Research Assistant (Lab based) - Department of Virology - School of Medicine - Faculty of Health Sciences at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The incumbent will serve as a research assistant in the Biosurveillance and Ecology of Emerging Zoonoses research group of Prof. Markotter in the Centre for Viral Zoonoses, Department of Medical Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences. The project focuses on the Biosurveillance for viral zoonoses around bat-livestock-human interfaces in Southern Africa. The incumbent will work closely with postgraduate researchers and primarily contribute to the high throughput nucleic acid and serology testing of samples and cell culture isolation of viruses to enable real-time outputs and reporting of results according to protocols.

The incumbent will be responsible for:

• Preparing samples in the Biosafety level 3 laboratory for nucleic acid extraction or serological testing;
• Detecting viral nucleic acid using selected RT-PCR, hemi-nested PCR or real-time PCR assays according to standard operating procedures;
• Record keeping and reporting of results according to developed protocols and assist with research reporting;
• Sequencing (confirmatory conventional sanger sequencing) of amplified PCR products;
• Preparing samples for next generation sequencing;
• Basic bioinformatics on generated sequence data (editing, organizing and analyzing DNA sequencing data)
• Performing serological testing using basic techniques (such as ELISA, Rapid Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT), and virus neutralization tests) and/or specific technology platforms (Luminex);
• Maintaining cell lines in culture and assist in isolation of selected viral species;
• Assisting with field visits to collect biological samples from small mammals on an ad hoc basis;
• Assisting with preparing and packing for fieldtrips;
• Assisting with the administration of general laboratory and field SOPs (formatting, updating, editing);
• Stock monitoring of reagents and consumables, aliquoting reagents as necessary;
• Ad hoc receiving, sorting, storing and retrieval of samples
• Assisting in the coordination of laboratory matters as necessary and financial administration.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• BSc Honours in Virology or a related field;
• At least 2 years’ experience in molecular biology techniques, with respects to virological methods;
• Experience in serology and performing serological assays such as neutralization assays and ELISA;

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• The incumbent must have the following competencies:
• Advanced knowledge of virology including biocontainment and decontamination requirements;
• Extensive knowledge of RT-PCR for molecular testing;
• Advance competency in molecular and virological techniques;
• Advance competency in serology and serological techniques;
• Proficient in cell culture maintenance;
• Advanced competency to work in Biosafety level 2 laboratory;
• Basic competency to work in Biosafety level 3 facilities;
• Basic understanding of biosafety and biosecurity principles;
• Advanced writing, communication and people skills;
• Proven Word and Excel skills;
• Effective means of conflict avoidance and resolution;
• Must be highly organized with attention to detail;
• Assertive, with excellent leadership skills.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• A valid driver’s licence;
• BSL3 training and experience working in a BSL3 laboratory;
• Cell culture experience;
• Field work experience and virological sample collection.