An opportunity exists for a Senior Medical Scientist to join the team in the Molecular department at our Unitas branch in Centurion. We are seeking an individual with a proven track record of displaying Molecular pathology competence and leadership ability with a high level of ethics and integrity while consistently aligning with the PathCare values.
Key Competency Requirements
- Minimum requirement of a BSc Master’s in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related scientific field.
- Current registration with the HPCSA in Microbiology/Molecular Biology or related field is mandatory
- Relevant business/laboratory management qualifications are advantageous
- Intermediate computer literacy (LIMS, Microsoft Office)
- Strong knowledge of molecular techniques and laboratory best practices.
- 8 years’ experience post HPCSA registration in a Molecular laboratory environment
- Client-focused with advanced interpersonal & collaborative skills
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Analytical rigour and meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to evidence emotional intelligence i.e., the ability to regulate and manage one’s emotions in a healthy and productive manner
- Ability to optimise processes to achieve maximum efficiencies through innovative thinking and proactive problem-solving (including advanced troubleshooting)
- Ability to optimally plan and organise to manage and address work objectives within the prescribed timeframes/deadlines
- Ability to work under pressure and display resilience and tenacity in challenging situations
- Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately (internally and externally)
- Ability to proactively and positively influence and motivate staff
- Ability to make decisions timeously and take accountability for these decisions
- Must have a proven track record of developing and maintaining positive relationships with internal/external stakeholders
- Must have a proven track record of leadership ability i.e., have gained experience of managing or leading a group of individuals successfully
- Ability to collaborate with a diverse group of people while encouraging transformation and inclusion
- General supervisory experience in a Histology setting
- Experience in QC review processes and experience in maintaining QA systems including SANAS audits
- Experience in technical procedure development and implementation
- Experience in displaying leadership abilities including delegating and team building
- Experience in training staff/students, compiling training manuals/training material and setting training rosters
- Experience with data analysis software and laboratory information systems
Key Responsibilities
- Standing in duties when manager is on leave.
- Work collaboratively with the Pathologists and the Laboratory Manager, in their pursuit to provide patient excellence and to further establish PathCare as the laboratory of choice.
- Support, communicate, implement and manage all organisational strategies, objectives and policies in a positive and proactive manner.
- Model, align to and drive the PathCare values thereby contributing to a purpose-driven and CARE values-based laboratory.
- Conduct and oversee techniques such as PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA extraction, and other molecular assays.
- Analyze, interpret experimental data and reporting of results
- Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with laboratory safety, quality and regulatory standards.
- Provide technical support to the whole team.
- Train, mentor, and supervise students, interns, and junior laboratory staff, providing guidance on laboratory techniques, protocols, and best practices.
- Manage and maintain laboratory documentation and document control systems, ensuring standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, and records are accurate, up to date, and compliant with quality management systems.
- Assist with laboratory audits, quality assurance processes, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support research and development activities.
- Assist with management task in the absence of the manager.
- Participate in the consistent implementation of operational processes to the standards of ‘best practice’, while optimising the use of laboratory resources.
Please note that all the shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a technical proficiency test to assess their level of competence.
Your contribution to the company will be rewarded with a market-related remuneration package which includes a retirement fund contribution and risk benefits (Group Life and Disability cover), annual bonus, competitive maternity benefits, health care allowance, discounted pathology tests, payment of HPCSA/SANC annual registration fees and developmental opportunities at the PathCare Training Academy.
Applicants who meet the criteria and are interested in joining our dynamic team are required to complete the attached application form and submit this together with a CV to elizabeth.botha@pathcare.net
Closing date: Wednesday, 26th August 2026