Scientific Officer
Overall Purpose of the Position:
The Scientific Officer will play a pivotal role in encouraging scientific excellence within our institution. As part of our dynamic team, the Scientific Officer will contribute to the conception, oversight, and coordination of various scientific aspects in clinical research. The Scientific Officer’s expertise will support the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) in project planning, management, grant applications, and represent our company at high-level conferences and similar events.
We are seeking a dynamic and inquisitive Scientific Officer to join our team, who, while not necessarily a medical doctor, possesses a keen intellect, natural curiosity, and valuable medical experience that will contribute significantly to our clinical trials.
Key Performance Areas (KPAs) & Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
- Scientific Oversight: Providing scientific and medical guidance throughout clinical trials, advising on adherence to protocols, regulations, and ethical considerations. Liaising with investigators on projects where relevant
- Grant Management: Assisting in grant writing and grant management for funding of scientific initiatives. Arranging and chairing internal scientific meetings to discuss projects
- Trial Design and Planning: Collaborating with researchers, principal investigators, and other stakeholders to develop and refine trial protocols, study design, and methodologies
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring projects meet regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA or SAHPRA guidelines, Good Clinical Practice) in trial design and reporting
- Data Management and Analysis: Assisting in setting up, analysing, and interpreting clinical trial data with accuracy and integrity. Collaborating with statisticians and data management teams
- Dissemination of Results: Planning and writing scientific reports, manuscripts, and publications. Supporting presentations for scientific meetings and conferences. When required, presenting at various courses or conferences
- Safety Monitoring: Guiding clinical teams on adverse event reporting, safety management, and protocol deviations. Providing medical expertise where needed
- Collaboration and Communication: Building professional relationships and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders, including state representatives, study sponsors and partners in scientific projects
- Continuous Improvement: Staying up to date on advancements in clinical research, contributing to the continuous improvement of trial processes and methodologies within the science office
- Clinical Work: Participating in site-based clinical activities when necessary, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the practical aspects of the research
Ideal Requirements
- MBChB, Masters or PhD in healthcare or similar qualification
- Experience and relevant qualification (Good Clinical Practice) in clinical research
- Scientific English fluency, a good understanding of science and research methodology
Key Personal Inherent Characteristics
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific information
- Proactive, takes initiative to identify opportunities, solve challenges, and contribute innovative ideas. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Good organisational and project management abilities, with the capability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines
Details:
Area: Parow, Cape Town
Contract Type: Permanent
Applications Close: 09 June 2023
Please indicate in your application that you are applying for the above-mentioned position.
Send applications to vacancies@task.org.za
Please indicate in your application that you are applying for the above-mentioned position.
If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful.
TASK reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement and not fill the above-mentioned vacancy at any stage during the recruitment process.
Meeting our employment equity goals will be acknowledged during the recruitment process.
By responding to this advert and sending your cv, cover letter and/or any other documentation, you are consenting to TASK processing your personal information as contained in the furnished documents. TASK may process your personal information for recruitment purposes for suitable posts that may arise within the organisation. You agree that you have familiarised yourself with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act and understand your rights and obligations under this Act.
Medical Scientist (Bacterial Biomarker Analyst)
Overall Purpose of the Position:
The Medical Scientist (BBA) has the initial overall responsibility for the implementation, validation, and application of TB biomarkers such as (1) Molecular Bacterial Load Assays (MBLA – q-rt-RT PCR) as a single standing technique/process, preliminarily aiming at offering MBL assays to sponsors of TB clinical trials, such as Unite4TB; and (2) Actively participates and manages upgrading the HAIN Line Probe Assays (LPA – GenoType assays) currently offered by TASK Laboratory and applied by sponsors in active trials, to the FluoroType assays (Bruker). This will involve setting-up the various assays, including automated (nucleic acid) extraction, nucleic acid quantification, data analyses and interpretation, training current staff on new assays and managing at least 1 (dedicated) laboratory staff member.
The Medical Scientist plans, organises and oversees all testing and resulting for studies and projects conducted at the lab. The Medical Scientist serves as the liaison between the Laboratory and Sponsors, Science Office, collaborators, and funding bodies, to warrant that work is conducted according to the need of each individual project, is in line with the laboratory’s capabilities and as guided by the Head of Laboratory. The Medical Scientist will be responsible for managing the transition from GenoType to FluoroType Assays to allow TASK Laboratory to continue to operate.
