45 Scientific Intern jobs in South Africa

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

We are a global specialty and branded pharmaceutical company, improving the health of patients across the world through our high quality and affordable medicines. Active at every stage of the value chain, we are uniquely diversi?ed by geography, product and manufacturing capability.

Aspen is a dynamic organisation built on entrepreneurial strength and forward-thinking minds. We attract high performing individuals who are passionate about their career and have a desire to exceed expectations. At aspen, not only do we source for the best talent, but we also provide a host of opportunities for continuous development.

The Group’s key business segments are Manufacturing and Commercial Pharmaceuticals comprising Regional Brands and Sterile Focus Brands. We have approximately 9 100 employees at 69 established offices in over 50 countries and we improve the health of patients in more than 150 countries through our high quality, affordable medicines.

To oversee the Scientific Sales division on a national level, leading into developing sales managers, while maintaining, and growing the business, market share of Aspen Pharmacare. Designing and implementing a strategic sales plan that expands company's customer base (GPs, Specialists, KOLs) and ensure its strong presence. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Establish strategies to guide the division

• Analyse organisation’s external operating environment.
li >Give purpose to the shared strategic intent of the division.
• Define values and policies to guide the work of the division.
• Develop divisional business plan according to company values.
• Market the organisational strategy to ensure support across the business.
• Analyses patterns in industry and market behaviour, and subsequently defines data-driven action strategies in order to consistently optimize the business's commercial performance. 

Translate strategies into interventions

• The generation and allocation of available resources is reviewed and actioned.
• Alternative solutions are analysed and evaluated according to urgency.
• Measures and criteria to evaluate organisation performance are developed.
• Evidence / results of success are presented and measured against the business plan.
• Effectively communicate the value proposition through proposals and presentations to ensure buy-in, consistency,  and alignment across the division.
li >Lead, guide, and direct Sales Managers to drive this within their respective teams to implement the sales strategy and reach and exceed targets. 

Investigate and respond to business environment (market) needs

• Environmental scanning, organisational effectiveness, competitor, and market analysis is conducted.
• Customer needs are assessed.
• Improvements in services and products are implemented.
• Best practice operations are implemented and modified on an ongoing basis.
• Feedback from team, customers and suppliers is accessed and communicated regularly.
• Lead and guide Sales Managers to manage their territories effectively and provide market and industry insights. 

Review and refine processes and procedures

• Information required for operations/projects is researched, collected, and documented.
• Information is consistent with the business plan.
• Contingency measures are developed and adopted to ensure output satisfaction/quality/productivity excellence.
• Work processes are evaluated in terms of business objectives.
• Opportunities for system and process improvements are enhances and implemented.
• Ensuring flexibility in making decisions, processes, and disruptions in the market or industry.
• Maximising virtual opportunities where required.

Customer service

• Leading through sales managers and their respective teams to ensure  queries are followed up and resolved in the shortest possible timeframe within policy framework.
• Handling strategic and escalated customer interactions.
• A professional attitude is displayed when responding to a customer’s needs.
li >Continuously ensuring methods for improving customer services within the Scientific Team are researched, developed, and executed by the sales team.
• Internal and external customers are constantly updated as to the progress of their queries.

Financial

• Manpower requirements are identified for maximum productivity.
• Budgets are prepared according to operational requirements.
• Establish sales objectives by forecasting and developing annual sales targets for regions and territories; projecting expected sales growth and targets for product portfolios. Budget accountability.
• Proposals for expenditure are evaluated and annual budget prepared.
• Expenditure is controlled / reviewed against budgets.
• Monthly reporting on budgets 

Leading and guiding sales managers to drive and maage their teams effectively by identifying development / training needs of self and team  

• Holding Sales Managers accountable for the performance in their teams, which is monitored against input and output target standards. Ensuring regular reports, presentations, and reviews are done to ensure accountability.
• Through reporting and analytics, validate the quality of the data and provide guidance to improve the overall data quality.
• Individual goals are developed and aligned to team goals and roles are clearly defined as per role profile.
• Performance discussions are held regularly to identify learning requirements.
• Ensuring the division operates effectively and is aligned to the overall organisational goals, strategies in line with the company values.

Resolve IR issues

• Performance issues are accurately identified, and action is instituted.
• Potential conflict is resolved according to IR procedures.
• Disciplinary action is taken according to the IR policy – in cases of extreme poor performance and inappropriate behaviour by staff.
li >Leading and carefully evaluating restructures within the division to ensure the changes will create success. 

