Job Description

AHRI is always looking for talented and motivated staff to join our multidisciplinary team. We offer a highly diverse, professional and supportive environment with opportunities for development and growth.Description:Overview of Duties:The Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) is recruiting a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) to join an interdisciplinary team of experts specializing in flow cytometry, imaging, spatial transcriptomics, immune profiling, and various molecular biology techniques. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art technologies and contribute to innovative research in immunology, particularly in the context of HIV and HPV co-infection. The project the successful candidate will be working on seeks to define the spatial transcriptomic architecture of the cervical tissue immune microenvironment during HIV and HPV co-infection and to identify local immune responses that contribute to rapid HPV clearance.BackgroundThe global incidence of cancer has risen significantly in recent years, with a disproportionate burden observed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In 2020, an estimated 18.1 million cancer cases were diagnosed worldwide, with 9.3 million in men and 8.8 million in women. According to the World Health Organization, Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer in women, accounting for around 660,000 new cases and 350,000 deaths in 2022. The incidence and mortality rates are significantly higher in LMICs. A major contributor to cervical cancer is infection with high-risk strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), and co-infection with HIV has been shown to increase the risk of HPV infection. While most HPV infections are latent and are cleared by the body's immune system, co-infection with HIV impairs the immune response, making it more difficult for the body to clear the HPV infection. This can ultimately lead to cervical cancer. However, the precise mechanisms through which HIV and HPV interact to exacerbate prognosis are not yet fully understood. Given the high prevalence of HIV/HPV co-infection in many LMICs and its association with poorer health outcomes, there is an urgent need for further research in this area.Minimum Required Qualifications

• PhD in Microbiology, Immunology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.

Minimum Required Experience

• Proficiency in immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or immunofluorescence for tissue analysis.
• Hands-on experience with flow cytometry for immune profiling, including the analysis of T-cell subsets, cytokine production, and other immune markers.
• Knowledge of molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qPCR, RNA/DNA/protein extraction and DNA Sequencing.
• Expertise in Bioinformatics is desirable.
• Established track record of publications in high-impact, peer review journals.
• Established track record in writing research grants.

Advantageous

• A strong background in HIV or HPV biology, including understanding the mechanisms of these viral infections, immune responses, and pathogenesis will be highly advantageous.

How to Apply:Please complete an application form by clicking on the Apply link above. You are expected to attach a cover letter, 1xe2x80x932-page CV and academic records.The salary for this position depends on previous experience and follows AHRIxe2x80x99s official scheme and NRF grades and will be exempt from tax deductions due to the tax-exempt status for postgraduates.Should you have any enquiries about the position, please email with the subject line: Project title: Defining the Spatial Transcriptomic Architecture of the Cervical Tissue Immune Microenvironment during HIV and HPV Co-infection.Worker Type: Contingent WorkerSkills:The application closing date: 1 Apr 2025Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, kindly consider your application as unsuccessful if you do not hear from us within 14 days of the application closing date.AHRI is a values-driven organisation. As an employer we are committed to staff engagement and development. Our culture is one of high performance and partnership.Our values
The successful candidate will be expected to live by AHRIxe2x80x99s values, including collaboration, ubuntu, leadership, innovation, transformation, and excellence.Employment equity
AHRI is fully compliant with South African labour law and is committed to employment equity. This position is primarily open to South African or other African applicants, with a valid work permit desirable. AHRI reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date to facilitate further searches. Furthermore, AHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Africa Health Research Institute