First Technical Assistant (Herbarium and Teaching) - Department of Plant and Soil Sciences - Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sci at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

UP Professional and Support

FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES (BIODIVERSITY SECTION)

FIRST TECHNICAL ASSISTANT (HERBARIUM AND TEACHING)

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 09

• 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 be responsible for the following:

• Herbarium:
  • Maintaining and updating the electronic herbarium database (BRAHMS), the herbarium slide and digital photo collections, the herbarium library and maps;
  • Handling and processing incoming material, and filing new specimens;
  • Exchanging agreements, loans and donations, and processing of outgoing and incoming specimens;
  • Managing the type and FAA-preserved collections;
  • Managing the loan of herbarium assets, including presses/maps/other equipment;
  • Assisting with plant identifications, handling enquiries and information sessions for students/other herbarium visitors;
  • Pest controlling and assisting with yearly fumigation;
  • Incorporating of taxonomic name changes into the collection and associated\ specimen handling and rearrangement;
  • Assisting with taxonomic and other related research activities in the Biodiversity and Ecology section;
  • Planning field excursions and organise equipment;
  • Collecting and process plant material;
  • Accompanying and assist on fieldwork excursions and sample collection when required.
  • Maintaining herbarium stocks of curation-related items (mounting card, plant presses etc).
• Teaching support:
  • Leading, or assisting with, the preparation, layout and clean-up of undergraduate practicals. Provide support during, and occasionally lead, practicals. Printing and preparation of practical notes and tests;
  • Assisting with preparation for selected undergraduate practicals (chiefly in the form of assisting with the collection and preparation of plant material). Assist with marking of selected practical assignments. These practicals and the associated marking will be led by other departmental technical support staff and academics;
  • Postgraduate modules: Accompanying students on excursions and assist with activities as required;
  • Assisting with practical assignments and use of the herbarium, pressing, drying and identification of plants; assist with course administration, including printing and preparation of course notes, test/examination papers, class lists, mark calculation, handling of student feedback and external examination.
• Research support: Laboratory Management
  • Managing the functioning and maintenance of the Molecular Systematics Laboratory;
  • Undertaking basic molecular systematics lab work for staff (and postgrads where instructed to do so);
  • Managing chemical and glassware stores;
  • Maintaining equipment in the Molecular Systematics Laboratory;
  • Managing the living collections of plants needed for taxonomic research, and liaise with other horticultural staff in this regard.
• Administration:
  • Managing research cost centres associated with herbarium and biodiversity section staff;
  • Archiving – maintaining departmental archive of documents and photos;
  • Health and Safety – representative of Health and Safety committee of faculty, including First Aid representative and handling of fire control/toxic substance handling and removal;
  • Assisting with departmental marketing activities including Open Day and the web site;
  • Assisting with preparation and clean-up for departmental events;
  • Assisting with administration of short courses, public lectures, field outings and other public engagements.

Minimum Requirements

• BSc Honours in Plant Taxonomy / Systematics or related Biological field;
• At least one (1) years’ experience in:
• Laboratories (Biological Sciences) with focus on DNA-based Molecular Systematics and/or PCR;
• Herbarium curation;
• Plant collection and identification.

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

• Plant taxonomy and systematics
• Herbarium curation experience
• Plant identification experience
• Laboratory experience (PCR and molecular systematics)
• Experienced in field work in sometimes arduous conditions
• Competence in MS Office suite of software
• Appropriate language and communication skills
• Good time management and planning skills
• Willingness for outdoor activities, including physically-challenging activities
• Enthusiasm for plants
• Willingness for public engagement
• Be a team leader and a good team player.

Added Advantages And Preferences

• MSc in Plant Taxonomy/Systematics or related plant Biological field;
• Two (2) years’ laboratory experience (Biological Sciences) with focus on DNA-based Molecular Systematics and/or PCR and DNA sequencing;
• BRAHMS databasing;
• Some knowledge of health and safety and first aid.

PLEASE NOTE: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

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.