University of the Witwatersrand
About the University of the Witwatersrand
Basic information and contact details for the University of the Witwatersrand
Commonly known as “Wits”, the University of the Witwatersrand developed out of the South African School of Mines, set up in Kimberley in 1896. The institution moved to Johannesburg in 1904 and acquired full university status in 1922. From the start, it embraced a philosophy of non-discrimination on the basis of race, which led to intense conflict with the government - including police raids and the detention of both faculty and students - during the apartheid era.
Though located largely in the district of Braamfontein in central Johannesburg, a major expansion programme in the 1960s and 1970s saw the university establishing facilities in other areas of the city such as Hillbrow and Parktown. It also acquired two farms about 40 kilometres to the north-west, Sterkfontein and Swartkrans, which incorporate a celebrated set of limestone caves and have proved a rich source of archaeological remains.
Its location in Johannesburg means that Wits is close to the economic powerhouse of the whole African continent. It was one of the founders of the African Research Universities Alliance and has an active programme of collaborative projects right across Africa and beyond. Highly research-intensive, it has made a major contribution to applied areas such as healthcare and the challenges of deep-level mining but performs strongly in subatomic physics and other fields of fundamental science.
The most famous alumnus of the university is Nelson Mandela, who studied law there and went on to become President of South Africa and the 1993 Nobel laureate for peace. The novelist Nadine Gordimer (Nobel Prize for Literature, 1991) also attended for a year, while Aaron Klug (Nobel Prize for Chemistry, 1982) and Sydney Brenner (Nobel Prize for Medicine, 2002) both took their first degrees at Wits.
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Key Student Statistics
A breakdown of student statistics at the University of the Witwatersrand
- Student gender ratio
- 60 F : 40 M (1)
- International student percentage
- 6% (1)
- Students per staff
- 22.4 (1)
- Student total
- 26928 (1)
Based on data collected for the (1) World University Rankings 2026
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Lab Manager/Research Technician Position in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology
University of Helsinki
Finland, Helsingfors (Helsinki)
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The Najumudeen Lab is seeking a highly motivated Lab Manager / Research Technician to join our collaborative and international research team at the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki. The lab is also affiliated with the Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE). Our research focuses on intestinal stem cells, metabolism, cancer biology, and integrative multi-omics approaches, including spatial omics, transcriptomics, epigenetics, single-cell workflows, and preclinical cancer models. This position is ideal for a person who combines strong hands-on experience in mouse work with excellent organizational skills and enjoys keeping a research laboratory running smoothly. The successful candidate will play a central role in supporting research projects, coordinating daily lab operations, and contributing intellectually to an active research environment. Key responsibilities The successful candidate will: 1. Coordinate day-to-day lab operations, documentation, shared protocols, and general laboratory organization. 2. Support research projects of lab members, with a strong drive to contribute intellectually. Tasks will include mouse genotyping, mouse management, mouse monitoring, and communication with mouse facility staff. The candidate is expected to understand the experimental design and the underlying reasons for performing each experiment. 3. Assist with sample logistics for single-cell and multi-omics workflows. 4. Maintain lab safety documentation, SOPs, equipment records, and onboarding materials for new lab members. 5. Support administrative tasks for the group leader, including research meetings, purchasing, invoice processing, and financial documentation. 6. Actively contribute to research discussions, including lab meetings, journal clubs, and project discussions. Candidate requirements • MSc or PhD, preferably, in a relevant field, such as translational medicine, biomedicine, biochemistry, biotechnology, genetics, molecular biology, or a related discipline. • Extensive experience in experimental mouse work is required. Existing authorisation to work with mice is required; candidates must be eligible and willing to obtain the required authorisation in Finland. Please do not apply if this requirement is not applicable. • Hands-on experience in experimental laboratory work, particularly preclinical mouse models, with a careful working style. • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. • Ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing tasks. • Capability to work both independently and as part of a team. • Fluency in English, written and spoken; Finnish is an advantage but not required. Merits Experience in one or more of the following areas is considered an advantage: • Preclinical cancer models • Primary stem cell and organoid models • Metabolism assays • Spatial omics methods • Single-cell workflows • Lab management, safety documentation or purchasing • Onboarding or training of new lab members What we offer • A friendly, international, and multidisciplinary research environment • A central role in keeping an ambitious research lab organized, compliant, and productive • Access to high-quality research infrastructure at the University of Helsinki, FIMM, and HiLIFE • Opportunities for training and professional development • A workplace in Helsinki, Finland, with excellent quality of life, strong public services, and close access to nature Salary and contract The position is offered for a fixed term of two years, starting in August 2026 or as negotiated. Salary will depend on the applicant’s level of skills, knowledge, and abilities and is based on the university salary system. A trial period of 6 months will be applied. The typical starting gross salary for comparable UH laboratory manager roles is approximately €2,600–€3,200/month (depending on duties and experience). Interested? Applications should include the following documents: 1. Cover letter, max. 1 page 2. CV, max. 4 pages 3. Full publication list, if applicable 4. Names of three references Please submit your application through the University of Helsinki recruitment system. We value authentic applications that reflect the applicant’s own experience, motivation, and voice. Diversity and inclusion The University of Helsinki promotes an inclusive and equal work community. We encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University. Join the Najumudeen Lab to study intestinal stem cells, metabolism, and cancer in an international research environment in Helsinki. Deadline: June 30th, 2026.
