Research Laboratory Technician

The application closing date: 26 Oct 2026 Description: The Africa Health Research Institute seeks a highly skilled, and motivated Research Laboratory Technician to join our research team in Durban Campus. This is a fixed one-year contract, new position, directly reporting to a Principal Investigator (PI), Dr Ndivhuho Makhado, renewable for 2 years, depending upon the requirements of the role and satisfactory performance.

AHRI Research Laboratory Technician’s main purpose and responsibility of this position is to perform established mycobacteriological, molecular biology, and microbiological, and clinical sample processing assays for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (Mtbc) and Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in a biosafety level III (BSL3) facility, in collaboration with multiple international collaborators.

The incumbent will also have experience in performing, phenotypic and genotypic drug susceptibility testing, line probe assays, preparing libraries whole genome sequencing, extracting and profiling nontuberculous mycobacteria metabolites and analysing their bioenergetics. He/She must have a good knowledge and understanding of antimicrobial resistance understanding of genomic surveillance.

He/She must be competent in troubleshooting, problem solving, data management, computer literacy and report writing. The incumbent will present at national and/or international conferences/research days/forums He/She will provide research and technical support for laboratory procedures, data curation and communication, project administration and operations.

He/She may be required to perform other related duties and tasks as authorised by the PI from time to time.

Minimum Qualifications

BSc Honour’s/Master’s Degree in one of the following disciplines (or related) in Medical Microbiology/Biomedical Sciences/Molecular Biology. Registered with the HPCSA as a Medical Technician Minimum Experience Minimum 2 years’ extensive laboratory experience in mycobacteriology, microbiological and molecular biological techniques2.

Minimum 2 years’ experience working with Mtbc and NTM in a BSL2/3 Laboratory3. Minimum 2 years’ experience in handling, processing clinical specimens for testing mycobacterial strains, staining, performing culture, phenotypic & genotypic drug susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing of mycobacterial strains in a BSL2/3 facility, as well as maintenance, and storage of mycobacterial strains as a medical research technician.

Have strong organisational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects and prioritise workloads. 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.