The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is an esteemed institution committed to promoting diversity and achieving employment equity within its staff complement. As part of this commitment, UKZN seeks to fill the position of Laboratory Animal Assistant in the College of Health Sciences, specifically at the Biomedical Research Unit within the School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences, located at the Westville Campus. This position is offered as a one-year fixed-term appointment.
Laboratory Animal Assistant Position Overview
- Job Title: Laboratory Animal Assistant
- Position Grade: 15
- Duration: 1 Year Fixed-Term Appointment
- Department: Biomedical Research Unit, School of Laboratory Medicine & Medical Sciences
- Location: Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Reference Number: T/LMMS04/2024
- Closing Date for Applications: 11th October 2024
Job Responsibilities
The Laboratory Animal Assistant will be expected to perform the following duties:
- Laboratory Animal Housing Maintenance: Ensure that animal housing is maintained according to prescribed standards of hygiene and safety, promoting animal welfare in line with institutional policies.
- Support for Research Activities: Supply animals for research demands and provide general technical assistance to researchers.
- Hygiene Management: Oversee the cleaning, sanitization, and management of reusable items within the facility to maintain a safe and hygienic working environment.
- General Assistance: Assist in the day-to-day operations of the unit and support laboratory activities.
- Research Support: Act as a research assistant in various capacities, ensuring that all research activities comply with established protocols and ethical standards.
- After-Hours and Weekend Duties: The unit operates 365 days a year, which means that the incumbent may be required to work on weekends, holidays, and after regular hours as part of their normal schedule.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
- Matric Certificate: A high school qualification or equivalent.
- Experience: At least one year of experience in a laboratory animal environment, formal animal farming systems, or exposure to a veterinary practice environment working as a veterinary assistant and animal caretaker.
- Knowledge and Skills:
- Basic knowledge of hygiene management and animal welfare practices.
- Basic computer literacy, data capturing, and record-keeping skills.
- Willingness to undergo training and certification as required.
- Physical capability to perform labour-intensive tasks.
- Special Requirements:
- The candidate must be prepared to be registered or authorized with the South African Veterinary Council to perform laboratory animal procedures or demonstrate the ability to be trained for authorization.
- Proof of health clearance, particularly concerning allergies that may interfere with job performance.
Why Join UKZN?
UKZN is renowned for its robust research culture, and the Biomedical Research Unit plays a pivotal role in supporting groundbreaking research initiatives. By joining this team, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research while developing your technical skills in a state-of-the-art facility. The university also encourages ongoing professional development, providing a supportive environment for further learning and career advancement.
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How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete the relevant application form, which is available on the UKZN Vacancies Website. Once completed, the application form should be emailed to ntulim@ukzn.ac.za. Please ensure that the advert reference number T/LMMS04/2024 is clearly stated in the subject line of your email.
For enquiries regarding this post, please contact Mrs. Ritta Govender at 031-260 7671.
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Additional Information
This position will support UKZN’s Employment Equity Plan, and preference will be given to applicants from designated groups as per the institution’s commitment to improving representativity within its staffing profile.
Take this opportunity to be part of a dynamic research team and contribute to the advancement of health sciences in South Africa. Apply today to join UKZN in driving scientific innovation and supporting research excellence.
