Medical Scientist (in Virology, UFS Next Generation Sequencing Unit) (Post Level 8) (Job ID: 6097)

University of the Free State

Bloemfontein

ZAR 300 000 - 700 000

Job description

Job title : Medical Scientist (in Virology, UFS Next Generation Sequencing Unit) (Post Level 8) (Job ID: 6097)

Job Location : Free State, Bloemfontein
Deadline : April 28, 2025

Duties And Responsibilities

Maintain a robust workflow for genomic sequencing of enteric and respiratory viruses using the Illumina 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 Illumina 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 Illumina MiSeq, Illumina 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.