The Human Genetic division is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to join the Deciphering Developmental Disorders in Africa (DDD-Africa) project. Developmental disorders are severe, chronic disabilities attributable to mental and/or physical impairment, which occur during childhood and are likely to continue indefinitely. The genetic aetiology of developmental disorders is complex and therefore traditional diagnostic tests have a low success yield. Our aim is to assess the utility of new genomic sequencing technologies as potential diagnostic tools for developmental disorders. The fellow will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic, multidisciplinary group of researchers based in the Wits/NHLS Division of Human Genetics, Johannesburg. They will be expected to lead bioinformatics analyses and oversee data storage for the DDD-Africa project. They will work closely with core
project members and students to refine analytical approaches. A good understanding of human genetics is beneficial.
The successful candidate will be expected to assist in the design, implementation, and execution of standard and custom pipelines for routine genomic sequencing data analyses. Perform robust data quality control and validation. Work closely with bench scientists to understand and help accomplish their research goals. Contribute to the writing and submission of journal manuscripts. Solve problems collaboratively as well as independently.
Work well within a team. Be able to prioritize and shift focus to other tasks when required. Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Have good time management skills, and the ability to work to deadlines The position will be based at the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), Braamfontein.
Requirements
PhD in bioinformatics or a related field.
Experience in the analysis of next-generation sequencing data.
Proficiency in common scripting languages and analysis packages (e.g. Python, R).
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Active publication record, published in peer-reviewed journals
Should you be interested in applying for this vacancy, please forward the following to Sibusisiwe Ntuli at sntuli@witshealth.co.za cover letter outlining your interest in and suitability for the position, detailed CV including contact details; an example of written work or publication on which you are the first author, certified copies of degrees/diplomas; certified copies of ID or passport and visa/permit ( if the applicant is a foreign national); names and contact details of three referees.
The closing date for all applications is 25 February 2020