Postdoctoral Research Fellow (12 Month Fixed Term Contract - Fellowship - Wits health Consortium)

Main purpose of the job:

• To develop, optimize and validate bioinformatics tools and data management pipelines for pathogen sequencing from wastewater samples
• The project focuses on, sequencing, and characterizing pathogens such as measles, rubella, hepatitis A, hepatitis E, influenza A, influenza B, MTB, and Mpox from wastewater samples

• NICD, Sandringham

• Develop, implement, and maintain bioinformatics and statistical genomics tools for wastewater-based surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and vaccine-preventable disease pathogens
• Develop and manage data systems to integrate epidemiological data with wastewater testing results, including metadata, test results, and genomics information
• Analyse pathogen sequences detected in wastewater as part of ongoing genomic studies
• Lead and/or contribute to manuscript drafting for peer-reviewed publications, research reports, conferences, and grant applications

• PhD in Bioinformatics (awarded within the last five years)

• Proficiency in coding/scripting in major programming languages (e.g., Python, R, etc.)
• Experience with bioinformatics pipeline tools/workflow managers (e.g., Bash, Nextflow)
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Attention to detail and ability to work under pressure
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of data, and administration
• Flexibility and willingness to learn
• Taking ownership and accountability for tasks & activities
• Demonstrate effective self-management, ensuring that quality and productivity standards of own work are maintained
• Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback
• Must have time management, interpersonal, conflict resolution and emotional intelligence skills

• Only if you mee t the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV and a cover letter (maximum one page) that clearly states which vacancy you are applying for
• Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate, and to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions
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• However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position
• 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
• Closing date: 02 October 2026
• Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date

• WHC, in accordance with its 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
• AJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position