Research Assistant

Africa Health Research Institute NPC; Durban; In loco; ZAR 320.000 - 420.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

Africa Health Research Institute NPC is seeking a Research Assistant to join our TB-focused team. The role involves handling clinical samples in a BSL-2/BSL-3 setting, performing experiments, data verification, and quality control under supervision.

You will contribute to ensure timely progress updates and maintain rigorous laboratory practices. The position requires an honours or masters in a related field, with 1–2 years TB lab experience and strong computer skills.

Competenze

• Honours or Masters in Medical microbiology, Biomedical sciences, Molecular biology, or equivalent in related field.
• 1–2 years TB routine diagnostics and laboratory research experience.
• SL2/BSL3 TB laboratory experience advantageous; strong computer literacy.

Mansioni

• Work as part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team focusing on tuberculosis research.
• Assist senior researcher with experiments, data verification and quality control.
• Process clinical samples in a BSL-2/BSL-3 facility and perform basic assays.
• Maintain reagents, stocks, and general laboratory housekeeping and safety.
• Prepare media, stain slides, subculture mycobacteria, and perform DST assays.
• Document designs and results, and provide progress reports weekly/monthly.
• Participate in research updates, journal clubs, and laboratory meetings.

Formazione

Honours/Masters in Medical microbiology

Descrizione del lavoro

The application closing date: 26 Oct 2026

Description: The Research Assistant will work as part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team in AHRI focusing on tuberculosis research. The incumbent’s main responsibility is to work with clinical samples in the BSL-2 and BSL-3.

Brief overview of duties

Perform laboratory activities related to the project. Assist senior researcher with experiments, data verification and quality control. Carry out clinical sample processing when necessary. Monitor and maintain reagents and stocks of all Mycobacteria strains Perform general laboratory housekeeping, equipment, and good laboratory practise maintenance Work overtime, including weekends, when required. Perform mycobacteriological, microbiological, molecular biology and clinical sample processing assays for Mycobacteria in a BSL3 facility Fix smears using fluorescent Auramine-O and Ziehl Neelsen stains; and operate fluorescent and light microscopes Prepare solid and liquid media as well as label plates/ tubes for assays Conduct basic BSL3 assays including subculturing of Mycobacteria Conduct drug susceptibility testing for mycobacteria Perform bioenergetic assays Examine histopathological human biological samples and characterize mycobacteria Perform extractions and quantifications of Mycobacterial proteins and nucleic acids, as well as PCR and qPCR, and sequencing Analyze experimental data to provide recommendations for the next experimental steps Document and store all experimental designs and results obtained electronically Compile and provide progress report weekly/monthly to the line manager or PI Participate in the research update meetings, and institution’s academic activities including journal clubs and laboratory meetings

Minimum Qualifications

Honours or Masters’ degree in Medical microbiology, Biomedical sciences, Molecular biology, or equivalent in related field

Minimum Experience

Minimum 1 to 2 years’ experience in TB routine diagnostics and laboratory research Processing and storing of clinical samples e.g. respiratory samples, bloods, tissue, cells, RNA/DNA etc Good Clinical Laboratory Practice SL2 and BSL3 TB laboratory experience advantageous Laboratory experience in laboratory experience in mycobacteriology, microbiological and molecular biological techniques for TB diagnostics, including clinical sample processing (decontamination, fix smear, subculturing, identification, phenotypic and genotypic DST using rapid molecular assays), seahorse assays, genomic extracted products, PCR, qPCR, target and whole genome sequencing and analysis. High level of computer literacy

Skills Required

Strong verbal and written communication skills in English Accuracy and precision Must be able to work under pressure Able to work independent with minimum supervision/no supervision Willingness to work after hours and on weekends when necessary

Worker Type

Employee

AHRI is a values-driven organisation

As an employer we are committed to staff engagement and development. Our culture is one of high performance and partnership. Our values The successful candidate will be expected to live by AHRI’s values, including collaboration, ubuntu, leadership, innovation, transformation, and excellence. Employment equity AHRI is fully compliant with South African labour law and is committed to employment equity. This position is primarily open to South African or other African applicants, with a valid work permit desirable. AHRI reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date to facilitate further searches. Furthermore, AHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.

Africa Health Research Institute’s vision

Africa Health Research Institute’s vision is optimal health and well-being of under-resourced populations. Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) is an independent, transdisciplinary scientific research institute based across two campuses in the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in South Africa. AHRI’s research combines population, basic and translational, social, and clinical sciences to understand and intervene in the health and well-being of South African communities. AHRI works in partnership with local communities and South African academic, governmental, and other policy stakeholders and collaborates with over 60 institutions globally. AHRI prioritises the training of the next generation of African scientists. The work lives of AHRI’s ~700 scientists, students and staff members are driven by our values: ubuntu, transformation, leadership, innovation, excellence and collaboration.