The Program

The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana, 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, and evolution of emerging and re-emerging pathogens, drug-resistant tuberculosis and malaria in Africa. This project will 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 Research Assistants in Cell Biology and Pathogen Genomics (wet lab) and Bioinformatics (dry lab). Successful applicants will assist the researchers with to 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

This is a full-time position that requires operational support for the achievement of the objectives of the project and the Institute. The successful Cell Biology and Pathogen Genomics Research Assistant candidates will assist in sample collection, laboratory work involving culture, genomic DNA extraction and library preparation for whole genome and/or targeted amplicon sequencing of malaria parasites, Mycobacterium tuberculosis and different emerging and re-emerging pathogens. This role includes field activities as well as some local travel. The successful Bioinformatics Research Assistant candidate will assist in the organization and analysis of sequencing data.

Please find below the specific responsibilities for the pathogen genomics and bioinformatics research assistants:

 

Cell Biology and Pathogen Genomics Research Assistant Responsibilities:

·      Assist in the development of standard operating procedures (SOP) for experiments.

·     Perform laboratory experiments according to established SOPs.

· Assist with field activities for sample collection and laboratory processing and storage.

·    Carry out library preparations for whole genome or targeted amplicon sequencing.

·    Organize experimental data appropriately into spreadsheets with data dictionaries.

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

· Assist with the preparation of slides and posters in Microsoft PowerPoint for presentations for easy dissemination of findings.

·     Conduct literature search and review to gather information.

· Assist with facts checking and proofreading of manuscripts for publication to ensure accuracy.

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

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

 

Bioinformatics Research Assistant Responsibilities:

·   Assist in the development of bioinformatics analysis pipelines for whole genome and amplicon sequencing data.

·   Assist in the development of standard operating procedures (SOP) for bioinformatics analysis of sequencing data.

·    Perform analysis according to established SOPs.

·   Organize experimental data and analysis outputs appropriately for any further downstream analysis.

· Assist with the preparation of slides and posters in Microsoft PowerPoint for presentations for easy dissemination of findings.

·    Conduct literature search and review to gather information.

· Assist with facts checking and proofreading of manuscripts for publication to ensure accuracy.

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

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

 

Competencies:

·   The highest degree held must be BSc in Biological Science, Computer Science, or any related field.

·     Should have completed National Service.

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

·   Should not have registered for or started postgraduate studies at the time of application.

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

·  Previous experience in library preparation for genome sequencing, bioinformatics or computer programming 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, experience and why you are suitable for the position); please specify your area of interest, in the subject

b)    An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae;

c)     List of publications if any;

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 (Cell Biology and Pathogen Genomics/ Bioinformatics Research)

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)