Faculty of Health Sciences

School of Biomedical Sciences

National Control Laboratory

Scientific Officer (post level 9)

Job ID: 5700

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll  - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. 

Please ensure that all relevant documentation is attached to your application.

• A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter.
• Copies of qualifications (please provide the SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications).
• A copy of your identity document.
• Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable).
• A copy of your driver’s license (if applicable).
• Confirmation of employment from current employer / last employer if unemployed (only applicable to external applicants).

Duties and responsibilities:

• Perform environmental microbiological monitoring.
• Perform water quality testing for chemical and biological contamination.
• Perform the necessary laboratory testing on biological products, including data capture and verification.
• Perform the necessary QC management associated with microbiological and biological product testing.
• Perform reviews of biological product manufacturing protocols.
• Perform equipment maintenance and calibration checks in allocated laboratories.

Inherent requirements:

• Sc. or B. Tech. degree on NQF Level 7 or a three-year national diploma on NQF Level 6 in Medical Technology in a Biological Science related field.
• Minimum of one (1) year practical experience in Microbiological culture methods.

Recommendations:

• Experience in working in an ISO 17025 accredited, GMP licensed or similarly regulated environment.
• Knowledge of the relevant guidance documents related to the testing, control and regulation of biological medicines and vaccines; these include documents published by the SAHPRA, WHO, EDQM, CHMP and ICH.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis of data.
• Laboratory equipment operation and maintenance and calibration checks.
• Practical experience in one or more of the following technologies:
• Environmental Microbiological Monitoring.
• Endotoxin testing by Chromogenic Kinetic Method.

Required competencies:

• Results-oriented:
  • The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
  • The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic thinking:
  • The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
  • The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work.
• Business Acumen:
  • The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
  • Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
  • The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
  • The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude, and encourage people to work together.
• Building coalitions:
  • The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
  • The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration, and working with close supervision.

Assumption of duties:
As soon as possible.

Closing date:
26 April 2024.

Salary:

The salary is available on request.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9810 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 9848/ 9813/ 9810/ 9814/ 2979 for assistance.

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at:  EEA13_EE Plan UFS 1 March 2022 (003).pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.