Postdoctoral Research Fellowship


We invite you to join our center of excellence. If you hold a PhD in Bioinformatics, Data Science, Microbiology/Virology, and have a passion for research in metagenomics and meta-transcriptomics within a One Health framework, this is your opportunity! Be part of a pioneering team and contribute to groundbreaking global science. Apply by December 1, 2024, and start your innovative journey in 2025.

Stellenbosch University (SU) is deeply committed to advancing knowledge, research, and innovation to serve society. As a world-class learning and development institution, SU promotes globally relevant research while contributing to the upliftment and transformation of local communities. The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at SU invites applications from ambitious post-doctoral scientists to undertake research in the field of metagenomics and meta-transcriptomics.

This fellowship will focus on studies drawing from different sample types (e.g. human, animal and environmental), to understand microbiomes within a One Health framework. The primary research of applicants should be focused on bioinformatic methods used in the analysis of metagenomic or meta-transcriptomic data. However, any relevant experience in field and wet laboratory work, will be viewed favourably.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the implementation of metagenomic and viral meta-transcriptomic techniques at CERI including the sampling, processing, and analysis of a diverse range of specimen types.
  • Integrate results with various clinical, demographic, geographic or environmental data sources to yield insights into the viral or bacterial microbiome of specimens.
  • Conduct research under the guise of the One Health principle.
  • Contribute to the advancement of bioinformatics, and software engineering through innovative methodologies or pipelines.
  • Publish high-quality research and demonstrate expertise in integrative data analyses.

Minimum requirements for the Postdoctoral research fellowship:

  • PhD in Bioinformatics, Data Science, Microbiology/Virology or a closely related quantitative field.
  • A proven track record publishing papers in high-quality journals as one of the lead authors.
  • Proficiency in bioinformatic programming: e.g. R, Python, Bash, NextFlow and version control.
  • Strong track record in the bioinformatic workflows for metagenomic and meta-transcriptomic NGA data.
  • Demonstrate strong data science and data visualization skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to supervise and mentor students and fellow staff members.
  • Knowledge of different sample types and how they should be collected, stored, processed and analysed.

How to apply:

  • Deadline for applications: 1 December 2024
  • Click here to apply. Or visit https://t.ly/P4Y_L
  • For more information, contact Dr. Eduan Wilkinson, Head of Bioinformatics unit at CERI (ewilkinson@sun.ac.za)
  • Start date is January 2025 but can be flexible based on candidate needs.

News date: 2024-11-07

Links:

https://krisp.org.za/manuscripts/Bioinformatics_postdoc_advert_2024_November.pdf


KRISP has been created by the coordinated effort of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the South African Medical Research Countil (SAMRC).


Location: K-RITH Tower Building
Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, UKZN
719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa.
Director: Prof. Tulio de Oliveira