Research Laboratory Technician

Africa Health Research Institute; Durban; In loco; ZAR 420.000 - 620.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

The Africa Health Research Institute invites applications for a Research Laboratory Technician to join our Durban campus. This fixed one-year contract, renewable up to two years, reports to the PI, Dr Ndivhuho Makhado, and focuses on Mtbc/NTM work in a BSL-3 setting.

Responsibilities include performing established assays, drug susceptibility testing, preparing libraries for whole genome sequencing, and data reporting for international collaborations. Travel to conferences may be required.

Competenze

• BSc Honours or MSc in Medical Microbiology/Biomedical Sciences. Registered with HPCSA as Medical Technician.
• Minimum 2 years' lab experience in mycobacteriology, microbiology and molecular techniques.
• Experience with Mtbc and NTM in BSL2/3 lab environments is required.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple projects.

Mansioni

• Perform Mtbc/NTM processing assays in a BSL-3 facility.
• Provide research and technical support for laboratory procedures and data curation.
• Conduct drug susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing of mycobacterial strains.
• Prepare libraries and analyze metabolites and bioenergetics.
• Present findings at national and international conferences/research days.

Conoscenze

Mycobacteriology

Molecular biology

Lab techniques

Data management

Report writing

Formazione

BSc Honours / MSc in Medical Microbiology / Biomedical Sciences

Strumenti

Genomic sequencing

Line probe assays

Drug susceptibility testing (phenotypic/genotypic)

Descrizione del lavoro

The application closing date:

26 Oct 2026

Description:

The Africa Health Research Institute seeks a highly skilled, and motivated Research Laboratory Technician to join our research team in Durban Campus. This is a fixed one-year contract, new position, directly reporting to a Principal Investigator (PI), Dr Ndivhuho Makhado, renewable for 2 years, depending upon the requirements of the role and satisfactory performance.

AHRI Research Laboratory Technician’s main purpose and responsibility of this position is to perform established mycobacteriological, molecular biology, and microbiological, and clinical sample processing assays for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (Mtbc) and Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in a biosafety level III (BSL3) facility, in collaboration with multiple international collaborators. The incumbent will also have experience in performing, phenotypic and genotypic drug susceptibility testing, line probe assays, preparing libraries whole genome sequencing, extracting and profiling nontuberculous mycobacteria metabolites and analysing their bioenergetics. He/She must have a good knowledge and understanding of antimicrobial resistance understanding of genomic surveillance. He/She must be competent in troubleshooting, problem solving, data management, computer literacy and report writing. The incumbent will present at national and/or international conferences/research days/forums He/She will provide research and technical support for laboratory procedures, data curation and communication, project administration and operations. He/She may be required to perform other related duties and tasks as authorised by the PI from time to time.

Minimum Qualifications

• BSc Honour's/Master's Degree in one of the following disciplines (or related) in Medical Microbiology/Biomedical Sciences/Molecular Biology. Registered with the HPCSA as a Medical Technician

Minimum Experience

• Minimum 2 years' extensive laboratory experience in mycobacteriology, microbiological and molecular biological techniques2.
• Minimum 2 years' experience working with Mtbc and NTM in a BSL2/3 Laboratory3.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in handling, processing clinical specimens for testing mycobacterial strains, staining, performing culture, phenotypic & genotypic drug susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing of mycobacterial strains in a BSL2/3 facility, as well as maintenance, and storage of mycobacterial strains as a medical research technician.
• Have strong organisational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects and prioritise workloads.

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.