Bioinformaticist (12 Months Contract) Wits NICD

Main purpose of the job:

• To conduct research relevant to the COVID-19 environmental surveillance, particularly detection of genetic variants, and mutational analysis of SARS-CoV-2

Location:

• NICD - Sandringham

Key performance areas:

• Analyze and report data, in particular, related to bioinformatics analysis of SARS-CoV-2 lineages and variants, and mutational analysis
• Perform basic and advanced analysis and interpretation on data produced from next-generation sequencing systems
• Develop appropriate tools and pipelines and improve existing tools in order to optimize and enhance the provision of surveillance services
• Work closely with researchers and collaborators to generate/provide data analysis reports, project reports and perform custom analysis as requested
• Troubleshoot problems encountered during sequence analysis
• Contribute to the formal teaching and assessment of students and interns to ensure that their knowledge and understanding of bioinformatics meet academic/degree requirements
• Train students, registrars, and technical staff in bioinformatics skills when necessary
• Perform total quality management of the research laboratory to ensure accurate and reliable results
• Responsible for overseeing and monitoring software tools and data resources

Required minimum education and training:

• Master’s in bioinformatics or related relevant field/PhD desirable
• One years’ experience with Next-generation sequencing data analysis

Required minimum work experience:

• Minimum 1-year working experience as a Bioinformaticist

Desirable additional education, work experience, and personal abilities:

• Strong bioinformatics analysis and scripting experience including proficiency with a scripting language (e.g., Python, Java, Perl)
• Must have experience in using statistical programs such as STATA, R, relevant sequence analysis tools/best practices, and working in a Linux/UNIX environment
• Knowledge of PCR and its related techniques
• The successful incumbent must also have experience in:
  • Project leadership
  • Peer-reviewed articles or conference outputs
  • Training and co-supervision of staff, intern’s scientists, technologists, and students including involvement in the development of training programs or other tools
  • Good Laboratory Practice and Quality Assurance experience beneficial
  • Research methodology
  • Scientific writing and presentation skills and experience
  • Data management, analysis, and interpretation skills

TO APPLY:

• Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.
• Please Apply Online and complete your registration on Ditto Hire (our application tracking system) to enable and protect you as a candidate to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions. This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL. However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market.
• AJ Personnel is fully POPIA Compliant.
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.
• The closing date for all applications: 17 January 2022.
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates.
• Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful.
• Note WHC, in accordance with their Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.

Please note:

• AJ Personnel is only responsible for the advertising of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.