RESEARCH ASSISTANT.2.05 (AD.14.5)

Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS) Wits University; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Johannesburg seeks a Research Assistant for a one-year, fixed term contract. The role involves coordinating training activities for an international program while providing administrative support. Candidates should possess a BSc(Hons) in Human Genetics, relevant experience, and strong administrative skills. This position demands good attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure.

Qualifications

• 1 year work experience as a study coordinator, research assistant or lecturer is advantageous.
• Solid understanding of human and medical genetics concepts and molecular laboratory techniques.
• Self-motivated with ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate training activities linked to the DDD-Africa international training program.
• Manage budget effectively and monitor timeframes for activities.
• Facilitate communications between trainees and the leadership team.

Skills

Project coordination

Attention to detail

Administrative skills

Human genetics concepts

Education

BSc(Hons) in Human Genetics or similar

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Description

Job Title RESEARCH ASSISTANT.2.05 Location Johannesburg,ZA Organization Name School of Pathology Department Description

The Division of Human Genetics is based in the School of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of the Witwatersrand. The Division provides clinical and laboratory services and teaches medical genetics and genomics at under- and post- graduate level. It also has a number of active research projects, including one studying Developmental Disorders in Africa (DDD-Africa).

The Division has a vacancy for a Research Assistant on a one-year, fixed term contract to coordinate training activities linked to the DDD-Africa international training program grant and provide administrative support in successfully implementing the program objectives.

Brief Description

Minimum education

BSc(Hons), Human Genetics or similar

Minimum Work Experience

1 year work experience as a study coordinator, research assistant or lecturer would be advantageous. Experience in project coordination, monitoring and reporting advantageous.

Desirable Personal Abilities

A solid understanding of human and medical genetics concepts and molecular laboratory techniques. Tactful, respectful, and non-judgmental. Thoroughness, with good attention to detail. Good administrative skills together with working knowledge of Microsoft Office 365. Able to prioritize own workload and work towards deadlines. Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Respectful with sound work ethic. Able to multi-task.

Demands of the job

Working overtime or over weekends may be required from time to time Able to work in a pressurized environment. Local travel may be required from time to time (with own reliable transport).

Key Performance Areas

• Program coordination:
• Plans and coordinates the initiation of the new international training program, and the establishment of operating policies and procedures.
• Plans, implements, and maintains financial operations related to the training program.
• Monitor timeframes and scope of activities as circumstances dictate.
• Manages budget effectively. Monitor and evaluate progress and spending and prepare relevant reports.
• Write program specific documents (e.g., annual reports).
• Co-ordinate and serve as point of contact between sites and sponsors (including meetings, e-mails, teleconferences, video conferencing, negotiations with suppliers, etc.).
• Curriculum design and implementation
• Works with the leadership team to conceptualise and design the training program curriculum.
• Compiles training documentation and -guides.
• Assists in obtaining ethical approval from relevant regulatory committees when appropriate.
• Monitor the progress of the curriculum through ongoing liaisons with the leadership team.
• Participates in teaching parts of the curriculum as appropriate.
• Oversees course assessment by managing deadlines, curating marks and monitoring trainees progress.
• Coordinates accreditation of the curriculum for certification through the appropriate University body.
• Trainee relations
• Facilitates communications and coordinates activities between trainees and the leadership team.
• Oversees trainee communications, coordination efforts, incident response and conflict resolution.
• Keeps an updated contact list of trainees, and monitors progress through the program.
• Acts as point of contact for trainees, funders, and leadership team.
• Laboratory coordination
• Coordinates laboratory process associated with DNA processing.
• Coordinates the implementation of material transfer agreements.
• Ordering and monitoring of laboratory stock for training and DNA sequencing.
• Oversees and coordinates DNA shipment from participating countries.
• Liaises with laboratory and bio informaticist to facilitate data transfer.
• Effective self-management and performance ownership
• Takes ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrate effective self management.
• Follows through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintained.
• Maintains a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback.
• Takes ownership for driving own career development by participating in ongoing training and development activities available in the Division.
  
  

Requirements

Detailed Description Job Requirements Additional Details How To Apply

Closing Date: 4 August 2025

To Apply

Please submit a covering letter, a detailed CV with names, addresses, contact numbers and e-mail addresses of 3 referees via Wits i-Recruitment https://irec.wits.ac.za

NB: The University will seek confidential referee reports for all shortlisted candidates. At least one referee must be the candidate’s current or most recent immediate supervisor or line manager.

Please note: No appointment will be made without the receipt and satisfactory consideration of the required referee reports.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates. Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.

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