Field Research Assistant - Department of Virology - Faculty of Health Sciences

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 50,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university seeks a Field Research Assistant to join the Centre for Viral Zoonoses. Responsibilities include preparing for and conducting fieldwork, collecting ecological data and samples, and assisting with administrative tasks. Candidates should have a degree in Zoology or Ecology and relevant field experience. This is a fixed-term contract position with opportunities for growth in a prestigious research team.

Qualifications

• Experience in working with mammals and fieldwork coordination.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• SAVC registration needed.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for fieldwork and coordinate activities.
• Collect ecological data and samples from animals.
• Assist with training and administrative duties.

Skills

Animal biology

Zoology

Virology

Data analysis

Communication

Education

BSc/BTech in Zoology or Ecology

Tools

Excel

MS Office

Job description

UP Professional and Support

UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

CENTRE FOR VIRAL ZOONOSES

DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY

FIELD RESEARCH ASSISTANT (FIXED TERM CONTRACT APPOINTMENT)

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 011

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy. The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

Location: Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria, Faculty of Health Sciences, Prinshof South campus

The incumbent will serve as a Field Research Assistant in the Biosurveillance and Ecology of Emerging Zoonoses research group in the Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences. The project focuses on the Biosurveillance for viral zoonoses around bat/rodent-livestock-human interfaces in Southern Africa. The incumbent will work closely with researchers and students and primarily contribute to fieldwork specifically preparation for all fieldwork activities, the collection of ecological data and samples from animals with a focus on bats and rodents. It includes entering of data and analysis of ecological and field data.

Responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for:

Preparing for fieldwork including;

• Generating and verifying inventories , stock taking, and restocking of fieldwork consumables;
• Ensuring that all equipment is clean and in working condition;
• Coordinating packing and unpacking of field equipment and supplies at campus and in the field;
• Overseeing maintenance, cleaning and disinfection of all field equipment;
• Assisting with procurement of field equipment and supplies;
• Coordinating accommodation and food for field visits;
• Coordinating the maintenance and using of field vehicles and trailers according to UP policies;
• Overseeing field store rooms and keeping inventories up to date.
  
  

Fieldwork related activities to collect data and samples from animals

• Being present at all fieldwork activities;
• Ensuring and reviewing data sheets to ensure that it is correctly completed;
• Completing all environmental, site data and climate data;
• Collecting from environmental samples from bat roosts;
• Collecting of all climate data;
• Collecting of movement and tracking data;
• Coordinating disinfection of biohazardous equipment and supplies;
• Coordinating waste management linked to fieldwork;
• Coordinating return of samples to biobanks after collection;
• Coordinating and assisting with the entering of all field data into the database;
• Collecting of biological samples from small mammals;
• Collecting of morphometric data from small mammals.
  
  

Assist in administrative duties specifically;

• Providing training to other staff and students where needed;
• Assisting with the administration of fieldwork SOPs (formatting, updating, editing);
• Assisting with the analysis of environmental and ecological data where needed;
• Assisting with research report and grant writing where needed;
• Assisting with preparation of permits and other regulatory permissions.
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• BSc/BTech in Zoology or Ecology or a related field
• Experience in working with mammals, trapping and handling methods, fieldwork and coordination of fieldwork
• Excel and other statistical analyses experience
• A valid driver’s license
• SAVC registered
  
  

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

The incumbent must have the following competencies:

• Advanced understanding of animal biology and ecology;
• Broad knowledge of zoonoses and virology;
• Proficient in biosafety, biosecurity and health and safety principles;
• Knowledge of virology, including biocontainment and decontamination requirements;
• Competent in handling animals and trapping techniques;
• Competent to work in a biosafety environment;
• Competent to work in field conditions;
• Excellent writing, communication and people skills;
• Computer literacy, skilled in MS office packages (Excel, Word and Powerpoint), email and internet;
• Advanced writing, communication and people skills;
• Must be highly organised with attention to detail;
• Must be able to take instructions and work independently;
• Effective time management and planning;
  
  

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES

• Experience in working with bats and rodents and performing virological sampling.
  
  

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent's level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za , and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In Applying For This Post, Please Attach

• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications;
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact;
  
  

CLOSING DATE: 11 August 2025

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Ms NA Müller, Tel: [phone] or [e-mail] for application related enquiries, and Prof W Markotter, Tel: [phone] or [e-mail] for enquiries relating to the post content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 September 2025 please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups. All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.