Title: Recruiting trainees in malaria genomics at the IDRC/CPHL for IMMRSE-U project: “Implementing Malaria MoleculaR SurveillancE in Uganda

Short description:
Recruiting trainees for a full-time fellowship in malaria genomic epidemiology with a focus on genomic laboratory work, bioinformatic & computational analysis and translation to public health decision making.
Full description:
We are seeking to hire highly motivated and independent post-doctoral scholars, master’s students, and research scientists to join the IMMRSE-U malaria genomics project, a collaboration between the Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration (IDRC) and National Malaria Control Division (NMCD) in Uganda and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in the United States along with other local and regional partners. The goals of the IMMRSE-U project are to develop malaria genomic capacity in Uganda by setting up a genomics laboratory at Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL), implementing genomic surveillance at 30 health facilities across Uganda and integrating genomic surveillance into NMCD decision making. The fellowship aims to facilitate the next generation of malaria genomic epidemiologists in Uganda. Projects involve development of analysis pipelines for malaria genomics and mathematical/statistical models to analyze complex datasets to answer questions regarding transmission and molecular epidemiology, control strategies and public health decision making. Some projects also involve generating laboratory data (genomics), so postdoctoral candidates with relevant laboratory backgrounds are also encouraged to apply.
Trainees will be supervised by faculty members at Makerere University, IDRC and UCSF. Additional collaboration and mentorship is available through the National Malaria Control Division and ACE Bioinformatics Center at Makerere. Trainees will be hired for a period of 2-3 years. Position includes support for travel to San Francisco and/or to sites in Africa as appropriate for training as well as funds to travel to conferences.

Example projects/research areas include:
• Studying spatial and temporal trends in malaria transmission across Uganda using genomics.
• Developing/improving analytical pipelines for malaria genomics using data from novel multiplexed amplicon NGS assays
• Characterizing the spread of antimalarial drug resistance and/or diagnostic resistance in Uganda
• Helping to design a platform for dissemination of results to NMCD
Candidates interested in working on computational infectious disease research with a strong quantitative background are highly encouraged to apply.

Criteria for Selection:
1. At least a Master’s level and preferably a PhD in computational biology, bioinformatics, epidemiology, statistics, math, computer science, public health, molecular biology, or related field. Candidates with a combination of data analysis and laboratory backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.
Commitment to malaria control activities and capacity to apply acquired knowledge to malaria control.
3. Capacity to enhance research and public health activities with the Ministry of Health, Makerere University, IDRC and other institutions or programs in Uganda.
4. Strong quantitative skills and experience in analyzing data such as statistical modeling, data visualization, dynamic modeling, decision science, simulation and biostatistics.
5. High proficiency working with computers.
6. Proven ability to work independently and execute research projects with minimal supervision.
7. Ability to work well as part of a team.
8. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred:
Programming skills in at least one of the following languages: R or Python. Demonstrated interest in research on malaria.