Senior Medical Scientist (PhD - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract - Wits Health Consortium)

Background: Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Limited ("WHC") is a wholly-owned Company of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa) under its Faculty of Health Sciences WHC provides Faculty with a legal framework within which to operate the research and other activities necessary to support its academic objectives In addition, WHC offers a range of products and services to Academics Division: Wastewater Genomics Main purpose of the job: To develop, optimize and validate sequencing assays for pathogen sequencing from wastewater samples The project focuses on sequencing, and characterizing pathogens such as measles, rubella, hepatitis A, hepatitis E, influenza A, influenza B, MTB, and Mpox from wastewater samples Location: NICD, Sandringham Key performance areas: Develop, optimize, validate, implement, and maintain genomic sequencing assays and sequencing schemes for the wastewater-based surveillance of SARS-CoV-2, measles, MTB, and other vaccine-preventable disease pathogens Develop, implement, and maintain SOPs and quality management systems for genomics sequencing, including quality control and quality assurance methods, performance metrics, and acceptance criteria Lead and/or contribute to manuscript drafting for peer-reviewed publications, research reports, conferences, and grant applications Required minimum education and training: PhD in Molecular Virology, Molecular Biology, Genomics or Related field (awarded within the last five years) Required minimum work experience: Experience in designing primers, sequencing schemes for viruses and other pathogens Experience in developing, optimizing, and validating, and troubleshooting sequencing protocols Experience with genomics data analysis, genome assembly, variant calling, phylogenetics, and genomic surveillance applications Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities: Strong written and verbal communication Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure Able to work independently and manage own time Ability to maintain confidentiality of data, and administration Flexibility and willingness to learn Taking ownership and accountability for tasks & activities and able to demonstrate effective self-management. ensuring that quality and productivity standards of own work are maintained Must be able to maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback Strong interpersonal, conflict resolution, and emotional intelligence skills TO APPLY: Only if you mee t the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV and a cover letter (maximum one page) with two contactable references Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate, and to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful Closing date: 02 September 2026 Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date Please note: WHC, in accordance with its Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto AJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position Desired Skills: Quality Assurance Quality Control Senior Medical scientist Genomics Wastewater PhD Virology