BIOINFORMATICS SPECIALIST
Biosciences
eastern and central Africa (BECA) is seeking to recruit a highly motivated
bioinformatics specialist who will be based at the newly established BECA
hub on the Nairobi campus of the International Livestock Research Institute
(ILRI), Kenya. BECA is part of a network of world-class research facilities
being hosted by leading science centers across Africa.
The network is endorsed by the New Partnership for Africa’s
Development (NEPAD), and has a mandate to support high quality science that
has relevance to enhancing sustainable development, performed by scientists
in the region. A joint bioinformatics platform has been established with
ILRI in Nairobi to support BECA activities.
BECA and ILRI now seek to recruit a bioinformatics specialist in a
support and training role for the bioinformatics platform.
In this support and
training role specific duties could include:
-
Analysis of genome
and expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences, through interrogation of
databases using whole genome BLAST and FASTA
-
Comparative Genome
analyses using Artemis Comparison Tool, MUMMER, and other software
-
Development of
relational databases and web interfaces for existing genome and EST data
-
Assembly and
clustering of raw sequence data
-
Analysis of data
generated from functional genomics platforms, including microarray and
proteomics
-
Contribution to
bioinformatics training courses
Interaction
with systems administrators in other institutions to develop connections
between the BECA bioinformatics platform at the BECA hub and the regional
nodes, in order to establish the nucleus of a bioinformatics network in the
region.
The
bioinformatics platform includes a 66 CPU High Performance Cluster (HPC)
that also incorporates a Gene Matcher 2 System that runs dynamic programming
algorithms. A microarray platform has also been implemented with plans to
upgrade this in the medium term as the technology develops. The role of the
successful candidate will be to provide bioinformatics support for research
projects led by universities and other research institutes in eastern and
central Africa that will utilise technologies available through the BECA
platform.
The
initial focus of the research projects will be on crop genomics applied to
development of varieties with increased resistance to biotic and abiotic
stress that are better adapted to local conditions. Other research may also
include: development of novel livestock vaccines and diagnostics;
application of genomics for improved livestock genetic resource management;
environmental genomics in relation to enhancing sustainable land use;
development of novel pharmaceutical and industrial enzymes; and exploitation
of sequence data for improved control of arthropod disease vectors.
Qualifications
and Skills
Candidates
should be in possession of at least an MSc degree in bioinformatics.
Programming skills including Java, Perl, SQL, PHP, XML and HTML and
familiarity with the Unix operating system (BioLinux) are essential.
Candidates with experience of the application of bioinformatics tools,
including microarray data analysis software and databases, will have a
distinct advantage.
Terms of Employment
The position will be based on the Nairobi
campus of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Kenya.
ILRI is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are particularly
encouraged to apply. There will
be a requirement to travel to other locations in the eastern and central
Africa region. The salary package will be at a competitive rate,
commensurate with experience. The initial appointment period will be for one
year, with the possibility of renewal subject to performance.
Application Process
Applications should be submitted to the
BECA Secretariat, ILRI Campus, Nairobi, Kenya, before the 30th
December 2004 closing date. They
should include a covering letter, a detailed CV, and the names and addresses
(including phone, fax, e-mail) of three or more professional referees. They
should be marked confidential and sent by e-mail to the following email
addresses:
This position is open to suitably
qualified African nationals, and women are particularly encouraged to apply.
This project is supported by the
Government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
and its Canada Fund for Africa (CFA). This
support is gratefully acknowledged.
The
Doyle Foundation