Senior Assistant Officer: Professional Services; post level 12; position; appointm

Job Title & Details

Senior Assistant Officer:
Professional Services (post level 12) – Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State

Location:

Bloemfontein Campus, Bloemfontein, FS ZA

Contract:

6‑month contract appointment

Annual Salary: R257 274.00 – R330 903.00

Closing Date: 14/7/2026

• Manage and coordinate the scientific activities of the Fungal Frontiers Initiative UFS Research Chair programme involving mushroom cultivation, fungal genetics, genomics, secondary metabolite biosynthesis and cell culturing.
• Assist in post‑graduate student projects.
• Coordinate project reporting to funding agencies and institutional leadership.
• Facilitate interaction with industry partners.
• Assist with managing the Certificate of Analysis technical service.
• Assist in running the fundraising program of the Fungal Frontiers Initiative UFS Research Chair and support the development of new research initiatives aligned with Chair priorities.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, ethical, and regulatory frameworks governing research involving fungal metabolites and controlled compounds.
• Maintain research databases and project documentation.
• Contribute to the preparation of high‑impact scientific publications, grant proposals, and technical reports.
• Assist in the development of intellectual property, patents, and technology transfer opportunities.

• Master’s degree on NQF Level 9 in Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or a closely related field.
• Minimum of one (1) year of relevant work experience.

• PhD degree on NQF Level 10 in Genetics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology or a closely related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience, or equivalent experience as a post‑doctoral fellow.
• Knowledge of medicinal mushrooms, chemical analytics, and cell culturing.

• Results‑Oriented: ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and work to achieve success.
• The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic Thinking: ability to deal with several activities at a time and to analyse information to address issues and problems at work.
• Business Acumen: ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
• Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading: ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm; to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
• Building Coalitions: ability to negotiate, sell, influence and persuade others; to make decisions through consultation, collaboration, and working with close supervision.

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under‑represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities.

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.