Job Description

Roche Research Chair for Precision Medicine and Genomics in Africa


Fixed-term, 5 year position.


The SBIMB is a vibrant Research Institute, celebrating its 10th anniversary in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). It provides a world-class research environment, enabling leading scientific and clinical researchers to undertake innovative biomedical research, aimed at tackling some of the most pressing health issues in Africa, while training the next generation of African scientists. The SBIMB's research includes human genomics, population genetics, complex disease genetic epidemiology, bioinformatics, biomedical informatics, computational and structural biology, and pharmacogenomics.


This new Roche Research Chair for Precision Medicine and Genomics in Africa is an opportunity for an energetic mid-career investigator to advance their career as an international leader in the fields of precision medicine and genomics research, with a focus on Africa. The SBIMB is a central hub for human genomics and bioinformatics on the continent, facilitating the training of early career researchers, including post-doctoral fellows and postgraduate students.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The applicant needs to demonstrate a high level of internationally recognized original scientific contributions, leadership qualities, and experience in grant funding and capacity development. They will join a dynamic team of senior scientists at the SBIMB covering a multitude of subspecialist interests.

The primary duties will include:

Engage in research activities and oversee postgraduate students at both the Master's and Doctoral levels. Lead research initiatives in precision medicine and genomics in Africa independently. Create and sustain a robust portfolio of research published in peer-reviewed journals. Establish and nurture collaborative research efforts at both national and international levels. Build networks with industry and research institutions. Participate in community engagement, translational research, and support the advance of precision medicine and genomics research in Africa.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Academic credentials: A PhD in human genetics, genomics, biostatistics, genetic epidemiology, bioinformatics or related discipline, or an equivalent qualification. Expertise in Precision Medicine, Genomics, or a related area. Demonstrated and consistent research contributions published in peer-reviewed journals. A solid record of obtaining external research funding. Ability to independently lead research projects. A history of successfully supervising Doctoral candidates to completion. Established experience in national and international collaborative efforts. Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication abilities.

Competencies and Behavioural Attributes

An individual who excels in collaborative environments, demonstrating a strong commitment to student development and research initiatives. Possesses effective problem-solving skills and the capacity to operate autonomously. Exhibits resilience and a high level of enthusiasm.

For promotion criteria click here Promotion Criteria.pdf

Further information

For further information, please contact

Professor Michele Ramsay

(Director of the SBIMB) michele.ramsay@wits.ac.za


Deadline for Application:

30th November 2025

.



Detailed Description

Job Requirements

Additional Details

How To Apply

The application must be submitted via i-Recruitment https://irec.wits.ac.za in English and include the following documents:


A letter outlining the applicant's motivation for pursuing this position, highlighting relevant experience as a leader, scholar, researcher, teacher/communicator and manager (maximum of 3 pages). A comprehensive curriculum vitae that includes education, work experience, publications (categorized by original research and followed by other types), postgraduate supervision and mentorship, collaborations, and grant funding success (as PI, co-PI or collaborator). A vision for a 5-year research plan (maximum of 5 pages). Academic certificates. A PDF with a maximum of 10 key publications over the past 8 years for assessment purposes.

Only applications via the website will be considered for shortlisting. An interview will form part of the selection process.

NB: The University will seek confidential referee reports for all shortlisted candidates. At least one referee must be the candidate's current or most recent immediate supervisor or line manager.

Please note: No appointment will be made without the receipt and satisfactory consideration of the required referee reports.


By applying for this post the Applicant acknowledges that their personal information will be processed by the University. The Applicant, by their conduct in proceeding with an application for this position, gives their consent to the processing of their personal information as required by the University's Recruitment, Selection and Appointment Policy. Such processing includes logging their information on the University's recruitment systems, conducting necessary background and reference checks including disciplinary and/or criminal records, and disclosing their personal information to university employees identified to take part in the selection and recruitment process. The Applicant consents to any processing of their personal information as may be required. The confidentiality of the Applicant's personal information will be maintained.

The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates.

Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.





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