Internal Advert: Senior Technical Officer (Grade 10)

Rhodes University; Makhanda; Presencial; ZAR 367.000 - 499.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Rhodes University invites suitably qualified candidates to join the Division of Pharmaceutics to manage undergraduate laboratories, support postgraduates, and implement SOPs while upholding safety standards. The role emphasizes planning, preparation, and delivery of practicals and strong administrative skills.

The successful candidate will oversee lab operations, maintain equipment, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and provide technical support across teaching and research activities.

Formación

• BSc Degree (NQF 7) or equivalent in a technical field with ~2 years’ relevant experience.
• Experience in managing pharmaceutical/educational laboratories and handling chemicals.
• Experience with safe disposal of pharmaceutical and bio-hazardous waste per OHS Act.
• At least six months supervision experience in a laboratory-related field.
• Knowledge of Pharmaceutics; microbiology and sterile environments would be an advantage.

Responsabilidades

• Plan, prepare, lay out and deliver undergraduate practicals.
• Provide technical support to postgraduate students and researchers.
• Manage undergraduate Pharmaceutics laboratories with emphasis on cleanliness and OH&S.
• Develop and implement SOPs for lab use.

Conocimientos

Pharmaceutical lab experience

Hazardous waste handling

Analytical equipment knowledge

Lab maintenance

Record keeping

Supervision experience

Pharmaceutics knowledge

Microbiology/sterile environment (adv)

Educación

BSc Degree (NQF 7) or equivalent in a technical field

Descripción del empleo

The Faculty of Pharmacy

The Division of Pharmaceutics in the Faculty of Pharmacy invite suitably qualified candidates to join their team.

Main Objectives

Responsible for ensuring the outcomes of the academic programme are achieved by making sure that all undergraduate practicals are planned, prepared, laid out and delivered to the required standard. Furthermore, the role requires providing technical support to postgraduate students and researchers in Pharmaceutics and other divisions, where appropriate. To be responsible for and manage the undergraduate Pharmaceutics laboratories and ensure standards are adhered to, particularly with respect to cleanliness, Occupational Health and Safety and developing and implementing the use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)

The Requirements

A BSc Degree (NQF 7) or equivalent in a technical field, plus approximately 2 years’ relevant experience, where such experience includes:

• Previous experience in a related pharmaceutical environment, including but not limited to laboratories within tertiary education, industrial laboratories, school laboratories, etc., where working with chemicals was part of the responsibilities.
• Experience with the correct safety, handling, and disposal of pharmaceutical and bio-hazardous waste as specified in the Occupational Health and Safety Act no. 85 of 1993.
• Experience in using scientific methods and instrumentation related to teaching and research laboratories, and a good working knowledge of different analytical and manufacturing equipment.
• Experience in keeping laboratory infrastructure maintained.
• Experience in record keeping and general administration, as well as financial knowledge (e,g budgets, financial controls and stocktaking).
• At least six months of supervision experience in a laboratory-related field.
• Experience with Pharmaceutics and related subjects
• Experience with Microbiology and sterile environments would be an added advantage.

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read the job profile for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

The following documents are required and must be uploaded under the Additional Documents section of the online application form:

• A strong and succinct motivation letter outlining your interest in the post and your suitability for the position. Your motivation must address each job requirement individually, clearly articulate your relevant experience, and demonstrate how you meet each requirement.
• A comprehensive CV which should include the following:
  • Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
  • Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation and contact information, which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• All relevant certificates.

Please note that no hand-written applications will be considered. Your application must be submitted via our website and online recruitment system. Failure to submit all documentation and respond to all the questions asked appropriately will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application please contact [e-mail].

Selection Process (provisional Date, Subject To Change)

Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date and will be required to participate in the following selection process:

• Short-listing meeting scheduled for the TBC 2026
• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date

Remuneration Per Annum (Grade 10)

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum: R367,497

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R499,206

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as a permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application does not entitle the applicant to an interview. Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates.

Closing Date: 18 November 2026

This advertisement may be closed before the indicated closing date if a high number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, please submit it as soon as possible.

If you are not contacted within 30 days from the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.

Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022 and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These Values Are

Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision-making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.