Medical Laboratory Technician (12 Monthsâ Contract - Wits Health Consortium)

AJ Personnel; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a qualified individual for a research position focused on optimizing lipid nanoparticle mRNA formulations at the University of the Witwatersrand Medical School. Candidates should have a BSc or equivalent in Molecular Biology or Biochemistry, along with a year of practical experience in research. Key responsibilities include conducting molecular biology research, ensuring safety with biohazardous materials, and the ability to work with cell cultures. Strong communication skills are essential, and applications are due by January 15, 2026.

Qualifications

• An educational background in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
• One year of practical experience in molecular biology or biochemistry research.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on LNP mRNA formulations from bio-renewable sources.
• Work in a molecular biology/biochemistry lab and use laboratory equipment.
• Ensure familiarity with biohazardous material and aseptic techniques.

Skills

Molecular biology research experience

Biochemistry research experience

Cell culture experience

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to meet reporting deadlines

Education

BSc Honours or Medical Laboratory Technology qualification in Molecular Biology or related field

Job description

Division:

Wits / SAMRC Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit (AGTRU)

Main purpose of the job:

• The candidate will be responsible for carrying out research on optimising lipid nanoparticle (LNP) mRNA formulations that incorporate novel compounds derived from bio-renewable sources. The incumbent will be part of a multidisciplinary team that applies synthetic organic chemistry to develop new mRNA vaccines and therapies

Location:

University of the Witwatersrand Medical School, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg

Key performance areas:

• Experience with working in a molecular biology / biochemistry research laboratory, operating electrical and non-electrical laboratory equipment
• Familiarity with requirements for work with biohazardous material and working aseptically
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and animal husbandry
• Carry out research on optimising lipid nanoparticle (LNP) mRNA formulations that incorporate novel compounds derived from bio-renewable sources
• Ability to meet reporting deadlines

Required minimum education and training:

• BSc Honours, BSc or Medical Laboratory Technology qualification in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or related fields

Required minimum work experience:

• 1 year practical experience with molecular biology and / or biochemistry research

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:

• Experience with cell culture will be valuable
• Written and verbal scientific communication
• Ability to meet reporting deadlines is another requirement
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

TO APPLY:

• Only if you mee t the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV
• 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 : 15 January 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