UP Professional and Support FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY JOB TITLE: LAB MANAGER (CONTRACT POSITION (4 years; renewed annually) PEROMNES POST LEVEL: 9 In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy. The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development. RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent will serve as a laboratory manager in the Biosurveillance and Ecology of Emerging Zoonoses research group of Prof. Markotter, linked to the South African Research Chair. The research focuses on the Biosurveillance for viral zoonoses around bat-livestock-human interfaces in Southern Africa. The incumbent will work closely with researchers and students, manage all BSL-2 and biobank facilities, and support the management of the BSL-3. It includes adherence to regulatory and health and safety requirements, management of stock and maintenance of equipment, ensuring updated SOPS and procedures and training of students and staff. In addition, the incumbent will test samples and report results, including contributing to high-throughput nucleic acid and serology. The incumbent will also provide support to grant management and reporting. The responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: Managing the operations of all Biosafety Level 2 laboratories and biobanks, including waste management; Supporting the management of the Biosafety Level 3 laboratory; Being the Health and Safety representative and providing training to staff and students in health and safety and regulatory requirements; Coordinating all audits of laboratories and ensuring all registrations and regulatory requirements are always in place; Formulating and continuously updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and laboratory manuals; Stock monitoring of reagents and consumables; Managing the maintenance of equipment and facilities; Financial management and ordering using the PeopleSoft platform; Preparing samples and nucleic acid extraction in the Biosafety Level 3 laboratory; Testing of nucleic acids with the selected assays, including conventional and real-time PCR using assay development and optimisation, sequencing, and basic bioinformatic analyses, where needed; Ensuring a functional BioPlex serological infrastructure and testing of biological samples on the BioPlex platform; Providing staff/students/external researchers with theoretical and practical training about their specific research needs; Assisting with grant management, reporting, and writing. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: MSc in Virology or related field with Virology as a focused area; Minimum of 2 years of experience working in a Biosafety level 3 laboratory, using a Bioplex serological platform, and experience with nucleic acid testing with respect to Virology; Experience in Health and Safety, Quality management, and laboratory audits. REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES): Understand containment and decontamination requirements; Broad knowledge of virology and an understanding of serological techniques for assay development and troubleshooting; Understand Biosafety and biosecurity principles; Understand Health and safety principles; Understand regulatory requirements; Competent in molecular, serological, and virological techniques; Competent to work in a Biosafety Level 2 facility; Competent to work in a Biosafety Level 3 facility; Excellent writing, communication, and people skills; Competent to perform laboratory audits; Advanced writing, communication, and people skills; Must be highly organised with attention to detail; Assertive, with excellent leadership skills. ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES: Completed successful audits of laboratories First aid training Experience working on the PeopleSoft software Valid Driver's licence Proven Computer literacy, skilled in MS Office packages, email, and internet - specifically the Google Workspace (Calendar, Forms, Docs, Sheets, etc.) In applying for this post, please attach: A comprehensive CV; Certified copies of qualifications; Names, e-mail addresses, and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact. CLOSING DATE: 29 May 2026 No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements. Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 August 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful. The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to, candidates from under-represented designated groups. All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information, including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, and current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process. The University of Pretoria reserves the right not to fill the advertised positions.
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