The Management of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) wishes to invite suitable qualified individuals, who are able to work full time in a dynamic academic environment to apply for two (2) positionsat the SACIDS Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases of Humans and Animals in Eastern and Southern Africa (SACIDS-ACE), an initiative of the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the World Bank.
 

1. POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW IN BIOINFORMATICS (1 POST)

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Possession of PhD in Bioinformatics/Computational Biology or equivalent qualifications from a recognized University.
• Ability to independently conduct next-generation sequencing using whole genome sequencing platforms, such as Oxford nanopore sequencing, 454 pyrosequencing, Illumina sequencing, Ion Torrent semiconductor sequencing and/or PacBio sequencing.
• At least two publications in reputable journals relating to whole genome sequencing of viruses and other pathogens and/or vectors, including antimicrobial resistance.
• Ability to perform genome assembly and bioinformatics of viruses and other pathogens and/or vectors, including antimicrobial resistance.
• Good communicator (orally and written, in English) with strong interpersonal skills and leadership qualities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Undertake one health-driven genomic epidemiology and/or host-pathogen interaction, including antimicrobial resistance. Provide genomic expertise to other SACIDS groups working on specific disease research theme.
• Conduct complete genome sequencing of human and animal viruses, and other pathogens and/or vectors, including antimicrobial resistance using next-generation sequencing platforms.
• Conduct the genomic epidemiology of human and animal viruses, and other pathogens and/or vectors, including antimicrobial resistance.
• Conduct metagenomic sequencing of pathogens in human and animal samples in order to understand co-morbidity patterns of the disease, and broader surveillance of outbreaks in a population.
• Support partner institutions of the SACIDS Foundation for One Health to commission the use of next-generation sequencing platforms and bioinformatics.
• Train SACIDS partner institutions staff in the use of next-generation sequencing platforms.
• Performing any other related duties as assigned by the Leader of the SACIDS Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases.
• Report to the SACIDS-ACE Leader.

AGE: Not above 45 years at the time of application.

DURATION: Two year contract, renewable depending on availability of funds.

DUTY STATION: SACIDS Foundation for One Health at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro, Tanzania.

The applicant will have opportunity to interact with other relevant units at SUA and within Tanzania, and to interact with regional SACIDS partner institutions in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique and Zambia.

SALARY: An attractive salary based on SUA salary scales with adjustment as offered by SACIDS-ACE.
 

2. CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST (1 POST)

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE:

• Possession of Master of Philosophy (MPhil)/Master of Science by Research (MRes) or equivalent qualifications from a recognized University.
• At least two year experience with working in multidisciplinary research laboratory dealing with the isolation and characterization of pathogens.
• Experience with supervision of postgraduate student’s molecular biology, microbiology and/or virological research.
• Ability to initiate work independently and be able to work as part of a team.
• Good communicator (orally and written, both English and Swahili) with strong interpersonal skills and leadership qualities.
• Computer literate, with experience in writing reports and use of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power Point and Photo editing software such as Picasa or Adobe Photoshop.

Familiarity with COVID-19 diagnosis using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction will be an added advantage.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist SACIDS postgraduate students and postgraduate research fellows in conducting their research, including but not limited to, nucleic acid extraction, nucleic acid amplification, PCR products electrophoresis, DNA sequencing and virus isolation in cell cultures.
• Maintain continuous cell cultures and prepare primary cells for use in virus isolation, viral passages, virus neutralization tests and immunoperoxidase monolayer assay.
• Maintain an electronic inventory of all samples in the laboratory using available computer software.
• Maintain a ledger of all reagents and supplies in the laboratory using available ledger books linked to an electronic database.
• Develop and ensure adherence to standard operating procedures in the laboratory.
• Ensure that all equipment are in good working condition including daily charting of refrigerators, freezers and ultralow freezers, and recording daily use of equipment.
• Performing any other related duties as assigned by the Leader of the SACIDS Africa Centre of Excellence for Infectious Diseases.
• Report to the SACIDS-ACE Leader.

AGE:    Not above 40 years at the time of application.

DURATION: Two year contract, renewable depending on availability of funds.

DUTY STATION: SACIDS Foundation for One Health at Sokoine University of Agriculture in Morogoro, Tanzania.

SALARY: An attractive salary based on SUA salary scales with adjustment as offered by SACIDS-ACE.
 

NOTE:

All applications should be addressed to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration and Finance), Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3000, Chuo Kikuu, Morogoro within 14 days from the date of this advertisement (23.5.2020).

HOW TO APPLY:
The application letters (hand written in English) should indicate names and addresses of two (2) Referees with their reliable contacts, together with certified copies of academic certificates, academic transcripts and all credentials i.e. Form IV, Form VI, University, Birth Certificate, Curriculum Vitae and other testimonials like the National/Citizenship Identification Card.