Junior Medical Scientist

Main purpose of the job:We are seeking a highly motivated Research and Development Scientist skilled in Molecular Virology to join the mpox diagnostics network, to advance diagnostics for emerging viral infections in South AfricaThrough funding from the South African Medical Research Council the diagnostics network is designing, developing and evaluating novel solutions to improve access to affordable diagnostics to those who need them mostCulturing isolates of interest and their use in diagnostic assay evaluation is key to the success of this diagnostics networkJoin us in shaping the future of infectious disease diagnostics and contributing to public health innovation in South AfricaLocation:NICD - Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases - JohannesburgAbility to travel to a clinical virology research site in Stellenbosch University for a period of time to participate in collaborative researchKey performance areas: Assist with testing of clinical samples for diagnosis of mpoxAssist with verification and validation of diagnostic assaysWork in a containment laboratory for culturing of viruses including mpoxContribute to the development and optimization of laboratory protocols and relevant biorepositoriesPrepare scientific reports, data analyses, publications, and presentations for internal and external stakeholdersSupervise junior scientists to advance their careersRequired minimum education and training: MSc in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Biomedical Science or a related fieldProfessional Body Registration:HPCSA registration (in Virology) would be an advantageRequired minimum work experience: Minimum of 2 years relevant experienceDesirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities:Proven experience in laboratory techniques for virologyExperience with molecular and serological diagnostics for viral infectionsStrong understanding of analytical and clinical validation processesExperience with cell culture and virus culture recommendedExperience in working in high containment laboratories recommendedExperience working in a regulated laboratory environment and knowledge of good laboratory practices and infection controlExcellent problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and collaborativelyStrong communication skills and scientific writing abilityExperience in presentation at scientific forums and a good publication recordGood understanding of statistical programs such as Stata/SAS/R TO APPLY:Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CVPlease 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 conditionsThis will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNELHowever, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job marketPlease take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective positionWits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidatesCandidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessfulClosing date: 21 November 2025Note: 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 theretoAJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health ConsortiumAJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position