UNIVERSITY OF KWAZULU NATAL (UKZN) VACANCIES

​The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan. 
 
COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES 
LABORATORY ANIMAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANT 
6 MONTHS - FIXED TERM APPOINTMENT 
BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH UNIT (BRU) 
SCHOOL OF LABORATORY MEDICINE & MEDICAL SCIENCES 
WESTVILLE CAMPUS 
REF NO: T/LMMS02/2025 
 
The incumbent will be required to provide technical support in the Biomedical Resources Unit, a laboratory animal facility. The applicant is expected to be trained in working with laboratory animals and animal material, which he/she may have acquired whilst working in a similar unit. A sound knowledge of health, safety and hygiene within a minimal disease animal unit is advantageous. He/she would be working in a unit that operates 365 days a year hence he/she may have after hour duties as part of their normal schedule. It is expected of the candidate to enrol and complete predetermined online animal laboratory courses to enable the candidate to qualify for authorisation at the South African Veterinary Council. 
 
Duties:
➢Laboratory animal housing maintenance (Rats) 
➢Research assistance 
➢Supply animals for research demands 
➢Hygiene management of Rat breeding unit 
➢General assistance in the Unit 
➢Miscellaneous duties that require technical assistance. 
➢Perform weekend and holiday duties as required. 
 
Minimum Requirements: 
➢Senior Certificate 
➢Post-matric qualification (short certificate/diploma/degree) related to Animal work 
➢1year experience in a laboratory animal environment or maintenance of formal animal farming systems Or at least one-year exposure in a veterinary practice environment working as a veterinary assistant and animal caretaker 
 
Essential requirements: 
➢Work related experience 
➢Basic knowledge of the importance of hygiene management, and animal welfare practices. 
➢Basic computer literacy, data capturing and record keeping. 
➢Prepared to be registered or authorised with the South African Veterinary Council to perform Laboratory Animal procedures and/or the ability to be trained for authorisation. 
➢Proof of health clearance concerning any allergies that could jeopardise work performance. 
➢Physically able to perform hard labour. 
➢Willing to embark on a laboratory animal course 
 
This post reports to the Manager. Enquiries regarding this post may be directed to Mrs Ritta Govender on 031-260 7671. 
 
The closing date for receipt of applications is 22 January 2025 
 
Applicants are required to complete the relevant application form which is available on the vacancies website at www.ukzn.ac.za. 
Completed forms may be sent to govenderr1@ukzn.ac.za advert reference Number MUST be clearly stated in the subject line.

​The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to meeting the objectives of Employment Equity to improve representivity within the Institution. Preference will be given to applicants from designated groups in accordance with our Employment Equity Plan. 
 
COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES 
SENIOR LABORATORY ANIMAL TECHNICIAN 
6 MONTHS - FIXED TERM APPOINTMENT 
BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH UNIT (BRU) 
SCHOOL OF LABORATORY MEDICINE & MEDICAL SCIENCES 
WESTVILLE CAMPUS 
REF NO: T/LMMS01/2025 
 
The incumbent will be required to provide sound technical Skills in the Biomedical Resources Unit, a laboratory animal facility. The applicant is expected to be qualified and trained in working with laboratory animals and animal material, which he/she may have acquired whilst working in a similar unit. A sound knowledge of health, safety and hygiene within a minimal disease animal unit is advantageous. He/she would be working in a unit that operates 365 days a year, hence he/she may have after-hour duties as part of their normal schedule. It is expected of the candidate to be able to train students and other researchers in the skills or procedures required for their research projects. Active SAVC registration is mandatory. 
 
Duties:
➢Oversee the efficient operation of the research area, including room allocation for new projects. 
➢Provide technical assistance and support for research activities. 
➢Facilitate training for students on animal handling and ethical practices. 
➢Manage and maintain hygiene standards within the research area. 
➢Offer general support and assistance across the Unit as needed. 
➢Fulfil weekend and holiday duties as part of the role’s requirements. 
 
Minimum Requirements: 
➢Post-matric qualification Diploma/Degree related to animal work (3years) 
➢SAVC Registration (Animal Technician/Technologist/Lab Animal Technologist) 
➢3 years’ experience in a laboratory animal environment or maintenance of formal animal farming systems Or at least one-year exposure in a veterinary practice environment working as a veterinary assistant and animal caretaker 
 
Essential requirements: 
➢Work related experience 
➢Extensive knowledge of the importance of hygiene management, and animal welfare practices.
➢Computer literacy, data capturing and record keeping. 
➢Proof of health clearance concerning any allergies that could jeopardise work performance. 
➢Physically able to perform hard labour. 
➢Willing to embark on a laboratory animal course 
 
This post reports to the Manager. Enquiries regarding this post may be directed to Mrs Ritta Govender on 031-260 7671. 
 
The closing date for receipt of applications is 22 January 2025 
 
Applicants are required to complete the relevant application form which is available on the vacancies website at www.ukzn.ac.za. 
Completed forms may be sent to govenderr1@ukzn.ac.za advert reference Number MUST be clearly stated in the subject line.