Senior Scientist in Malaria Biology

Job Details

• Expires 29 August 0 days left to apply

• Reference number: E210294
• Province: Western Cape
• Type of engagement: Permanent appointment
• Posted: August 17th
• Remuneration package: The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R417 562 and R491 249.

Background to Position

The Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D) is an interdisciplinary, soft- ndj funded research unit at the University of Cape Town. H3D is seeking to appoint a Senior Research Scientist in the malaria biology and screening operation on a 3-year contract, starting on 1 October 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter. This position will be predominantly laboratory-based with the main purpose of providing scientific, technical and organizational support in the malaria biology operation, as part of an interdisciplinary translational research team to facilitate optimization of drug-like properties on drug discovery projects. 

Job Description

Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following:

• Maintenance of stock cultures of malaria parasites and mammalian cells

• Running and troubleshooting biological assays

• Triaging and prioritising samples and workflow for routine screening team

• Assisting with non-routine requests and independently implementing assays from literature

• Operational support such as laboratory logistics and supply chain engagement

• Participate and present work in project meetings and assist with research reports

• Limited after-hours work will be required on a roster basis to maintain culture viability

• Maintenance and troubleshooting of necessary equipment and automated systems

Inherent Criteria

Requirements:

• BSc (Honours) in a relevant biology discipline or minimum 5 years’ related work experience

• 3 years’ experience in executing cell-based assays in vitro

Advantages:

• Experience in a drug discovery team either in a university setting or at a pharmaceutical/biotech company

• Proficiency in modern cell culture and assay techniques

• Knowledge of Plasmodium biology and relevant assays

• Knowledge of Laboratory-based management and database/e-notebook software

Application Requirement

For any further information, contact Dr Dale Taylor: dale.taylor@uct.ac.za

To apply, please e-mail the below documents in a single pdf file to Ms Natasha Khan at recruitment06@uct.ac.za

- UCT Application Form (download at http://forms.uct.ac.za/hr201.doc)

- Cover letter stating your suitability for the role

- Curriculum Vitae (CV) Please ensure the title and reference number are indicated in the subject line. An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and may be required to undergo a competency test.

Telephone: 021 650 3469           Website: www.h3d.uct.ac.za

UCT 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. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at www.hr.uct.ac.za/hr/policies/employ_equity UCT reserves the right not to appoint.

About University of Cape Town

“UCT is a community of exceptionally talented students, teachers and researchers – and a wide range of professional, administrative support and service staff – all of whom are committed to help change this world for the better. We encourage one another to work hard, not only to earn degrees or public recognition, but also to be leaders in this increasingly changing world. Our vision is to be an inclusive, research-intensive African university that addresses the challenges of our time with cutting-edge teaching, research and facilities. As a university we are committed to promoting transformation, to working tirelessly to guarantee the sustainability of our institution, and to ensuring excellence in all we do.”