Medical Scientist (in Virology, UFS Next Generation Sequencing Unit) (Post Level 8) (Job ID: 6097) needed at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities

• Maintain a robust workflow for genomic sequencing of enteric and respiratory viruses using the lllumina platforms and Oxford Nanopore Technologies.
• Perform data analyses and report generation of whole genome and metagenomic sequencing of viral pathogens.
• Ability to understand and troubleshoot NGS-related activities to produce intelligible and interpretable data.
• Continuous improvement of NGS workflows, including library generation, sequencing using lllumina MiSeq, NextSeq2000 platforms, Oxford Nanopore Technology, and library QC and bioinformatic analyses.
• Development of innovative solutions for sequencing and molecular biology challenges.
• Identify relevant bioinformatic tools and develop optimal bioinformatic workflows for data analyses.
• Closely collaborate and promptly communicate with stakeholders and cross-functional teammates, actively contributing to the discovery of the next generation of biologics drugs and the development of new platform technologies.
• Train and mentor students and junior scientific staff on relevant workflows and data analyses.
• Present data at team meetings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Generate, organise, and maintain meticulous records on all conducted experiments using Electronic Lab Notebook and generate SOPs.
• Applies scientific and/or technical skills and functional knowledge to conduct experiments/research/ studies in assigned areas.

Inherent Job Requirements:

• A PhD in Virology on NQF Level 10.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in an academic setting focused on relevant activities around Next Generation Sequencing.
• Significant experience in conducting research on whole genome and metagenomic characterization of enteric and respiratory viruses, with a track record.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ hands-on experience preparing sequencing libraries on automated liquid handlers (preferably Hamilton NGS Star and Perkin Elmer Zypher automated workstations).
• Experience in generating sequencing data on the lllumina MiSeq, lllumina NextSeq 2000, and Oxford Nanopore platforms.
• A proven research record of relevant publications in national and international accredited journals in the field of virology.  

Recommendations:

• Minimum of three publications as first author and at least 10 as co-author.
• Strong foundation in molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, DNA and RNA purification and quantification, PCR, RT-PCR.
• Familiarity with bioinformatics data analysis.
• A proven record of local and international conference presentations
• Experience with handling clients genomic service request, data compilation and report.
• Experience in formal supervision of postgraduate students.