The Medical Scientist (BBA) will be required to establish MBL assays within reasonable time as a TASK Laboratory Specialist Technique (TLST), which will be managed by the Medical Scientist (BBA) as a unique specialist service. The Medical Scientist (BBA) will be required to identify and pursue funding opportunities for further capacity development to establish and maintain service provision sustainability and will be required to explore commercialisation of this specific service sector.
Key Performance Areas (KPAs) & Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
- Liaising, planning, organising and implementing all bacterial load quantification and related testing according to the trial plan for each individual study conducted at TASK Laboratory and as per the guidance of the Head of Laboratory
- Training and developing staff to ensure they have the required skills to achieve performance objectives
- Overseeing asset management and procurement of goods specifically to MBLAs and other nucleic acid quantification/characterization processes ensure the most effective utilization of resources, overseeing stock levels and their optimization, and reducing costs where applicable
- Generating project specific validation, participant results and management reports as required to monitor work and performance status of MBLA projects and takin corrective action when required
- Ensuring that good quality, timely results, and data is consistently produced
- Providing microbiological expertise, reviewing, and approving laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) relating to MBLAs and related assays
- Assisting in grant writing and acquiring funding and projects for scientific initiatives
- Enabling the laboratory to adhere to business standards, practices, procedures, and protocol requirements specifically for bacterial load quantification
- Ensuring that the quality management system of the lab is applied to all nucleic acid quantification and characterization projects and continuously monitor adherence to this policy. Monitoring trends, identifying significant project risks and address potential problems before they occur
Ideal Requirements
- MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Genetics or Biochemistry or a similar sciences qualification, with three to five years post-graduate work experience depending on qualifications and relevant experience
- Extensive experience in the set-up, optimization, and implementation of qPCR assays essential, with 16S RNA quantification and analyses being most advantageous
- Experience and skills in project management, from conceptualization to final result reporting
- Excellent working knowledge of BSL2/3 laboratories
- Knowledge of good clinical laboratory practice (GCLP) and Good Documentation Practice (GDP) guidelines and regulations
- Advantageous: Experience working in a clinical trial setting
Key Personal Inherent Characteristics
- Excellent planning and organising skills, with the ability to work systematically and sequentially
- Personal effectiveness and the ability to work in a pressurised environment, with strict adherence to timeline
- Must be very adaptable and flexible
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to train, monitor and mentor staff
- Competent in identifying obstacles or problems and implementing an appropriate action plan
- Ability and willingness to adapt working hours in response to the business needs which may change from time to time in response to operational requirements
- Entrepreneurial spirit with a willingness to drive expansion of MBLAs and other nucleic acid quantification/characterization to offer as tests by TASK Laboratory
- Leads by example in line with TASK’s culture
- Must be willing to undergo training in sputum processing
Details:
Area: Parow, Cape Town
Contract Type: fixed term (approximately 5 years linked to funding)
Applications Close: 08 June 2023
Please indicate in your application that you are applying for the above-mentioned position.
Send applications to vacancies@task.org.za
Please submit a SEPARATE Cover Letter and comprehensive CV with your application and indicate in your application that you are applying for the above-mentioned position. Application without a SEPARATE cover letter will not be considered.
If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful.
TASK reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement and not fill the above-mentioned vacancy at any stage during the recruitment process.
Meeting our employment equity goals will be acknowledged during the recruitment process.
By responding to this advert and sending your cv, cover letter and/or any other documentation, you are consenting to TASK processing your personal information as contained in the furnished documents. TASK may process your personal information for recruitment purposes for suitable posts that may arise within the organisation. You agree that you have familiarised yourself with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act and understand your rights and obligations under this Act.
Microbiologist/Medical Scientist (MIC and antimicrobial resistance)
Overall Purpose of the Position:
The Microbiologist/Medical Scientist (MicAR) has the overall responsibility for the operations, functioning and application of TASK MicAR projects for MIC only projects, and/or the MIC testing aspect of other projects.
