Our research team at the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), Faculty of Health Sciences, Parktown, Johannesburg, studies African genomic diversity to explore links between the genotype and phenotype, evolutionary history and applications to the broad areas of pharmacogenomics and precision medicine. We have large datasets and study cohorts, and an extensive network of collaborators to support our research. Understanding the interactions between genome structure and environmental influences is essential to interpreting their role in human health and susceptibility to disease. Despite rapid increases in infectious and non-communicable diseases on the African continent, there is a dearth of genomic studies on African populations. Therefore, you will be contributing to research that will ultimately benefit the people of Africa.

We are recruiting for PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, to pursue research projects in 2020. Our students register through an appropriate Department/Division at Wits, and are supervised by researchers affiliated with the SBIMB, where the research will be performed.

Full-time doctoral studies and post-doctoral bursaries are available for a combination of the following research areas; Genome-Wide Association studies in African cohorts; Fine mapping an in silico functional analysis; Development of computational tools; Genetic epidemiology of cardiometabolic traits and Population Structure; Demographic history and signatures of selection in Africa; Pharmacogenomics/Pharmacokinetics modelling and simulations.

Minimum requirements:

• An appropriate Master’s or PhD degree, obtained within the last 5 years.
• Previous research experience in human genetics, molecular biology, epidemiology, bioinformatics/genomics techniques, biochemistry, pharmacy/pharmacology, biostatistics, mathematics, modelling as well as an ability to work with large data sets is advantageous.

Doctoral and Post-doctoral support is provided for three and two years respectively, and is subject to an annual progress report, and availability of funding. Candidates who already have their own funding but just need a project and supervisor are welcome to apply.

Submitting your application:

Please email your application through as follows:

• Your CV (maximum of 4 pages)
• A cover letter (maximum of 2 pages) indicating how your knowledge and skills would align with the research topic, and what your expectations are should you be successful.
• Contact details for three academic referees

Please make the subject of the email:

APPLICATION- Doctoral/Post-doctoral-YourSurname

Email your application through to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Deadline: 31 March 2020, though applications will also be considered beyond this if suitable candidates have not been identified.

You may contact 011 717 6631 for further information.

The grant-holder reserves the right not to make a nomination if suitable candidates are not identified