The Program

The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana, Legon, with funding support from the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) 3 is implementing a project titled ‘Pan-Africa network for genomic surveillance of poverty related diseases and emerging pathogens (PANGenS).

This four-year project seeks to use genomic epidemiology to better understand disease etiology, dynamics of transmission, evolution of emerging and re-emerging pathogens as well as mechanisms of drug-resistant tuberculosis and malaria in Africa.  This project seeks to increase Africa’s capacity in bioinformatics, genomics, genomics data management, bio-banking, and data sharing.

This call is to invite interested and qualified persons to apply for the position of Post-Doctoral Fellows in Pathogen Genomics and Bioinformatics (two positions with focus on Tuberculosis or Malaria). Successful applicants will conduct research for a one-year period (renewable up to three years based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds) in a strong interdisciplinary environment at the NMIMR.

 

Job Description/Skills

This is a full-time position that requires operational support for the achievement of the objectives of the project and the Institute.

The Post-Doctoral Fellows will work closely with the project team at NMIMR and collaborating institutions in Africa and other partners to organize and implement the project activities. The Post-Doctoral Fellows should have good work ethics and human relationship skills. This role includes coordination of field activities, and this may include some local and international travels.

 

Responsibilities:

·      Carry out bioinformatics analysis of sequencing data.

·     Organize experimental data appropriately into spreadsheets with data dictionaries.

·      Perform initial basic data processing and preliminary summaries of generated data.

·      Drafting of manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals

·      Assist with writing of proposals that extend the current objectives of the project or related ideas.

·      Maintain and keep laboratory reagents and consumables inventory up to date.

·      Maintain and keep inventory of all data generated up to date.

·      Conduct literature search and review to gather information.

·      Develop first draft of accrued data for publication and disseminate findings using available scientific platforms.

·      Assist with the capacity building objectives of the project by facilitating the different training activities.

·      Assist in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for experiments

·      Assist with the creation of slides and posters for presentations for dissemination of findings.

·      Assist with the supervision of graduate students on the project.

·      Assist with other duties on the PANGenS project as may be needed.

·      Conduct literature search and review to gather information.

 

Competencies/Eligibility:

·  Ph.D. degree in Biological Sciences or related field obtained within the past 5 years. Individuals who have submitted their Ph.D. dissertations are also eligible to apply.

·    The Applicant must be able to carry out independent research in pathogen genomics particularly in TB/Malaria.

·    The Applicant should have leadership skills and be an excellent team player capable of serving as a guide and an inspiration to graduate students on the project.

·     The Applicant must also be highly motivated, have strong research and conceptual skills and be interested in developing novel research directions.

·      The Applicant must have strong working knowledge (written and oral) in English.

·      Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.

·      Previous experience in TB/Malaria genomics, bioinformatics or computer programming (python and/or R) is an advantage.

·      Experience working on a similar project in the past is an advantage.

 

How to Apply

Applicants must submit, as a single pdf file, electronic copies of the following documents to The PANGenS Project Administrator, NMIMR (pangens@noguchi.ug.edu.gh):

 

a)     A letter of application (stating areas of expertise, research interests and experience and why you are suitable for the position); please specify your focus area, in the subject

b)    An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae;

c)     List of publications;

d)    Copies of relevant educational and professional certificates and transcripts; and,

e)    Two academic references

 

All supporting documents should be scanned and included in the single pdf file and sent to pangens@noguchi.ug.edu.gh. The file name should include the focus area (TB/Malaria)

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to participate in further selection processes.

 

Deadline of Application Submission

Applications should reach the PANGenS Project Administrator by August 31, 2023 (17.00hr GMT)