Research Assistant

The application closing date:
26 Oct 2026
Description:
The Research Assistant will work as part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team in AHRI focusing on tuberculosis research. The incumbent’s main responsibility is to work with clinical samples in the BSL-2 and BSL-3.
Brief overview of duties
Perform laboratory activities related to the project.
Assist senior researcher with experiments, data verification and quality control.
Carry out clinical sample processing when necessary.
Monitor and maintain reagents and stocks of all Mycobacteria strains
Perform general laboratory housekeeping, equipment, and good laboratory practise maintenance
Work overtime, including weekends, when required.
Perform mycobacteriological, microbiological, molecular biology and clinical sample processing assays for Mycobacteria in a BSL3 facility
Fix smears using fluorescent Auramine-O and Ziehl Neelsen stains; and operate fluorescent and light microscopes
Prepare solid and liquid media as well as label plates/ tubes for assays
Conduct basic BSL3 assays including subculturing of Mycobacteria
Conduct drug susceptibility testing for mycobacteria
Perform bioenergetic assays
Examine histopathological human biological samples and characterize mycobacteria
Perform extractions and quantifications of Mycobacterial proteins and nucleic acids, as well as PCR and qPCR, and sequencing
Analyze experimental data to provide recommendations for the next experimental steps
Document and store all experimental designs and results obtained electronically
Compile and provide progress report weekly/monthly to the line manager or PI
Participate in the research update meetings, and institution’s academic activities including journal clubs
and laboratory meetings
Minimum Qualifications
Honours or Masters’ degree in Medical microbiology, Biomedical sciences, Molecular biology, or equivalent in related field
Minimum Experience
Minimum 1 to 2 years’ experience in TB routine diagnostics and laboratory research
Processing and storing of clinical samples e.g. respiratory samples, bloods, tissue, cells, RNA/DNA etc
Good Clinical Laboratory Practice
SL2 and BSL3 TB laboratory experience advantageous
Laboratory experience in laboratory experience in mycobacteriology, microbiological and molecular biological techniques for TB diagnostics, including clinical sample processing (decontamination, fix smear, subculturing, identification, phenotypic and genotypic DST using rapid molecular assays), seahorse assays, genomic extracted products, PCR, qPCR, target and whole genome sequencing and analysis.
High level of computer literacy
Skills Required
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
Accuracy and precision
Must be able to work under pressure
Able to work independent with minimum supervision/no supervision
Willingness to work after hours and on weekends when necessary
Worker Type:
Employee
AHRI is a values-driven organisation. As an employer we are committed to staff engagement and development. Our culture is one of high performance and partnership.
Our values
The successful candidate will be expected to live by AHRI’s values, including collaboration, ubuntu, leadership, innovation, transformation, and excellence.
Employment equity
AHRI is fully compliant with South African labour law and is committed to employment equity. This position is primarily open to South African or other African applicants, with a valid work permit desirable. AHRI reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date to facilitate further searches. Furthermore, AHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.