Hearing Impairment Genetics Study in Africa (HIGeneS Africa) 2019 Postdoctoral Research Fellowship – University of Cape Town

The Division of Human Genetics invites highly motivated individuals to apply for a Genetics Postdoctoral Research Fellowship to be part of a multidisciplinary team of experts as part of the Hearing Impairment Genetics Study in Africa (HIGeneS Africa) project under the directorship of Prof Ambroise Wonkam.

Application Deadline: 26th November 2018

Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African countries

To be taken at (country): University of Cape Town, South Africa

About the Award: The HIGENES Africa project aims to use Whole genome sequencing (WES), bio-informatic analysis and functional studies to study the largest sample of sub-Saharan Africans from Cameroon, Mali, Ghana, Sudan, Rwanda and South Africa with prelingual autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing impairment
(ARNSHI), to identify novel and relevant NSHI genes in African populations.

The successful applicants will perform research using Whole Exome Sequencing as part of a multidisciplinary team; assist with laboratory and sample management; to conduct research; publication writing; assist with patient recruitment; assist with community and public engagement; to contribute to departmental administration and to supervise postgraduate students.

Type: Fellowship (Academics), Postdoctoral

Eligibility:

• A PhD degree (achieved within 2 years of this application) in an area of Human Genetics, Molecular/Cell Biology or Bioinformatics.
• Proficient in standard molecular biology techniques (e.g. cloning, site-directed mutagenesis, and fragment analysis, DNA and RNA isolation, quantitative Real Time PCR, RNA interference), and immunoblotting), common cell biology techniques (e.g. immunofluorescence). Experience in sequence library preparation (e.g., using the Illumina NextSeq™ 500)
• Experience in basic statics like R, SPSS and STATA
• Previous experience in LIMS and quality control

The following would be advantageous:

• Evidence of a publication record
• Bioinformatics skill set needed to process raw FASTQ files

Number of Awards: Not specified

Value of Award: The fellowship is valued at R300 000 per annum.

• The appointee will be responsible for experimental design, data analyses, and manuscript preparation, standard operating procedures and have a research trajectory that includes competitive applications for collaborative funding to support their research focus. Further
• applicants may not have held any prior professional or academic posts;
• successful applicants will be required to comply with the university’s policies and practices for the postdoctoral sector;
• the fellowships do not include any benefits or allowances, and
• the successful candidate will be required to register as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at UCT from 1 January 2019.

Duration of Programme: 1 year. The fellowship may be renewed for a second year depending on satisfactory progress and mutual agreement.

How to Apply: Please email applications to Dr Carmen de Kock (carmen.dekock@uct.ac.za)

The following documents are required:

• a letter of application in which the candidate’s research interests are outlined;
• a Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications;
• certified copies of all academic transcripts (no certificates);and
• the names and contact details of two academic referees who have taught/supervisedthe applicant.

Visit Programme Webpage for Details