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Position Title:  Junior Research Fellow: Molecular and Cell Biology (Science)

Requisition ID:  1089
Department:  Faculty of Science
City:  Cape Town

 

JUNIOR RESEARCH FELLOW

(25-month contract)

Biopharming Research Unit (BRU)

Department of Molecular & Cell Biology

Faculty of Science

 

 

The Biopharming Research Unit (BRU) in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology at the University of Cape Town has been awarded a Junior Research Fellowship grant. We invite applications for this fixed-term 25-month contract.

 

The Biopharming Research Unit in the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology is a university-based research unit that is student-centered and develops early-stage “biologics” or protein-based pharmaceuticals, mainly made in plants. The unit's focus is on developing candidate vaccines and diagnostics for animal and human health. We collaborate widely with national and international scientists and are a feeder for industry. The Junior Research Fellow will be able to run their own research projects and is expected to apply for their own grant funding as well.

Requirements:

  • A PhD degree in molecular biology/virology/biochemistry, or a related discipline
  • Three years of experience in protein-related research
  • Experience in animal cell culture and plant expression systems
  • Experience in working with complex proteins such as glycoproteins
  • Experience in a range of purification methods such a filtration, ultracentrifugation, and Chromatography
  • Experience in routine operation and maintenance of chromatography systems
  • Evidence of supervision and mentoring of postgraduate students
  • Experience in recombinant DNA techniques
  • Experience with DNA sequence manipulation software such as CLC Workbench, SnapGene, or Benchling
  • Laboratory management skills

 

Advantages:

  • Experience in transmission electron microscopy
  • Experience in protein crystallography or single-particle cryo-electron microscopy
  • Experience in biochemical assays and immunoassays
  • Experience in assessing immunogenicity in animal models
  • Experience in writing grant applications and reporting to funders
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills

 

 

Responsibilities include:

  • Planning and conducting research
  • Management of projects and contributing to grant applications
  • Sending technical reports to funders
  • Supervision of BRU Scientific Officers
  • Supervision and training of postgraduate students
  • Management of the laboratory, maintenance of equipment, and databases
  • Contribution to the publication of peer-reviewed scientific papers

 

The annual remuneration package, including benefits, is between R 599 810 and R650 000.  This post is funded from research funding.

 

To apply, click the "apply" button to create a candidate profile and to submit your application.

 

Please complete/attach the following to your profile before submitting your application:

  • Curriculum Vitae (CV), please include in your CV techniques that you are familiar with
  • Cover letter that speaks to the requirements of the position
  • Three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number.
  • Highest qualification
  • ID/Passport

 

An application which does not comply with the above requirements will be regarded as incomplete.

 

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo competency and pre-placement-medical assessments.  References may be requested by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

 

Any enquiries around the application process to be addressed to Ms Tracy Moore at tracy.moore@uct.ac.za or 021 650 5405.             

 

Closing date:                 26 May 2025                                   

 

Website:                   https://science.uct.ac.za/department-mcb/biopharming-research-unit

                      

Reference number:       ID1089

 

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.

 

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