Research Technician (HIV Pathogenesis Programme : HPP) 1 Year Fixed Term Contract (Re-Advertised)
Listing reference: ukzn_000688
Listing status: Online
Apply by: 23 October 2025
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: Others: Education and Training
Location: Durban
Contract: Fixed Term Contract
Remuneration: Market Related
EE position: Yes
Introduction
The incumbent will undertake general sample processing of HIV positive blood samples; freeze and catalogue cells; prepare reagents; assist the senior researcher and his team with experiments, quality control and data verification; and will carry out general laboratory housekeeping, including temperature monitoring and equipment maintenance.
Job description
• The incumbent should have hands-on experience in general molecular biology techniques, for example: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, cloning, sequencing, sequence analysis, FACS analysis and tissue culture, which includes
culturing, transfection and infection of primary cells and cell lines
• Have experience working in a biomedical research laboratory (exclusive of lab time related to the completion of an Honours research project)
• Be familiar with biomedical research laboratory procedures and safety requirements
• Have Good computer literacy (Microsoft Office)
culturing, transfection and infection of primary cells and cell lines
• Have experience working in a biomedical research laboratory (exclusive of lab time related to the completion of an Honours research project)
• Be familiar with biomedical research laboratory procedures and safety requirements
• Have Good computer literacy (Microsoft Office)
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Assist senior researcher and team with experiments, quality control and data verification
• Undertake general sample processing of HIV positive blood samples
• Freezing and cataloguing of cells, as required
• Preparation of reagents
• Maintenance of equipment
• Temperature monitoring of equipment
• General laboratory housekeeping
• Health and safety checks of laboratory, as required
• Participation in the department’s various academic activities – journal club, lab meetings,
quality improvement meetings and audits, etc.
• Prepared to work after hours, as required
• Assist senior researcher and team with experiments, quality control and data verification
• Undertake general sample processing of HIV positive blood samples
• Freezing and cataloguing of cells, as required
• Preparation of reagents
• Maintenance of equipment
• Temperature monitoring of equipment
• General laboratory housekeeping
• Health and safety checks of laboratory, as required
• Participation in the department’s various academic activities – journal club, lab meetings,
quality improvement meetings and audits, etc.
• Prepared to work after hours, as required
Minimum requirements
• BSc Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant biomedical field
• Hands-on experience in general molecular biology techniques, for example: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, cloning, sequencing, sequence analysis, FACS analysis and tissue culture, which includes culturing, transfection and infection of primary cells and cell lines
• Minimum one-year experience working in a biomedical research laboratory (exclusive of lab time related to the completion of an Honours research project)
• Familiarity with biomedical research laboratory procedures and safety requirements
• Good computer literacy (Microsoft Office).
• Hands-on experience in general molecular biology techniques, for example: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, cloning, sequencing, sequence analysis, FACS analysis and tissue culture, which includes culturing, transfection and infection of primary cells and cell lines
• Minimum one-year experience working in a biomedical research laboratory (exclusive of lab time related to the completion of an Honours research project)
• Familiarity with biomedical research laboratory procedures and safety requirements
• Good computer literacy (Microsoft Office).
Enquiries regarding this post and requests for the job profile may be directed to Mrs Tarryn Tomlinson (HPP’s Grants & Administration Manager), leslie@ukzn.ac.za.
Terms of appointment and Selection Process:
The post will be offered on a one-year, fixed term contract. The terms and conditions governing this appointment will be in compliance with those of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The monthly cost of employment for this position will be R17,000 – R17,500, dependent on the experience of the successful candidate.
The post will be offered on a one-year, fixed term contract. The terms and conditions governing this appointment will be in compliance with those of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. The monthly cost of employment for this position will be R17,000 – R17,500, dependent on the experience of the successful candidate.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Thursday, 23 October 2025. The University, however, reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date in order to facilitate further searches. The selection process will commence in October 2025 and will continue until suitable candidates are appointed or a decision is taken not to fill the posts.
Applicants are required to complete the relevant application form for support staff which is available on the UKZN vacancies webpage, demonstrating specifically how they meet the minimum requirements for the position.
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan.
- Please do not send us copies of your degree and other certificates. We will request certified copies if you are short listed for interview.
- Please read the advertisement carefully. We do not consider applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements.
- The University is committed to Employment Equity.
- The University reserves the right not to fill a vacancy.
- Should you not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, please assume you are unsuccessful
- Please familiarise yourself with the University’s Section 18 Notice regarding the processing of your Personal Information.
