SAMRC Research Laboratory Animal Technologist or Veterinary Technologist/Nurse 2017
Research Laboratory Animal Technologist or Veterinary Technologist/Nurse (Entry Level)
SAMRC Office of Malaria Research
Durban Office
Three year contract
The SAMRC Office of Malaria Research (MOMR) was created with the mandate of supporting malaria elimination by 2020 as set out by the SA Department of Health. The MOMR aims to facilitate the production and dissemination of new scientific findings and knowledge on malaria. The Office contributes to a body of evidence to enhance understanding on the prevention, control and eradication of malaria.
The MOMR seeks the services of a qualified Laboratory Animal Technologist, a Veterinary Technologist or Veterinary Nurse to provide daily care to a small colony of guinea pigs, along with technical and other support activities for the efficient operations of the mosquito insectary. Individuals are encouraged to apply as this position offers excellent career development opportunities.
Job specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Daily maintenance and care of insectary and guinea pigs
- Ensure that enough mosquitoes are available for project monitoring activities
- Ensure guinea pigs are readily available and healthy for mosquito feeding
- Elimination of all other insects from insectary other than larval and adult mosquitoes in the cage
- Breed and colonize wild-caught mosquitoes, dress, care and maintain cages
- Performing routine husbandry tasks and the daily monitoring of the health and welfare of research animals while maintaining a high standard of animal care
- Provide research support to scientists and students
- Adhering to research protocols, timelines, and compliance to standard operating procedures, company policies and relevant legislation
- Quality control and disease prevention
- Recording and maintaining accurate data pertaining to breeding, colony management and research operations
- Evaluate assets, schedule repairs and services
- Procure resources and consumables
- Inventory and record keeping
- Restrict unauthorised entry of visitors/ personnel to the insectary and animal rooms
- Perform additional functions as per operational requirements at the time.
Competencies and characteristics required
- Experience in laboratory animal/insectary care will be an advantage.
- Good knowledge of animal physiology, anatomy and basic veterinary procedures.
- Have good practical ability to handling and restraining, with a caring attitude and genuine interest in working with animals.
- To demonstrate the ability to follow established methodologies and techniques.
- Meticulous record keeping, attention to detail, good coordination and organisational skills.
- Excellent communication skills; written, oral and interpersonal.
- Required to participate in working weekends and to work after hours.
- Computer literate.
Qualifications
- Diploma or equivalent in Laboratory Animal Technology, Veterinary Nursing or Veterinary Technology.
- SA Veterinary Council registration.
- Possession of a valid Code B driver’s licence is essential.
The appointment will be subject to a 6 months’ probation period and the successful candidate will be provided with relevant on-the-job training.
A cost-to-company remuneration package in the region of R 201 000 per annum will be negotiated in accordance with qualifications and experience.
In accordance with the SAMRC’s Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates from the designated groups. For this reason we require Race, Gender and Disability status to be specified. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply.
PLEASE QUOTE THE REFERENCE NUMBER (R76A) IN ALL COMMUNICATIONS.
The SAMRC retains the right not to make an appointment.
Closing date: 30 June 2017
Should no feedback be received within 30 days of the closing date,
kindly consider your application as unsuccessful.