Senior Lecturer - Hair & Skin Research Laboratory

About the role

The Division of Dermatology, Hair & Skin Research Laboratory in the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, at the University of Cape Town is seeking a Senior Lecturer on a 25-month contract. The main purpose of the position is to support the Director of the Hair and Skin Research (HSR) Laboratory by establishing, maintaining and continuously updating analytical procedures and molecular investigation protocols in line with the laboratory's strategic vision. The post is based at the HSR Laboratory on the K floor of the Old Main Building at Groote Schuur Hospital.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, execute and finalise HSR-related research projects and deliver outputs on time, including resource acquisition, leadership, strategic planning, data analysis and quality control across project lifecycles
• Develop, document and validate analytical processes and standard operating procedures
• Establish and maintain a quality assurance system for analytical and service activities, and lead validation, certification and accreditation of analytical equipment and processes
• Contribute to departmental budgets, including cost controls
• Lead, train, develop and supervise technicians and postgraduate students (PhD/Masters)
• Analyse data, write manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and carry out other duties assigned by the Director of the HSR Laboratory
• Convene undergraduate learning in interdisciplinary palliative care and medicine

Required profile

• PhD in a relevant discipline
• 5 years of relevant research experience with scarce skills in analytical or medicinal chemistry
• Experience applying for research grants as principal or co-investigator
• Proven track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national and international academic meetings
• Formal teaching experience with undergraduate and/or postgraduate students
• Good organisational, communication and teamwork skills, and excellent interpersonal abilities

Required skills

• Specific experience with LC and GC mass spectrometry, including troubleshooting
• Development, documentation and validation of analytical methods
• Laboratory quality control, quality assurance and safety management systems

Advantages: registration and good standing with the HPCSA. The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R837,520 and R1,207,358. Applicants submit a motivational letter, CV, three referees and proof of highest qualification through the online application; shortlisted candidates may be asked for competency and medical assessments. The closing date is 08 November 2026.