Job Description

Main purpose of the job:

• To promote, build expertise, and provide bioinformatics solutions to users at the Centre for Enteric Diseases at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD)

Location:

• NICD, Sandringham - Johannesburg

Key performance areas:

• Perform analysis and interpretation of bacterial genome sequence data produced from next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms (including Illumina, ONT, and PacBio)
• Develop, improve, modify, and operate data analysis pipelines
• Conduct and initiate research in the area of NGS data analysis
• Monitor and manage bioinformatics requests or projects to ensure objectives are achieved in terms of turnaround times, cost control, quality, and service
• Training staff on bioinformatics skills and building confidence amongst users to analyze and understand their data resulting in improved and effective research outcomes
• Assist with data quality management at the NICD Sequencing Core Facility which involves the implementation and monitoring of systems to ensure accurate and reliable results
• Assist with the maintenance of hardware and software infrastructure at the NICD Sequencing Core Facility
• Establish strong collaborative links with experts in the area of bioinformatics of bacterial genomes

Required minimum education and training:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours)/Master of Science in Bioinformatics or related relevant field

Required minimum work experience:

• Minimum of 2 years (post-university qualification) experience working as a Bioinformaticist

Desirable additional education, work experience, and personal abilities:

• Experience working as a bioinformatician in the analysis of genome sequence data would be advantageous
• Understanding bacterial genome sequence data analysis will be an advantage
• Experience in molecular biology or microbiology and analyzing bacterial genome sequence data would be advantageous
• Must have experience with relevant genome sequence analysis tools and best practices.
• Experience working in a Linux/UNIX environment
• Proficiency in scripting languages e.g. Python, Java, and Perl
• TCP/IP knowledge would be advantageous
• Should be able to formulate and implement high-level bioinformatics solutions
• Should be innovative, possess problem-solving skills, be a team player, and be willing to interact with a team of laboratory scientists, microbiologists, and epidemiologists

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.
• 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: 30 April 2024.
• Note AJ Personnel is fully POPI compliant.
• 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.
• 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.
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.

AJ Personnel