Background:
Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Limited ("WHC") is a wholly-owned Company of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa) under its Faculty of Health Sciences
WHC provides Faculty with a legal framework within which to operate the research and other activities necessary to support its academic objectives
In addition, WHC offers a range of products and services to Academics
To ensure the technical integrity and quality of ocular tissue from retrieval to transplantation, including tissue processing, preservation, and laboratory quality management
Lead research and development activities to improve tissue yield, quality, clinical outcomes, and service expansion initiatives
Parktown, Johannesburg
Conduct slit-lamp and specular microscopy evaluation of all tissue
Prepare pre-cut lamellar grafts (DSAEK, DMEK, DMAK, CAIRS) once trained and signed off as competent, including staining, marking and post-preparation assessment
Prepare scleral tissue, keratolimbal allograft and amniotic membrane in accordance with the applicable SOP's
Complete the Tissue Report Form and Donor documentation file accurately for every tissue distributed
Respond to rostered recovery calls, including after hours and at weekends
Perform physical and ocular assessment of the Donor to exclude high-risk features
Draw post-mortem blood specimens for serology and nucleic acid testing
Perform in-situ corneoscleral excision or enucleation using aseptic technique
Represent the Tissue Bank professionally at hospitals, mortuaries and funeral homes
Develop and lead a research portfolio agreed annually with the Medical Director
Design studies, prepare and submit protocols to the Human Research Ethics Committee, and maintain ethics approvals
Build and maintain research datasets, with attention to data integrity and POPIA compliance
Perform statistical analysis and interpret findings honestly, including negative results
Prepare manuscripts, abstracts and conference presentations
Conduct validation studies supporting new processes and products, including lamellar graft preparation, glycerol-preserved corneas and extended preservation intervals
Contribute to grant and funding applications
Maintain awareness of the current international literature and bring relevant findings to the attention of the Medical Director
Maintain the laboratory in a state of continuous inspection-readiness against EBAA, EEBA and EDQM standards, the National Health Act 61 of 2003 and Government Notice R181
Manage equipment calibration, service and cleaning schedules and maintain the associated records
Manage consumables, media and reagent stock, including lot number traceability and expiry control
Report all deviations, equipment failures and adverse events to the Medical Director within the timeframes set out in the operating manual
Dispose of sharps, tissue and biohazardous waste in accordance with the waste management protocol
Support internal audit and participate in corrective and preventative action
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Medical Laboratory Science
HPCSA
Minimum of 2 years’ post-qualification experience in a laboratory or tissue-handling environment involving aseptic technique
Demonstrated research output at honours level or above, evidenced by a completed research project, dissertation or publication
Computer literacy, including data capture and basic statistical software
Experience working under a stereo dissecting microscope or operating microscope
Experience in an assisted reproduction laboratory, histopathology laboratory or another tissue bank
Familiarity with quality management systems (SANS 15189, ISO 9001) or regulated tissue banking standards
Peer-reviewed publication as first or contributing author
Working knowledge of REDCap or an equivalent research data platform
Prior exposure to cryopreservation, cell culture or media preparation
Valid Code B driver’s license
Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV and a cover letter (maximum one page) that clearly states which vacancy you are applying for
Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate, and to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions
This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL
However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market
Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position
Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates
Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful
Closing date: 13 November 2026
Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date
WHC, in accordance with its Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto
AJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium
AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position
Desired Skills:
Scientific Officer
HPCSA
Research
Quality Assurance
Health Science Degree
Medical Laboratory Science
Immediately