The Microbiologist/Medical Scientist plans, organises, and oversees all testing and resulting for MIC studies and projects conducted at the lab. The Microbiologist/Medical Scientist serves as the liaison between the Laboratory and Sponsors, Science Office, collaborators, and funding bodies, to warrant that work is conducted according to the need of each individual project, is in line with the laboratory’s capabilities and as guided by the Head of Laboratory. This TASK Laboratory Specialist Technique (TLST) will be managed by the Microbiologist/Medical Scientist as a unique specialist service. The Microbiologist/Medical Scientist will be required to identify and pursue grant applications for capacity development to maintain current service provision sustainability, increase service provision and will be required to explore further commercialisation of this specific service sector.
Key Performance Areas (KPAs) & Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
- Liaising, planning, organising, and implementing all resistance testing according to the trial plan for each individual study conducted at TASK Laboratory and as per the guidance of the Head of Laboratory
- Training and developing staff to ensure they have the required skills to achieve performance objectives
- Overseeing asset management and procurement of goods specifically to MicAR to ensure the most effective utilization of resources, overseeing stock levels and their optimization and reducing costs where applicable
- Generating project specific validation, participant results and management reports as required to monitor work and performance status of MicAR projects and take corrective action when required
- Ensuring that good quality, timely results, and data is consistently produced
- Providing microbiological expertise, reviewing, and approving all laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) relating to drug resistance testing and MICs
- Assisting in grant writing and acquiring funding and projects for scientific initiatives
- Enabling the laboratory to adhere to business standards, practices, procedures, and protocol requirements specifically for MicAR
- Ensuring that the quality management system of the lab is applied to all MicAR projects and continuously monitor adherence to this policy. Monitoring trends, identifying significant project risks and addressing potential problems before they occur
Ideal Requirements
- MSc or PhD in Microbiology or Biochemistry or a similar sciences qualification, with at least three to five years post-graduate work experience depending on qualifications and relevant experience
- Extensive experience in the set-up, optimization, and implementation of 96-well based assays essentials, with 96-well based MIC assays being advantageous
- Experience and skills in project management, from conceptualization to final result reporting
- Excellent working knowledge of BSL2/3 laboratories
- Knowledge of good clinical laboratory practice (GCLP) and Good Documentation Practice (GDP) guidelines and regulations
- Advantageous: Experience working in a clinical trial setting
Key Personal Inherent Characteristics
- Excellent planning and organising skills, with the ability to work systematically and sequentially
- Personal effectiveness and the ability to work in a pressurised environment, with strict adherence to timelines
- Must be very adaptable and flexible
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to train, monitor and mentor staff
- Competent in identifying obstacles or problems and implementing an appropriate action plan
- Ability and willingness to adapt working hours in response to the business needs which may change from time to time in response to operational requirements
- Entrepreneurial spirit with a willingness to drive expansion of MicAR tests offered by TASK Laboratory
- Leads by example in line with TASK’s culture.
- Must be willing to undergo routine training in sputum processing
- Willingness to pursue either a Ph.D. or Industry Post-Doc
Details:
Area: Parow, Cape Town
Contract Type: fixed term (approximately 5 years linked to funding)
Applications Close: 08 June 2023
Please indicate in your application that you are applying for the above-mentioned position.
Send applications to vacancies@task.org.za
Please submit a SEPARATE Cover Letter and comprehensive CV with your application and indicate in your application that you are applying for the above-mentioned position. Application without a SEPARATE cover letter will not be considered.
If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful.
TASK reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement and not fill the above-mentioned vacancy at any stage during the recruitment process.
Meeting our employment equity goals will be acknowledged during the recruitment process.
By responding to this advert and sending your cv, cover letter and/or any other documentation, you are consenting to TASK processing your personal information as contained in the furnished documents. TASK may process your personal information for recruitment purposes for suitable posts that may arise within the organisation. You agree that you have familiarised yourself with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act and understand your rights and obligations under this Act.
Medical Scientist (Cellular Assays and Quality)
Overall Purpose of the Position:
The Medical Scientist (CAQ) plans, organises and oversees all testing and resulting for studies and projects conducted at the lab and serves as the liaison between the Laboratory and Sponsors, Science Office, collaborators, and funding bodies, to warrant that work is conducted according to the need of each individual project, is in line with the laboratory’s capabilities and as guided by the Head of Laboratory. The Medical Scientist will be responsible for managing quality related matters of TASK Laboratory Specialized Techniques (TLST).
