Jobs
University of Pretoria Recruitment 2023/2024
Applications are invited from interested and suitably qualified candidates for the University of Pretoria Recruitment 2023/2024.
The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of Africa’s top universities and the largest contact university in South Africa. We produce socially impactful research to find solutions for the world’s most pressing issues. We have a high quality of teaching and learning in the classroom, online, or in communities. We have support in place for our students to graduate on time as well-rounded, responsible citizens fully prepared for the world beyond university.
We are recruiting to fill the following position below:
Page Contents
Job Title: Research Assistant – Department of Virology
INTRODUCTION
FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES
CENTRE FOR VIRAL ZOONOSES
DEPARTMENT OF VIROLOGY
RESEARCH ASSISTANT (3-YEAR CONTRACT) (X3 POSITIONS)
FIELD-BASED
POST LEVEL 11
RESPONSIBILITIES
The incumbent will be responsible for:
- Preparing for fieldwork;
- Generating and verifying inventories
- , stock taking, and restocking of fieldwork consumables;
- Ensuring that all equipment is clean and in working condition;
- Coordinate packing and unpacking of field equipment and supplies at campus and in the field;
- Overseeing maintenance, cleaning, and disinfection of all field equipment;
- Assisting with procurement of field equipment and supplies;
- Coordinating accommodation and food for field visits;
- Coordinating the maintenance and use of
- field vehicles and trailers according to UP policies;
- Overseeing field store rooms and keeping inventories up to date;
- Fieldwork-related activities to collect data and samples from animals;
- Being present at all fieldwork activities;
- Ensuring and reviewing data sheets to ensure that it is correctly completed;
- Completing all environmental, site data and climate data;
- Collecting environmental samples from bat roosts;
- Collecting all climate data;
- Collecting movement and tracking data;
- Coordinating disinfection of biohazardous equipment and supplies;
- Coordinating waste management linked to fieldwork;
- Coordinating return of samples to biobanks after collection;
- Coordinating and assisting with the entering of all field data into the database;
- Collecting biological samples from small mammals;
- Collecting morphometric data from small mammals;
- Assisting in administrative duties specifically;
- Providing training to other staff and students where needed
- Assisting with the administration of fieldwork SOPs (formatting, updating, editing)
- Assisting with the analysis of environmental and ecological data where needed
- Assisting with research reports and grant writing where needed
- Assisting with the preparation of permits and other regulatory permissions
CLOSING DATE: 11 May 2023
No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- BSc Honours degree in Zoology or Ecology or a related field;
- At least two years experience in working with mammals, trapping and handling methods, fieldwork, and coordination of fieldwork;
- Excel and other statistical analyses experience;
- A valid driver’s license.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):
- Advanced understanding of animal biology and ecology;
- Broad knowledge of zoonoses and virology;
- Proficient in biosafety, biosecurity, and health and safety principles;
- Knowledge of virology including biocontainment and decontamination requirements;
- Competent in handling animals and trapping techniques;
- Competent to work in a biosafety environment;
- Competent to work in field conditions;
- Excellent writing, communication, and people skills;
- Computer literacy, skilled in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), email, and Internet;
- Advanced writing, communication, and people skills;
- Must be highly organized with attention to detail;
- Must be able to take instruction and work independently;
- Effective time management and planning;
- Assertive, with excellent leadership skills
ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:
- MSc in Zoology or Ecology or a related field
- Experience in working with bats and rodents and performing virological sampling
SALARY DETAILS
The all-inclusive remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should kindly visit the company website to get more details and submit the application(s).