Laboratory Technician

Introduction

The South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) is a National Research Facility of the NRF. NRF-SAIAB undertakes the study of African aquatic biodiversity and provides research infrastructure to the broader research community in Southern Africa. This includes specialised laboratories, vessels, natural history collections, remote observation platforms, seafloor mapping capabilities, and fish tracking arrays. Although NRF-SAIAB's headquarters are in Makhanda, the institute also has offices in Gauteng, Gqeberha and Durban.

Position: Laboratory Technician Business Unit: South Africa Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) Location: Makhanda/Grahamstown, Eastern Cape

Position Details

Position Summary: The primary focus of this position is to provide technical assistance to the Aquatic Genomics Research Platform for the optimal functioning/running of the laboratory facilities. Assistance to platform users (in the form of one-one assistance as well as participation in training workshops) will form part of the post.

Key Responsibilities: General Laboratory functioning: Monitor laboratory stocks of reagents and consumables. Training: Assisting in the training of students, interns and visiting researchers in the molecular techniques and laboratory procedures. Finance and supply chain management: Assist with market research for required reagents, consumables and equipment. Education: Develop personal skills and qualifications (master new genomics techniques and methodologies). Human resources: Assist in the monitoring of intern-assigned daily and weekly tasks

Requirements

Qualification: MSc or PhD degree in Genetics/Genomics/Microbiology or related field Minimum of 2 year's experience working within the genomics field (specifically within a laboratory and handling DNA/RNA, conducting PCRs, etc). This experience would preferentially come from post-graduate work however, active and extensive experience during the candidates MSc/PhD will be acceptable.

Experience: Research experience in the aquatics genomics field Research experience with genomic experimental methodologies Experience in successful transfer of knowledge to others (e.g. teaching, tutoring) in the field of genomics

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Ability to works as part of team Good interpersonal skills Ability/patience to teach students in general laboratory techniques and protocols they are unfamiliar with Good time management skills Ability to work independently Ability to learn required new skills (i.e. ability to teach oneself new genomics-based techniques) Organised with a well-developed attention to detail Excellent communications skills (verbal and written) Ability to operate general molecular laboratory equipment (centrifuges, vortexes, gel electrophoresis apparatus, gel doc systems, PCR machines, incubators) and troubleshoot issues as they arise Extensive practical experience and thorough knowledge of methodologies associated with DNA extractions, PCR, and sample preparation for subsequent sequence analysis Practical knowledge of Sanger sequencing sample preparation Practical knowledge of Next Generation sequence technologies Knowledge of barcoding

How to Apply

Closing Date: Friday, 30 Oct 2026

The NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities. Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant's suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided. Contact Information

Recruitment Support: peopleandculture@nrf.ac.za