Job Ref #: DTHF-154
Industry: Pharmaceutical And Medical/Healthcare
Job Type: Contract
Positions Available: 1

Job Description

TECHNICAL OFFICER

CONTRACT: ENDING 30 APRIL 2027

AEROBIOLOGY TB UNIT | MASIPHUMELELE; FISHOEK  

The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF) is a registered non-profit organisation focused on the pursuit of excellence in research, treatment, training and prevention of HIV and related infections in Southern Africa. 

We have fantastic job opportunities across our businesses for talented people wanting to realize their full potential. Could that be you? If so, we invite you to explore the possibility of joining us to play your part in Desmond Tutu Health Foundations’ exciting future.

Main purpose of this role: Responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operation of all research equipment to ensure that required operating standards are met for research activities. This may include component fabrication.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor of Technology (Mechanical Engineering) or similar qualification Preferred
• One-year practical experience within the framework of his/her education.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including competency with email and experience with cellular technology
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Must have good problem-solving and troubleshooting skills to identify, address, and appropriately escalate process issues
• Planning and organizing skills as well as attention to detail

Responsibilities:

Apparatus Assembly and Maintenance

Correct assembly and handling of all research equipment

• Familiarity of how to handle and assemble/disassemble research equipment

Maintenance and Monitoring:

• Regular examination of equipment for the early identification of faults and to establish appropriate corrective actions

Component design and fabrication in consultation with research staff

• Component Design Development
• Research and development of the design
• CAD Modelling
• Prototype Testing
• Manufacturing of Components
• Assembly of Components

Biosafety Monitoring and Compliance (Sampling Equipment):

• Monitor and support adherence to biosafety protocols related to sample collection
• Identify potential biosafety hazards (e.g. exposure risks, contamination, equipment-related risks) and report them promptly
• Assist in documenting and reviewing biosafety incidents, including contributing to basic root cause identification
• Report biosafety concerns, incidents, or complaints to the Principal Investigator and/or Senior Scientific Officer in a timely manner
• Support implementation of corrective actions and improvements to biosafety practices
• Ensure sampling equipment is used, maintained, and decontaminated in
• Feedback and testing of components

Apparatus/Component Inventory Control and Management

• Maintain accurate inventory records for all sampling equipment, components, and consumables
• Perform routine stock counts (cycle counts and monthly checks), including monitoring short-dated or expiring items
• Receive, inspect, and record incoming equipment and materials, ensuring they meet basic quality and specification requirements
• Track and document stock movement (issuance, usage, and replenishment) in line with organizational procedures
• Identify low stock levels or discrepancies and report these to the relevant supervisor in a timely manner
• Ensure equipment and components are stored appropriately and are easily traceable within the research office
• Support basic quality checks on supplied components and escalate any concerns regarding vendor quality
• Assist with preparation and availability of components required for sampling system assembly and maintenance

Machine Operation and Experimental Sampling

Development of Experiments and protocols

• Perform new tests, experiments on sampling systems
• Set up sampling equipment.

Routine sampling

• Liaise with researchers and staff to ensure that equipment is ready at the correct time for sampling experiments.
• Once at site set up the equipment for monitoring.
• Monitor the performance of the sampling devices while the sampling procedure is running.
• Troubleshoot any issues that may arise during sampling
• Remove sampling devices from system.
• Ensure sterilization process is completed when required.

Data analysis

• Retrieve and compile data from various monitoring equipment, e.g., aerosol particle counters, CO2 monitors, etc.
• Perform basic data monitoring
• Distribute data for high level analysis

Values fit:  Passion Innovation Progress Integrity Respect Excellence

Submit a detailed cover letter, updated CV with certified copy of highest qualification and details of two (2) current contactable referees by 19 May 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

If you have not heard from us within four weeks after the closing date, please consider your application as unsuccessful.

We are committed to equity in our employment practices. It is our intention to appoint individuals with the aim of meeting our equity objectives. We reserve the right not to appoint if no suitable candidates are identified.

I understand and accept that by applying for this position, I authorized DTHF to process my personal information in accordance with its internal operational requirements.

I further understand that the personal information I disclose to DTHF will be processed in accordance with the requirements set out in the Protection of Personal Information Act and may include the transferring thereof to third parties for the purposes of verification.

This job may be removed before it expires.

Desmond Tutu Health Foundation is a child-friendly organization committed to the protection of children.

For more information about the organization please visit our website.