Company: Wits Health Consortium
Location: South Africa
Closing date: 6 August 2026
The Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of the Witwatersrand, has released a vacancy advertisement for a Researcher within the EVITOH division.
This fixed-term contract role is based in Parktown, Johannesburg, focusing on high-impact research across virology, molecular biology, immunology, and pandemic preparedness within a One Health framework.
Main Purpose of the Position
The primary purpose of the Researcher position is to develop and validate molecular and serological assays, handle recombinant protein expression, virus isolation and culture, and perform virus neutralisation assays. Additionally, the role involves characterising humoral and cellular immune responses for pre-clinical vaccine candidates focused on emerging and re-emerging respiratory, vector-borne, and zoonotic viruses.
Key Performance Areas
- Research & Development: Contribute to a broad portfolio of research spanning virology, molecular biology, immunology, diagnostics, and pandemic preparedness within a One Health framework.
- Laboratory Assays: Establish and perform molecular, serological, and virological assays, including RT-PCR, ELISA, multiplex immunoassays, neutralisation assays, virus isolation, and recombinant protein expression.
- Vaccine Research: Participate in pre-clinical and early-phase vaccine research, including studies on humoral and cellular immune responses, while collaborating on multidisciplinary projects.
- One Health Surveillance: Support collaborative surveillance and research programmes across South Africa and Africa to translate findings into public health practice.
- Academic Leadership: Supervise and mentor postgraduate students, contribute to grant writing, generate progress reports, publish scientific papers, and present research findings at national and international conferences.
- Biosafety & Animal Studies: Work within BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory environments, including participation in pre-clinical animal studies under the guidance of the Wits Research Animal Facility.
- Ethics & Regulation: Prepare human and animal ethics applications alongside relevant regulatory documentation.
Minimum Qualifications & Requirements
- Education: PhD in Virology, Immunology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related biomedical discipline, with a strong background in virology.
- Experience: Minimum of 2 years post-PhD experience.
- Professional Body Registration: HPCSA or SAVC registration is desirable.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- Experience in clinical diagnostic research, as well as pre-clinical and phase 1–3 vaccine trials.
- Background in T-cell immunology, pre-clinical vaccine development, and hands-on experience in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories.
- Familiarity with respiratory viruses, arboviruses, zoonotic diseases, and multi-disciplinary collaborative research programmes.
- Proven track record in grant writing, publication history, student supervision, data management, and statistical analysis capabilities.