Technician

Education, Training or Experience (Minimum Requirements)

• A relevant BSc degree or equivalent qualification in a health science or forensic-related field

• Good command of the English language, both written and spoken.

• Computer literacy (Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook).

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills which contribute to the promotion and development of the Division within the University.

• One to two years’ experience in a Forensic Science Mortuary environment with the ability to work in a medico-legal environment requiring professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to detail.

Advantageous

• A Forensic Science Honours degree or other forensically relevant qualification

• Experience with forensic photography in medico-legal or post-mortem settings, including use of photographic equipment

• Familiarity with photo editing or imaging software

• Prior exposure to LODOX or other radiographic imaging systems

• Exposure to or involvement in human identification processes, including post-mortem identification, facial reconstruction, or related work

• Experience supporting forensic or medico-legal research projects, particularly those involving imaging or identification

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

• Taking delivery of and processing skeletal/decomposed/charred human remains admitted for Forensic Anthropological examinations.

• Implementing and maintaining an inventory of all cases admitted for Forensic Anthropological Analyses.

• Managing and performing radiological imaging of remains using LODOX scanning technology.

• Maintaining health and safety standards of the Forensic Entomology and Anthropology Laboratories.

• Assisting with the Division’s academic and research endeavours, as required.

• Providing relevant procurement and administrative support when necessary.

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Photographic and radiographic documentation of medico-legal post-mortem findings

• Processing skeletal, decomposed and charred human remains for forensic anthropological analysis

• Assisting with and performing LODOX imaging of human remains

• Maintaining photographic, videographic and radiographic image databases

• Ensuring compliance with chain-of-custody procedures and medico-legal protocols

• Maintaining occupational health and safety standards in laboratories and imaging areas

• Supporting teaching, research activities (including applied forensic research projects), and Honours-level activities within the Division

• Supporting activities within the Human Identification Unit, including imaging and documentation for identification purposes

• Providing administrative and procurement support, including obtaining quotations where required

• Providing relevant academic administrative support to the Division and obtaining quotes for relevant equipment or items as and when necessary.

• Performing any other tasks or activities which fall within the general functioning of the Division as determined by the Academic Head of Division.

Competencies and Attributes

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality

• Ability to work effectively under pressure

• Good organisational and time-management skills

• Professional, ethical, and respectful handling of sensitive material

• Ability to work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team

• Willingness to learn and develop within the forensic science environment

Working Environment

The post is based within the Division of Forensic Medicine and Pathology and involves work at University facilities and Forensic Pathology Service (FPS) sites, primarily within the southern cluster, with possible exposure to other sites.

Detailed Description

Additional Details

How To Apply

To apply

Closing date: 07 June 2026

Please submit the following documents on http://www.wits.ac.za/vacancies/ or for internal applicants https://irec.wits.ac.za

• A cover letter outlining your interest and suitability for the position.

• A detailed CV, including contact details, names, telephone numbers and email addresses of 3 referees.

• Certified copies of degrees/diplomas.

• South African ID (or passport and work permit)

Please note

Only applications via the website will be considered for shortlisting. An interview will form part of the selection process.

NB: The University will seek confidential referee reports for all shortlisted candidates. At least one referee must be the candidate’s current or most recent immediate supervisor or line manager. No appointment will be made without the receipt and satisfactory consideration of the required referee reports.

By applying for this post the Applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University. The Applicant, by their conduct in proceeding with an application for this position, gives their consent to the processing of their personal information as required by the University’s Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. Such processing includes logging their information on the University’s recruitment systems, conducting necessary background and reference checks including disciplinary and/or criminal records, and disclosing their personal information to university employees identified to take part in the selection and recruitment process. The Applicant consents to any processing of their personal information as may be required. The confidentiality of the Applicant's personal information will be maintained.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.

Minimum Salary

Maximum Salary

Currency

Amount of Travel

Work At Home