DEPARTMENT OF PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES
POST TITLE: LABORATORY HELPER Gr 1- Herbarium Assistant (Biodiversity section)
PEROMNES POST LEVEL: 16

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the above 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:

Herbarium cleaning and monitoring

• Assisting in pest management and fumigation needed;
• Monitoring the recycle bins in the herbarium and the back-door bin;
• Monitoring and recording the usage of plant specimens, labels and herbarium supplies;
• Accurate sorting and filing of herbarium specimens;
• Monitoring and recording the usage of plant presses and material.

Lab Maintenance and management:

• Monitoring and coordinating the process of water disposal;
• Maintaining microtome blades/reagents/consumables;
• Fetching and delivering chemicals and other materials ordered, as required;
• Maintain laboratory microscopes;
• Making up/refilling reagents;
• Supporting other staff in activities relating to undergraduate/postgraduate laboratory management; 
• Monitoring and coordinating the disposal of chemical waste;
• Maintaining storage areas, especially glass store;
• Reporting low stock levels to the line manager

Administrative Support

• Assisting with administration in the Herbarium and Biodiversity Section (e.g. copying documents, articles; general admin);
• Assisting with ring binding documents;
• Assisting with organising Herbarium library and Auditorium reading room; (sorting of magazines; keep books in a systematic order);
• Assisting with logistics during departmental functions, seminars and exhibits;
• Providing messenger duties for the department when required.

Teaching and Research Support

• Assisting staff and postgraduates with plant diversity related activities, including field trips;
• Assisting in the preparation for plant diversity practicals, including preparation/maintenance of microscopes and plant containers.

  MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Grade 10 with English and Biology
• Experience working with plants and in a lab environment

 REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• A passion for plants
• Methodical and organised
• Good communication skills
• Basic mechanical skills

 ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Grade 12 with English and Biology
• Experience in an herbarium.
• Competence in computers (MS Ofiice suite of software)

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

The annual remuneration package will be commensurate with the the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines. UP subscribes to the BESTMED and UMVUZO medical aid schemes and contributes 50% of the applicable monthly premium.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za and follow the link: careers@up

In applying for this post, please attach:

• A comprehensive CV;
• Certified copies of qualifications
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

CLOSING DATE:  04 August 2021

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

ENQUIRIES: Position related Prof. Nigel Barker, Tel: (012) 420 2593 or Ms Rene Fryer, Tel: (012) 420 3770 and application related Ms MA Kana at merilyn.kana@up.ac.za

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 October 2021 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.

All candidates agree to undergo verification of personal credentials.

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