First Technical Assistant - Department of Anatomy

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF ANATOMY

FIRST TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

PEROMNES POST LEVEL 9

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

Responsibilities:

The incumbent will be responsible for:

• Managing the maintenance and growth of the skeletal collections/repositories (research collection, student collection, archaeological collection, forensic collection);

• Managing researchers within the abovementioned skeletal collections;

• Providing administrative support, and managing marks of undergraduate and postgraduate students;

• Communicating with other administrative staff in the Department of Anatomy with regard to the processing of marks, thereby forming a bridge between lecturing and technical/administrative staff;

• Providing community service including analysing forensic cases and assisting in the organisation of archaeological excavations;

• Creating and managing training opportunities for postgraduate students;

• Developing and running workshops and short courses;

• Disseminating proficiency examinations for staff and students;

• Managing laboratory resources;

• Managing grant/bursary applications for the section of physical anthropology;

• Managing grant budgets for the section of physical anthropology;

• Promoting the development of technical staff members in the section (C2 and C3 staff);

• Assisting in maceration of cadaver and forensic case material;

• Analysing forensic case material and writing up reports for SAPS/Forensic Pathologists;

• Disseminating proficiency examinations in FARC;

• Managing archaeological/rescue excavations within FARC.

Minimum Requirements:

• BSc Honours in Physical Anthropology (SAQA NQF level 8);

• Three years’ laboratory and technical support experience.

Required Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Behavioural Attributes):

• Excellent knowledge of Human Osteology;

• Demonstrate excellent management and organisational skills;

• Must be able or willing to work in a laboratory environment and be cognizant of the ethical handling of human remains in training and research;

• Must be able to work in a team context and be able to work accurately under pressure;

• Computer literate (particularly in database software, e.g. MS Excel and Access);

• Demonstrate appropriate language and communication skills (verbal and written);

• Ability to engage with undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and academic supervision;

• Ability to effectively mentor student volunteers and interns in the collections and with general practical work in the Department.

Added Advantages and Preferences:

• MSc in Anatomy (Physical Anthropology) or related biological/scientific field (SAQA NQF level 9);

• Five years’ experience in a laboratory environment and in technical support;

• Experience in organising and running workshops;

• Experience in managing budgets of research grants;

• Experience in training students in the laboratory;

• Familiarity with the management and curation of skeletal collections;

• Experience in forensic case analysis;

• Experience in an anatomy environment concerning technical and training activities;

• Management skills experience and/or training.

Please note: All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

The total remuneration package for this position ranges from approximately R 375 114 to R 446 781 as determined by UP policy guidelines. (These amounts include the University’s contributions to standard UP benefits, namely provident fund, group life and funeral cover, but exclude contributions to medical aid, as the latter varies per employee.) UP subscribes to the BESTMED medical aid scheme and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online.

In applying for this post, please attach:

• A comprehensive CV;

• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE:  30 January 2018

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Prof MC Bosman, Tel: (012) 319 2233

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 31 March 2018, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.