Learning and Growth

Provide ongoing assessment and feedback of development

• Learning achievements are acknowledged to improve staff performance and motivation.
• Team effectiveness is facilitated and assessed against standards and contingencies applied when required.
• On the job assessment and feedback occur timeously.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Relevant Medical Science or Commercial degree
• MBA or post degree qualification an advantage 

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Min 8-10 years Sales / Marketing management experience
• Min 5 years Strong Management experience at a Senior level
• Experience in setting and strategizing of departmental budgets including Forecasting
• Experience in customer negotiations i.e., Trade / Contracts
• Computer skills on an advanced level - MS Word, MS Excel, and MS PowerPoint
• A solid understanding of Pharmaceutical industry and market trends.
• Deep working knowledge of different data sources
• Deep technical knowledge of project management, data analysis, and business intelligence
• Ability to interpret financial modelling
• Vast experience on managing and leading a big team of sales managers and sales representatives
• In-depth knowledge of the Pharmaceutical processes.
• Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of current marketing and compliance legislation
• Knowledge of finance and budget handling.
• Knowledge and understanding of current marketing legislation product marketing strategy

SOFT SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Highly numerate
• Excellent analytical skills
• Strong capabilities in logical reasoning
• Results driven
• Effective problem solving and decision making
• Commercial and strategic awareness
• Independent and self-directed individual that can drive execution
• Influencing capabilities
• Effective interpersonal skills
• The ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal) is essential
• Ability to think strategically and innovatively around total rewards

COMPUTER SKILLS REQUIRED

The applicant must be proficient in the various applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) within the Microsoft Office bundle.

The successful candidate must have a valid driver’s license and be able to travel as per the expectations of the role.

• A bachelors degree/ diploma or equivalent in a relevant field such as chemistry, biochemistry, life sciences etc.
• Previous sales experience working within the laboratory industry is preferred.
• Strong background in laboratory operations.
• Computer literate in the Microsoft Office suite applications or similar
• The successful candidate must be able to work on CRM Systems and populate data and customer information.

• Driving the companys strategic objectives by meeting and exceeding set targets within the region by growing pipeline, sales, maximum sales profitability, growth, and account penetration within an assigned territory and/or key customer groups by effectively selling the companys products and/or related services.
• Presenting and selling company medical / laboratory products, solutions and services to current and potential clients within the laboratory industry including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other healthcare providers.
• Actively seeking new sales opportunities and diversifying the client portfolio across various industries and markets.
• Preparing action plans and schedules to identify specific targets and project quote volumes.
• Maintaining and improving forecasting accuracy by securing customer forecasts.
• Managing short- and long-term growth objectives with customers.
• Prioritizing customer satisfaction by understanding needs and delivering tailored solutions.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with current and potential clients.
• Cultivating strong relationships with existing clients and exploring cross-selling opportunities.
• Participating in marketing events such as conferences, seminars, trade shows, and industry events.
• Communicating new product/service opportunities and feedback from the field to internal teams.
• Achieving budget targets for the assigned sales region.

• Conduct genomics services as part of the Biotechnology Platform Core team.
• The position entails next generation sequencing (NGS), long read sequencing, genotyping and high-throughput DNA extraction services.
• Receive, track and quality control of samples, library preparation, NGS sequencing and data delivery to clients.
• Receive, track and quality control of samples, genotyping (Affymetrix and/or Illumina) and data delivery to clients.
• Operating and maintaining laboratory equipment and their servicing records.
• Develop and implement a program to optimise workflows with focus on quality, efficiency and cost.
• Develop and implement the use of Standard Operating Procedures.
• Conduct training of genomics technologies to students and external clients.
• Coordinate client workflows to ensure short turnaround times, efficient data dissemination and client invoicing.
• Generate and manage client quotations, purchase orders, invoices and certificates of conformance and ensure they are properly catalogued for monthly and quarterly reporting.
• Monthly inventory and purchasing of consumables and reagents according to procurement procedures

• An MSc in genomics, genetics, molecular biology, or related field.
• At least 1 - 2 years’ hands-on experience with genomics technologies, especially next generation sequencing, is a requirement.
li>Experience operating and programming automated liquid handlers and/or performing long read sequencing, will be highly advantageous.
• Demonstration of skills in project management will be advantageous.
• Ability to interact with clients in a collaborative and consultative role and working as part of a team will be an advantage.
• Knowledge and experience in laboratory information management systems (LIMS) will be an advantage.

