POST 27/271 : SCIENTIST PRODUCTION GRADE A (FORENSIC TOXICOLOGY) (X3
SALARY : R791 604 per annum
CENTRE : Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Observatory Forensic Pathology Institute
REQUIREMENTS : Minimum educational qualification: Science Degree (Bsc) (Hon) or relevant
qualification that allows registration as a Professional Natural Scientist.
Registration with a professional council: Registration with the SACNASP as a
Professional Natural Scientist. Experience: 3 years post qualification natural
scientific experience. Inherent requirement of the job: Ability to operate
specialised analytical instrumentation and perform laboratory-based analytical
work. Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy, confidentiality and attention
to detail under operational pressures and deadlines. Willingness to participate
in after-hours or court-related duties where required. Competencies
(knowledge/skills): Forensic Toxicology principles and medico-legal death
investigation processes. Analytical chemistry and toxicological analysis
techniques, including chromatography and mass spectrometry. Operation and
troubleshooting of analytical instrumentation (e.g. LC-MS/MS) and laboratory
equipment. Biological specimen handlings, chain-of custody and laboratory
safety procedures. Quality Management Systems and ISO/IEC 17025
accreditation requirements. Quality management and quality control principles,
including the interpretation and monitoring of internal quality control data,
statistical quality assurance tools and Levy-Jennings charts. Applicable
legislation, ethical principles and regulatory requirements relevant to forensic
science and medico-legal investigations. Research methodology, scientific
writing and data analysis principles. Microsoft Office, Laboratory Information
Systems, computer-based scientific applications and statistical programs, (e.g.
SPSS, R). Programme and project management, staff development and
operational laboratory processes. -Work with medico-legal and potentially
hazardous biological specimens within a forensic environment. Analytical and
problem-solving skills. -Scientific and technical preparation skills. Scientific
method development, validation an data interpretation principles. Data analysis
and interpretation. Technical report writing and scientific communication.
Planning, organisational, and time management. Interpersonal, teamwork and
communication. Training, mentoring and supervision. Attention to detail and
record-keeping. Ability to work independently and under pressure within a
medico-legal environment. Ability to communicate clearly and discreetly in
person and in writing. Appropriate experience working in an analytical or
forensic toxicology environment. Appropriate experience working within and
ISO/IEC 17025 Environment. Appropriate experience operation LC-MS/MS
instrumentation.
DUTIES : Effective and efficient scientific analysis and Medico-legal service delivery.
Efficient method development, validation and laboratory improvement.
Effective and efficient research, innovation and knowledge generation.
Effective Human Capital development and Scientific leadership. Effective
Quality Management System (QMA), Compliance and Operational support.
ENQUIRIES : Ms B Davies Tel No: (021) 406-6026/6412 or email:
Bronwen.Davies@uct.ac.za
NOTE : No payment of any kind is required when applying for this post. Shortlisted
candidates will be subjected to a practical test. Candidates will be subjected to
a security clearance prior to appointment. Candidates who are not in
possession of the stipulated requirements may also apply. Such candidates will
only be considered for appointment on condition that proof of qualification for
registration to register with the relevant council and proof of payment of the
prescribed registration fees to the relevant council are submitted on or before
the day of the interview. This concession is only applicable to candidates who
apply for the first time for registration in a specific category with the relevant
council (individuals who must apply for change in registration status).