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Training Opportunity: Genomics & Bioinformatics,15-26 July 2024, CERI, South Africa


The Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), based at Stellenbosch University, and the KwaZulu Research and Innovation Sequencing Platform, based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, are offering 15 short-term fellowships for training in genomics and bioinformatics. The 2-week fellowship will cover travel, accommodation, meals, and ground transfers in South Africa.

Who Should Apply:

Individuals from national institutes of health and academic organizations in Africa, as well as individuals from Historically Disadvantaged Institutes (HDI) and other research organizations, who are eager to develop their skills in wet-lab genomic data production, bioinformatics, phylogenetic data analysis, and epidemiology are encouraged to apply.

Fellowships are available to:

• Laboratory Technologists

• Post-graduate students

• Post-doctoral Research Fellows

• Bioinformaticians

• Clinical Infectious Diseases Specialists

• Public Health Officials

• Senior Scientists

Application Process: Click Here to apply for the fellowship, or use this link https://t.ly/1o7cc

For any queries, please contact Dr. Cheryl Baxter at cbaxter@sun.ac.za.


FAQs

  1. Where will the training be taking place? This is an in-person training that will take place at the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) based at the Biomedical Research Institute, Tygerberg Campus, Stellenbosch University.

  2. Will the training be virtual? No, this is a hands-on, in-person training.

  3. Who is eligible for the training? Individuals from national institutes of health and academic organizations in Africa, as well as individuals from Historically Disadvantaged Institutes (HDI) and other research organizations, who are eager to develop their skills in wet-lab genomic data production, bioinformatics, phylogenetic data analysis, and epidemiology are encouraged to apply.

  4. Fellowships are available to:
    • Laboratory Technologists
    • Post-graduate students
    • Post-doctoral Research Fellows
    • Bioinformaticians
    • Clinical Infectious Diseases Specialists
    • Public Health Officials
    • Senior Scientists

  5. Is the training only for African candidates? No, individuals from any country can apply. However, candidates from Africa and those from historically disadvantaged institutes will be prioritised for some of the available positions.

  6. Who is funding the training? Personnel from the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI), based at Stellenbosch University, and the KwaZulu Research and Innovation Sequencing Platform, based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa will be conducting the training. The fellowships for this training are supported by the GIZ commissioned by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.

  7. How do I submit my application? Please use this link to the google form to submit your application.

  8. Are there any costs involved in the training? The fellowship will cover return airfare, accommodation, meals, and ground transfers in South Africa. Please note that VISA fees are not included in this fellowship. However, should you require a VISA, we will provide the necessary letter of invitation.

  9. Who should the letter of support be addressed to? Prof Tulio de Oliveira Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation Stellenbosch University Cape Town, South Africa

  10. Who needs to sign the letter from the home institution? The letter of support from the home institution should be written by your supervisor or head of department.

  11. What should the letter of support from the home institution contain? The letter of support should acknowledge that your institution is aware of and supports your training. The letter should also highlight what benefits the training will provide to you as an individual and to the institution upon your return.

  12. What if I am currently do not have a host institution? A letter from the home institution is a requirement for this training fellowship. If you are not currently connected to an institution, then you will unfortunately not be eligible for the training opportunity.

  13. What to do if you have difficulties attaching files to the google form? Should you experience difficulties in uploading attachments, please try one of the solutions suggested in this blog.

  14. What will the training focus on? The first week of the training will focus on wet-lab techniques and the generation of genomes. Influenza will be used as the pathogen of interest for this training. The second week will focus on genomic epidemiology, visualisation of data, genome assembly, phylogenetics, phylogenetic typing tools and submitting to public databases.

  15. When will candidates be notified about their application? The closing date for applications is 10 May 2024. We have received many applications for this training opportunity. All applications will be scored and the highest ranking applications will be shortlisted. The successful candidates will be notified as soon as possible after the closing date.

News date: 2024-07-12

Links:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezL9qyvvTPljwm1z-sZJsbFdwIS9CekaAhhy_T8Elvr-5buA/viewform

KRISP has been created by the coordinated effort of the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the South African Medical Research Countil (SAMRC).


Location: K-RITH Tower Building
Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, UKZN
719 Umbilo Road, Durban, South Africa.
Director: Prof. Tulio de Oliveira