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Hong Kong
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Doctoral Researcher (MSCA), Generation and Tracking of Armed RADV with Imaging Reporter Genes
University of Helsinki
Finland, Helsingfors (Helsinki)
University of Helsinki
Finland, Helsingfors (Helsinki)
ImmunoViroTherapy Lab at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, invites applications for the position of a DOCTORAL RESEARCHER (Generation and tracking of armed rADV with imaging reporter genes, DC 1 in MSCA-DN INTRABRAIN) for a full-time position funded for three years. Earliest starting date is in September 2026, with the exact starting date negotiable after selection. Position Description Prof. Vincenzo Cerullo’s lab is seeking a PhD student in engineering and in vivo tracking of armed reporter oncolytic viruses. The selected PhD candidate will obtain degree at the University of Helsinki. The PhD position consists of studies at Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki (UH, Finland) and secondments at consortium partner organisations in Italy and England. The position is funded by the Doctoral Network (DN) project “INTRABRAIN” of the Horizon-Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA). 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INTRABRAIN Project Description The INTRABRAIN project is an ambitious and highly innovative research and training initiative aimed at revolutionising the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) through next-generation cancer immunotherapy. By integrating cutting-edge nanotechnology, virotherapy and immunology, the project focuses on developing novel therapeutic strategies based on polymeric nanoparticles delivering engineered oncolytic adenoviruses encoding the immune-stimulating cytokines. This approach is designed to overcome major clinical challenges such as the blood–brain barrier and tumour-induced immunosuppression, enabling targeted, efficient and less invasive treatment via intranasal delivery. In parallel, INTRABRAIN fosters the training of a new generation of highly skilled doctoral researchers through interdisciplinary, intersectoral and international collaboration, equipping them with advanced scientific and transferable skills. Overall, the project aims not only to advance groundbreaking therapeutic solutions but also to contribute significantly to the future of personalised cancer medicine and biomedical innovation in Europe. Requirements To be a doctoral candidate (DC): You must, at the time of recruitment, be in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of your research career and have not been awarded a doctoral degree. Full-time equivalent research experience is measured from the date when you obtained the degree, which formally entitles you to embark on a doctorate, either in the country in which the degree was obtained or in the country in which the research training is provided, irrespective of whether or not a doctorate was envisaged. Mobility rule: At the time of the recruitment, you must not have resided or carried out your main activity (e.g. work and studies) in Finland for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to your recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account. English language: Network fellows (DCs) must demonstrate that their ability to understand and express themselves in both written and spoken English is sufficiently high for them to derive the full benefit from the network training. Master level in Molecular Biology, Synthetic biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Technology, or related field, ideally with a multidisciplinary background in molecular biology, microbiology and pharmacy. Right to pursue a doctoral degree Please note that the appointee must obtain the right to pursue a doctoral degree at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki and approval by a suitable doctoral programme (Doctoral Programme in Drug Research - DPDR) by the end of the standard 6-month probationary period of the employment, unless having already existing study right. The research plan and other application material will be prepared together with the PhD supervisor(s) in the beginning of the employment period. Salary and Benefits Salary, pension and terms of employment are in accordance with the requirements from the European Commission related to the MSCA programme. The salary (monthly living allowance) is 3 639,84 € per month before taxes. Additionally, a monthly mobility allowance 546,15 € per month before taxes will be paid. If applicable, a conditional monthly family allowance of 507,69 € per month before taxes is paid. The guaranteed PhD funding is for 36 months (i.e., funding from the European Commission). In addition to their individual scientific projects, all DCs will benefit from further education, including secondments to University of Naples Federico II, University of Glasgow and University of Rome Tor Vergata, a variety of training modules as well as transferable skills courses and active participation in workshops and conferences. Standard Finnish pension benefits and occupational health care are provided for University of Helsinki employees. Read more about the employee benefits at the University of Helsinki and why the University of Helsinki is an excellent career choice: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers. Please also see about relocation support: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome-finland-information-arriving-staff. How to apply Please submit your application, together with the required attachments AS A SINGLE PDF