Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of the Witwatersrand. The Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates. Candidates who have not been contacted within two wee ks of the closing date can consider their applications unsuccessful. Key performance areas • 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. Required minimum education and training. PhD in Bioinformatics (awarded within the last five years). Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities • 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. Should you be interested in applying for this vacancy, please send an email to Vacancies32@witshealth.co.za .The subject heading of the email must read Postdoctoral Research Fellow:01. Please include the following documentation: − A detailed CV VACANCY Job title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow (12 Months Fellowship) Division Wastewater Genomics Type: Permanent ☐ Fixed Term ☒ Temporary ☐ 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 Location: NICD, Sandringham Closing date: 02 October 2026 Submit detailed CV to: Vacancies32@witshealth.co.za Advert reference number: Postdoctoral Research Fellow:01 In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.