The Medical Scientist (CAQ) has the initial overall responsibility for the implementation, validation, and application of (1) PBMC isolation, cryopreservation, storage, and shipping as a standalone technique/process, preliminarily aiming on offering PBMC isolation to sponsors of vaccine trials; and (2) investigate, set-up, validate and apply other cellular-based assays TASK Applied Science can offer vaccine trial sponsors. The Medical Scientist (CAQ) will also assist the Laboratory Quality Manager with overseeing quality related matters of TASK Laboratory Specialized Techniques (TLST).
The Medical Scientist (CAQ) will be required to establish PBMC isolation within reasonable time as a TASK Laboratory Specialist Technique (TLST), which will be managed by the Medical Scientist (CAQ) as a unique specialist service. The Medical Scientist (CAQ) will be required to identify and pursue funding opportunities for further capacity development to establish and maintain service provision sustainability and will be required to explore commercialisation of this specific service sector.
Key Performance Areas (KPAs) & Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
- Liaising, planning, organising and implementing all PBMC isolation and related testing according to the trial plan for each individual study conducted at TASK Laboratory and as per the guidance of the Head of Laboratory
- Training and developing staff to ensure they have the required skills to achieve performance objectives
- Overseeing asset management and procurement of goods specifically to PBMC and cellular assays to ensure the most effective utilization of resources, oversee stock levels and their optimization, and reduce costs where applicable
- Generating project specific validation, participant results and management reports as required to monitor work and performance status of PBMC isolation and other cellular assay-based projects and taking corrective action when required
- Ensuring that good quality, timely results, and data is consistently produced
- Providing cellular biology expertise, reviewing, and approving laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) relating to PBMC isolation and related assays
- Enabling the laboratory to adhere to business standards, practices, procedures, and protocol requirements specifically for cell isolation and/or cellular assays
- Ensuring that the quality management system of the lab is applied to all cellular biology projects and continuously monitor adherence to this policy. Monitoring trends, identifying significant project risks and addressing potential problems before they occur
Ideal Requirements
- MSc or PhD in Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry or Cellular Biology or a similar sciences qualification, with three to five years post-graduate work experience depending on qualifications and relevant experience
- Extensive experience in the set-up, optimization, and implementation of PBMC isolation and other cellular assays essential, with PBMC isolation being most advantageous
- Experience and skills in project management, from conceptualization to final result reporting
- Excellent working knowledge of BSL2/3 laboratories
- Knowledge of good clinical laboratory practice (GCLP) and Good Documentation Practice (GDP) guidelines and regulations
- Advantageous: Experience working in a clinical trial setting
Key Personal Inherent Characteristics
- Excellent planning and organising skills, with the ability to work systematically and sequentially.
- Personal effectiveness and the ability to work in a pressurised environment, with strict adherence to timeline.
- Must be very adaptable and flexible
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to train, monitor and mentor staff
- Competent in identifying obstacles or problems and implementing an appropriate action plan.
- Ability and willingness to adapt working hours in response to the business needs which may change from time to time in response to operational requirements
- Entrepreneurial spirit with a willingness to drive expansion of cellular assays to offer as tests by TASK Laboratory
- Leads by example in line with TASK’s culture.
- Must be willing to undergo training in sputum processing
Details:
Area: Parow, Cape Town
Contract Type: fixed term (approximately 5 years linked to funding)
Applications Close: 08 June 2023
Please indicate in your application that you are applying for the above-mentioned position.
Send applications to vacancies@task.org.za
Please submit a SEPARATE Cover Letter and comprehensive CV with your application and indicate in your application that you are applying for the above-mentioned position. Application without a SEPARATE cover letter will not be considered.
If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful.
TASK reserves the right to withdraw this advertisement and not fill the above-mentioned vacancy at any stage during the recruitment process.
Meeting our employment equity goals will be acknowledged during the recruitment process.
By responding to this advert and sending your cv, cover letter and/or any other documentation, you are consenting to TASK processing your personal information as contained in the furnished documents. TASK may process your personal information for recruitment purposes for suitable posts that may arise within the organisation. You agree that you have familiarised yourself with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act and understand your rights and obligations under this Act.