FILE, through the University of Helsinki Recruitment System via the button Apply now (or Employee login). The application must contain the following documents AS A SINGLE PDF FILE (all provided in English language): INTRABRAIN DC application form - download template here: https://www.intrabrain.eu/s/INTRABRAIN_DC_application-form_final.docx Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages) Cover letter (max 1 page): Indicate your motivation to apply for these specific DC position and your skills that are specifically adapted to the chosen topic, providing support evidence to your arguments. Certificate of Master’s Degree (or equivalent) with transcript of records. Proof of English proficiency Contact details of 2 previous supervisors or employers who can give recommendation letters List of publications, if applicable. Manuscript of listed publication, if applicable. Work/research experience certificates, if applicable. All official certificates should be provided in their original European language or associated official English translation for non-European documents. If you are applying for a country different from your native country, an English supplement of the certificates with transcripts should also be provided. Application deadline is on the 28 of May 2026 at 23:59 (Europe/Helsinki time). Further information on: The INTRABRAIN project and the open positions on INTRABRAIN website: https://www.intrabrain.eu/ ImmunoViroTherapy Lab: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/researchgroups/immunovirotherapy-lab The project and position: Professor Vincenzo Cerullo, vincenzo.cerullo@helsinki.fi Technical support in applying: HR Specialist Heidi Kauppinen, recruitment@helsinki.fi Faculty of Pharmacy: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/faculty-of-pharmacy Viikki Campus: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/campuses/viikki-campus Working at the University of Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers Support for international staff: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/welcome-finland-information-arriving-staff and International House Helsinki: https://ihhelsinki.fi Application process to doctoral education at the University of Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/admissions-and-education/apply-doctoral-programmes/how-apply-doctoral-programmes (includes also information on accepted ways of proving language skills, when applying to doctoral education; specific research plan and other doctoral application material will be prepared together with the PhD supervisor(s) if selected to this position) This project is funded by the European Union (INTRABRAIN, 101227308). Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. The Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Helsinki provides the highest education in the field of pharmacy offers undergraduate degrees in Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy), Master of Science (Pharmacy), Master of Science, and doctoral degrees (Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy, Doctor of Philosophy). offers specialization studies in community and hospital pharmacy, and industrial pharmacy is located at Viikki Campus in Helsinki and provides access to local and national research infrastructures has about 200 employees, out of which about 20 are professors has 900 undergraduate students and 140 doctoral researchers hosts the multidisciplinary Drug Research Program and the Doctoral Programme in Drug Research is a European and global leader in sustainable pharmacy is a member of the ULLA consortium (European University Consortium for Pharmaceutical Sciences) Why Finland and Helsinki Finland is a member of the EU, has high-quality and inexpensive childcare, free schooling and tertiary training (also in English), excellent family benefits and healthcare, and is ranked as one of the top countries in the world for expat families. Finland also repeatedly tops the World Happiness Report. Why Finland is a great place to live and work: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki/why-finland 10 reasons to work in Helsinki: https://www.helsinki.fi/en/about-us/careers/why-university-helsinki/why-helsinki Welcome to Helsinki: https://welcome.helsinki A diverse and equitable study and work culture is important to us. That is why we do our best to promote an inclusive university community. We encourage all qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply for our positions. Click this link to read about accessibility and inclusivity at our University. JOIN US TO BUILD A BETTER WORLD – TOGETHER! #HelsinkiUniCareers
Salary
Competitive
Posted
4 May 2026
Subjects Taught at the University of the Witwatersrand
See below for a range of subjects taught at the University of the Witwatersrand
Arts and Humanities
- Archaeology
- Architecture
- Art, Performing Art and Design
- History, Philosophy and Theology
- Languages, Literature and Linguistics
Business and Economics
- Accounting and Finance
- Business and Management
- Economics and Econometrics
Computer Science
- Computer Science
Education Studies
- Education
Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering
- General Engineering
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Law
- Law
Life Sciences
- Biological Sciences
- Sport Science
Medical and Health
- Medicine and Dentistry
- Other Health
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry
- Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Physics and Astronomy
Psychology
- Psychology
Social Sciences
- Communication and Media Studies
- Geography
- Politics and International Studies
- Sociology