Enquiries: Dr Dirk Swanevelder: Tel: (

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 08 SEPTEMBER 2025

A competitive remuneration package will be congruent with the scope, responsibilities and the stature of the position. The appointment will be subject to a positive security clearance. 

Preference will be given to designated groups in terms of the ARC Employment Equity Plan. The Agricultural Research Council is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the principles and processes of Employment Equity Act.

Applications accompanied by a covering letter, detailed CV with at least three recent (3) contactable referees, certified copies of certificates, supporting documents and a copy of driver’s license must be attached on the form.

JOB TITLE – IRDP Full Time Opportunity Medical Science Liaison – South Africa

SUB FUNCTION – Johnson and Johnson Inc

LOCATION – Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

REQUISITION NUMBER: 0001JMW

Job purpose

The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) holds primary responsibility for the execution of the Medical Affairs
Plan. They are the point of contact for Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in a given territory and help answer their medical, scientific and research needs within specific guidelines.

The responsibilities & the impact YOU will have:

The main duties and responsibilities of the position are:

• To keep abreast of the latest medical and scientific knowledge in the therapeutic area
• To develop and maintain a contact network with Leading Specialists
• To provide strategic input to the company medical affairs plan & business decision-making
• Communicate actively and reactively medical scientific data to leading specialists
• Organize/coordinate and participate in Medical Education activities.
• Organize and participate in Advisory Boards in cooperation with Medical Advisor/Medical Director.
• Provide scientific support to company Sales Representatives such as training, scientific communication with leading specialists.
• Support Medical Affairs study execution.
• Gain valuable insight through scientific interactions into treatment patterns, and scientific activities in the therapeutic area and provide input to the company Medical Affairs Plan / business decision-making.
• Champion medical benefits of products and contribute to foster innovative therapeutic approaches to benefit patients through scientific interactions with leading specialists.

We’d love to hear from YOU, if you have:

• Preferably Scientific Degree: Medical Doctor, Pharmaceutical or Nature Science university degree
  or related qualification Science degree: MBChB/MBBCh, PhD, Masters or Pharmacist
• Prefer at least 2 years working experience in pharmaceutical industry or research company and with competency in a project management capacity.
• Medical and clinical experience (preferred)
• Deep scientific knowledge on the therapeutic area
• Business Acumen
• Ability to work within a matrix – to work independently, as well as part of a team

JOB TITLE – IRDP Full Time Opportunity Medical Science Liaison – South Africa

SUB FUNCTION – Johnson and Johnson Inc

LOCATION – Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

REQUISITION NUMBER: 0001JMW

Job purpose

The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) holds primary responsibility for the execution of the Medical Affairs
Plan. They are the point of contact for Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in a given territory and help answer their medical, scientific and research needs within specific guidelines.

The responsibilities & the impact YOU will have:

The main duties and responsibilities of the position are:

• To keep abreast of the latest medical and scientific knowledge in the therapeutic area
• To develop and maintain a contact network with Leading Specialists
• To provide strategic input to the company medical affairs plan & business decision-making
• Communicate actively and reactively medical scientific data to leading specialists
• Organize/coordinate and participate in Medical Education activities.
• Organize and participate in Advisory Boards in cooperation with Medical Advisor/Medical Director.
• Provide scientific support to company Sales Representatives such as training, scientific communication with leading specialists.
• Support Medical Affairs study execution.
• Gain valuable insight through scientific interactions into treatment patterns, and scientific activities in the therapeutic area and provide input to the company Medical Affairs Plan / business decision-making.
• Champion medical benefits of products and contribute to foster innovative therapeutic approaches to benefit patients through scientific interactions with leading specialists.

We’d love to hear from YOU, if you have:

• Preferably Scientific Degree: Medical Doctor, Pharmaceutical or Nature Science university degree
  or related qualification Science degree: MBChB/MBBCh, PhD, Masters or Pharmacist
• Prefer at least 2 years working experience in pharmaceutical industry or research company and with competency in a project management capacity.
• Medical and clinical experience (preferred)
• Deep scientific knowledge on the therapeutic area
• Business Acumen
• Ability to work within a matrix – to work independently, as well as part of a team