across laboratory and clinical teams
Strong attention to detail and commitment to high quality scientific work
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a multidisciplinary team
Ability to prioritise competing tasks and work under pressure
Demonstrated initiative, professionalism and integrity
TO APPLY:
Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV Plus a Cover letter (One-pager) and a Copy of your HPCSA registration
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: 08 May 2026
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