Senior Assistant Officer: Professional Services (post level 12) (1 position) (Contract appointment: 6 months): Department of Genetics (Job ID: 6515)

, as well as the following standard documentation: A detailed Curriculum Vitae. Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation). A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals). Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only). ??????? A PhD degree on NQF Level 10 in Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or a closely related field. A minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience, or equivalent experience as a post-doctoral fellow. Knowledge of medicinal mushrooms, chemical analytics, and cell culturing. Competencies Key Competencies Required: •    Results-Oriented: -    The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success. -    The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations. •    Strategic Thinking: -    The ability to deal with several activities at a time. -    The ability to carefully analyse information and use logic to address issues and problems at work. •    Business Acumen: -    The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations. -    Proficient in using MS Office. •    Leading: -    The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm. -    The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.  •    Building Coalitions: -    The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others. -    The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.    Assumption of duties: As soon as possible Closing date: 14 July 2026 Salary: The annual salary is R257 274.00– R330 903.00, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications. Enquiries: For enquiries, please feel free to contact me at 051 401 9813 or email at [email protected].  Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 7659/2979 for assistance General: The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:  ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.pdf The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA. The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.

Manage and coordinate the scientific activities of the Fungal Frontiers Initiative UFS Research Chair programme involving mushroom cultivation, fungal genetics, genomics, secondary metabolite biosynthesis and cell culturing. Assist in post-graduate student projects. Coordinate project reporting to funding agencies and institutional leadership. Facilitate interaction with industry partners. Assist with managing the Certificate of Analysis technical service. Assist in running the fundraising program of the Fungal Frontiers Initiative UFS Research Chair and support the development of new research initiatives aligned with Chair priorities. Ensure compliance with biosafety, ethical, and regulatory frameworks governing research involving fungal metabolites and controlled compounds. Maintain research databases and project documentation. Contribute to the preparation of high-impact scientific publications, grant proposals, and technical reports. Assist in the development of intellectual property, patents, and technology transfer opportunities. Inherent Job Requirements: ??????? Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or a closely related field. A minimum of one (1) year of relevant work experience.

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