​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Division of Molecular Biology and Huma​​n Gene​​tics​​ ​  

VACANCIES​

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Research Assistant: TB Genomics

Host: Prof. Robin Warren in the Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University: www.sun.ac.za/hostpathogenmycobactomics

Value of the fellowship: The position is available for a period of two years, with the possibility of renewal, dependent on satisfactory progress. ​

Job Description: The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic, multidisciplinary group of researchers that are part of the SAMRC Centre for TB Research. This position is funded by the NIH research project entitled “An RNA nanosensor for the diagnosis of antibiotic resistance in M. tuberculosis". This is a collaborative study with Prof Maha Farhat (Harvard Medical School), Prof Karen Jacobson (Boston Medical Centre) and Tara Carney (South African Medical Research Council). The Research Assistant will work on the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA signatures in response to antibiotic treatment. These signatures will be used to inform the development of diagnostics to rapidly determine whether clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are susceptible to a particular anti-TB drug. The Research Assistant will lead the laboratory components of the proposed study that will include drug exposure and transcriptomic analysis including RNA extraction, rRNA depletion, cDNA synthesis, RT-qPCR, Illumina library preparation, and high throughput sequencing. They will be responsible for developing SOPs and will work closely with the research assistant and laboratory technician on lab-based activities. The Research Assistant will be trained by Dr B Mann (Stellenbosch University), Dr. Martin Voskuil (University of Colorado School of Medicine) and Dr. Amy Barzcak (Harvard Division of Medical Sciences) on Mycobacterium tuberculosis transcriptomics. The position is based at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa.

Core Requirements:

  • Msc degree in Microbiology or Biochemistry or Molecular Biology or Mycobacteriology or Bioinformatics.
  • A track record in undertaking research.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills. 

Desired Attributes:

  • Experience in the field of Tuberculosis (working under BSL-3 conditions), or 
  • Experience in next generation sequencing methods and subsequent bioinformatics analyses (RNA- seq preferential), and 
  • Experience in molecular biology methods (Experience with RNA manipulation preferential)

Commencement of duties: Quarter 1 in 2024. 

Closing date: 15 February 2024

Enquiries: Send a letter of application, accompanied by a comprehensive curriculum vitae to Prof Rob Warren at rw1@sun.ac.za. Please note that priority will be given to South African citizens who meet the above requirements​.

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POSTDOCTORAL OPPORTUNITIES​​

​Postdoctoral Researcher: Rare Disease Genomics​

Host: Rare Disease Genomics in South Africa (RDGSA), Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University.

Value of Award: Competitive tax-free fellowship 

Duration: 2 years, renewable upon sufficient funding. The fellowship is tenable for 2 years with the possibility of a further extension, depending on available funding. Please note that postdoctoral fellows are not appointed as employees at SU and are therefore not eligible for employee benefits. Postdoctoral fellowships are also awarded tax-free. 

Summary: We are seeking an enthusiastic postdoctoral fellow to join our multidisciplinary team, to oversee and develop the BIOINFORMATICS arm of the Undiagnosed Disease Programme. The successful candidate will benefit from working in a young, dynamic and diverse research group with national and international collaborations and numerous opportunities for further training.​

Duties

Research
    • Analysis of NGS datasets (whole exome and genome)
    • Analytical method development specifically suited to NGS technologies
    • Data mining, analysis and interpretation
    • Construction and curation of databases and specific computational tools
    • Hypothesis generation for new scientific questions and research studies
    • Manuscript and grant writing​​
    Management 

    • Oversee the bioinformatics arm of the Rare Disease Genomics in South Africa: UDP project
    • Contribute to study design and implementation – including student projects
    • Development of key documents such as protocols, SOPs, etc​

    Teaching 

    • Training of students and other scientists 
    • Oversee reporting and interpretation of data

    Job requirements: 

    • ​PhD in Human Genetics, Bioinformatics or a related field, obtained within last 5 years
    • Experience with analysis of NGS datasets (exome and genome sequencing)
    • Proficiency in common scripting languages (Python, R, other)
    • Sequencing analysis and pipeline design
    • Experience in computational and statistical analysis of high-dimensional and multivariate data
    • Excellent organisational, planning and interpersonal skills
    • High level of accountability, integrity and a good understanding of confidentiality​

    Commencement of duties: March 2024 - negotiable 

    Application Details: To apply, please send the following to Professor Shahida Moosa at shahidamoosa@sun.ac.za 

    • Motivation for applying for this position 
    • Updated CV including publication list 
    • Proof of PhD qualification and copy of academic transcript 
    • Names and email addresses of two referees, who can be contacted immediately upon shortlisting ​

    Closing date: 29 February 2024

    Early applications are encouraged. We will stop looking when we find a suitable candidate. Candidates without the necessary skills will not be contacted. ​​

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    Postdoctoral Researcher: Reproductive Immunology

    Summary of Fellowship: You will also become part of a larger collaborative team along with the University of Toronto and Harvard University and you will be taking the lead in the scientific investigations at Stellenbosch University. The study is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Stellenbosch University is a major partner. RIRCA is housed in the newly built Biomedical Research Institute (BMRI) on the Tygerberg campus of Stellenbosch University and we have state-of-the-art laboratories.  The position is available for two years, with a possible extension, depending on progress and availability of funds.  Please note that postdoctoral fellows are not appointed as employees, and their fellowships are awarded tax-free. They are therefore not eligible for employee benefits. 

    Host: Prof. Clive Gray in the Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium in Africa (RIRCA), Division of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University

    Scope of Research: The innovative and award-winning Reproductive Immunology Research Consortium in Africa (RIRCA) is looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow to be part of a collaborative team that is investigating the impact of different antiretroviral (ARV) treatments on placenta architecture and immune networks. You will be investigating the pathology and deep phenotyping of the placenta and how this is related to adverse birth outcomes. You will use state-of-the-art spectral flow cytometry in combination with fluorescence imaging techniques to investigate how the immune cellular ecology of the placenta is potentially disrupted by HIV and ARV drugs. You will use two 30-colour flow panels to deep phenotype isolated lymphocytes and macrophages from the placenta which will determine whether innate lymphoid cells, T cells, NK cells and M1/M2 macrophage subsets are disrupted upon different ART regimens. Panels are in development and we are looking for a dynamic person who can take the project forward. You will learn from our expert team how the placenta is structurally organised, how to dissect it and how to isolate immune cells. ​For additional information on the project, please contact Professor Clive Gray at cgray@sun.ac.za 

    Requirements: Applicants must hold a PhD (preferably obtained within the last 5 years) in the field of immunology, host genetics or molecular biology. Suitable candidates should be well acquainted with multiparameter flow cytometry (spectral will be an advantage) and be somewhat familiar with data analysis in FlowJo and R. 

    How to apply: Applicants should include:

    • A covering letter explaining why you are interested in the position and what your most relevant qualifications are. 
    • A curriculum vitae that includes a list of publications and describes research projects and conference participation. 
    • Details of three contactable referees. ​

    Commencement of duties: As soon as possible

    Closing date: 28 February 2024

    Enquiries:  Applications should be sent by email to Dawne Johnson at dawnej@sun.ac.za. The successful applicant will be subject to University policies and procedures. 

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    ​STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES​​

    ​​No opportunities are currently available.​​