Business Unit: NICD

Discipline: Centre For Emerging Zoonotic and Parasitic Diseases

 

To contribute to the management of surveillance (including vector-based), conducting and communicating research and developing and providing training for vector-borne viral diseases.

 

Contribute to the management of surveillance vector-borne disease and overseeing daily operations of entomology laboratories and insectaries, recommending specialized test / procedure to be used, interpretation, authorization and communication of the results.

Uses expertise and specialized knowledge to advise stakeholders on appropriate surveillance approaches for vector-borne diseases (including testing and interpretation of results).

Apply expertise / knowledge in variety of laboratory tests including molecular detection techniques and sequencing, different serological platforms and virological testing including culturing of vector-borne viruses in different systems.

Contribute to the management of the quality system including the implementation of appropriate quality assurance procedures, audit the quality control (QC) results, preventative and corrective actions.

Contribute to the facilities management of entomology laboratories and insectaries.

Perform independent and collaborative research producing complex and scientific reports and responsible for overall management of multiple research projects, interpretation, techniques, and procedures.

Develop and implement proposals/ protocols/ new technologies/ new approaches.

Publish peer-reviewed articles and participate in scientific forums such as conferences.

Involved in development of research grant funding applications and the management of such grants.

Training and formal supervision of staff and students at all levels.

 

MSc or equivalent (PhD preferred) in field of entomology (preferred)

Registration with HPCSA (virology) recommended but not required

5 years’ experience as scientist with at least 1 year laboratory management (or team lead) experience

Knowledge of arboviral disease and entomology required

Demonstrated track record of scientific writing and scientific communication at conferences

Successfully supervise /co-supervise BSc Hons, MSc or PhD (successful graduation of at least 3 postgraduates and at least 2 currently under supervision/co supervision)

Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) recommended

Good interpersonal skills recommended

Analytical thinking with attention to detail is recommended

Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team and independently recommended

Problem solving skills recommended

Ability to work under pressure and deal with high work volumes while keeping abreast with academic literature recommended

Willingness to travel and do field-based entomological work