If you’re seeing for a career in research development or simply research, starting as a lab worker can offer you immense personal and professional satisfaction. However, if you don’t know where to start looking for vacancies and careers in your dream field yet, we suggest you check with the NHLS or National Health Laboratory Services.
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Not many know that working as a lab worker is a fulfilling job. It’s not only because of job security and financial conditions but also because there are many opportunities where you can make a difference to both the community and science itself through your active participation.
Additionally, you will also have the chance to be part of one of the largest research bodies in South Africa. That will open up more opportunities for you to spread your wings and take you to a higher position.
If the discussion about NHLS vacancies and careers has caught your eye, you should keep reading to find out more about both subjects. Soon, you will gain new knowledge to elevate your career in research development.
Why You Should Work in a Lab
Before we dive into the main discussion, it’s important to briefly review the benefits of working in a laboratory. Hopefully, it will motivate you to be more determined in looking for valuable opportunities for you in the future.
So, what makes this career so lucrative?
As you might have guessed, it is not the easiest career path to enter. You will be required to be able to show your credentials at all times. However, that in itself has become part of the game.
Once you get a hang of it, the benefits will automatically come your way, starting from job security to high salaries. However, know that they are not the only ones.
Lab workers, in particular, frequently collaborate with students in the lab. As a lab worker, you will add teaching experience to your CV, which is advantageous in today’s employment market where everyone seems to have a decent resume.
As a result of this exposure, you may be able to go from full-time research to more intensive student training and masters training programs. Ultimately, you can see how the lab role might lead to a variety of professional opportunities.
Also, if you are an individual who craves flexibility, working in a laboratory setting is the perfect choice for you.
In fact, the work is rarely tightly planned; you’ll have deadlines to meet and things to provide on time, but meeting these goals and objectives rarely entails sitting at a desk or bench for hours or days on end.
Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Now that you’ve learned about the cool perks you might get once you get into this field, let’s learn more about the NHLS, your prospective workplace.
A Brief Overview on NHLS
The National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) is the largest diagnostic pathology service in South Africa established in 2001.
The South African Institute for Medical Research (SAIMR), the National Centre for Occupational Health, and the National Institute for Virology merged to form the National Institute for Virology. It also absorbed pathology laboratories run by the provincial health department and universities.
The NHLS employs roughly 7,142 individuals in laboratories across all nine provinces. All public hospitals and clinics in the country are served by a network of 265 laboratories.
Diagnostic laboratory services, research, teaching and training, and the manufacturing of anti-snake venom sera are among its activities.
As a company, NHLS is dedicated to the ideals of equity, nondiscrimination, and diversity established in the United States Constitution and the Employment Equity Act of 1998, as amended.
Particularly, it aspires to employ a varied workforce that reflects the society’s geographical diversity and to provide equal employment opportunities to all.
By providing chances for professional advancement, growth, training, and development, the NHLS’s Employment Equity Policy and Plan aim to empower and protect previously disadvantaged individuals.
List of NHLS Vacancies and Careers in a Lab
Below we will present to you an updated list of NHLS vacancies and careers. Come back next time for the latest updates on vacancies, careers, and job opportunities in NHLS.
1. Medical Scientist
As a medical scientist, you are responsible for studying diseases and conditions with the goal of improving human health. Through research, you determine the causes of diseases and then develop ways to prevent or treat them.
To apply for this role, you have to meet the following requirements:
- MSc or equivalent in Medical Science in Virology or Molecular Biology (PhD is strongly recommended)
- 5 years of relevant experience as a Medical Scientist
- A minimum of one year of laboratory management experience
- Registered with HPCSA as a Medical Scientist in Virology
- Author or co-author on peer-reviewed journal manuscripts or book chapters
2. Medical Geneticist
A medical geneticist is a physician who specializes in medical conditions that have a genetic influence. Clinical geneticists evaluate, diagnose, research, and manage patients with hereditary conditions and/or congenital malformations.
To apply for this position, you must fulfil the following requirements:
- FCMG and MMED qualification or equivalent
- Minimum 5 years of experience as a Medical Geneticist
- At least one year of clinical management experience
- HPCSA registered for independent practice in Medical Genetics
- Multiple peer-reviewed publications as first/senior author
- Evidence of external/community interaction (schools, engaging with outside clinicians/clinical groups, training academic community outside pathology)
- Undergraduate and/or postgraduate external examiner (national level)
- Academic curriculum development at the local level
- Acting as an examiner for CMSA
- Evidence of consultation on complex clinical queries locally/regionally
- National conference presentations
- Evidence of peer recognition such as reviewing manuscripts, review research proposals, editorials, conference abstract reviewing, editorial board, NRF rating, etc.
3. Pathologist
A pathologist is a medical healthcare provider who examines bodies and body tissues. As a pathologist, you are responsible for performing lab tests. A pathologist helps other healthcare providers reach diagnoses and is an important member of the treatment team.
To apply for this specific position, you must fulfil the following requirements:
- FCPath or MMED qualification in the relevant discipline
- Takes accountability for own personal development (attending CPD etc.)
- HPCSA registered for independent practise as a pathologist in applicable discipline
How to Apply for NHLS Jobs in South Africa
If you meet the requirements, forward a concise CV to the relevant Practitioner/Administrator (Human Resources) by email or logging on to the NHLS career page (I-Recruitment), quoting the reference number and the job title.
Response email addresses of the relevant HR representative and or region is supplied at the end of each regional adverts. The onus is on the applicant to ensure that their application has been received. Incomplete applications and applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Later, you may be asked to undergo the following tests:
- Criminal record check
- Citizen verification
- Financial record check
- Qualification
- Study verification
- Previous employment verification
- Competency or psychometric assessment
- The signing of performance contract on appointment
- Presentation
You will be invited for an interview if you are declared a successful candidate.
If you have any questions regarding existing job openings, contact the NHLS by filling out the form on its “Contact Us” web page.