Associate Professor / Professor: Ampath Chair in Human Genetics

INTERFACULTY POSITION: FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY, GENETICS AND MICROBIOLOGY

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR / PROFESSOR: AMPATH CHAIR IN HUMAN GENETICS (ONE POST) (FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT APPOINTMENT)

In pursuit of the ideals of excellence and diversity, the University of Pretoria wishes to invite applications for the following vacancy.

The University of Pretoria's commitment to quality makes us one of the top research Universities in the country and gives us a competitive advantage in international science and technology development.

BACKGROUND:

The University of Pretoria has approved the establishment of a Chair in Human Genetics, supported by the AMPATH Trust. The establishment of the Chair in Human Genetics will advance collaborative, translational research and postgraduate student training in medical genomics.

The main aim of such a Chair is to further develop research and postgraduate training programmes related to human genetics within the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology (Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences and Faculty of Health Sciences). The preferred candidate’s responsibility will be (but not limited to) to establish and lead a strong research focus in the field of human genetics. Preferred specialist fields include Cancer Genomics, Neurogenomics and Reproductive Genomics.

The postgraduate training component will consist of a combination of formal training programmes, mentoring, and supervision of research projects. The programmes will be developed and presented after consultation between the University (Faculties of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and Health Sciences) and AMPATH.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful candidate will inter alia be responsible for the following functions and activities:

• Establishment and leadership of research programmes, including collaborating with project development initiatives that AMPATH and its partners will propose;
• The development and implementation of suitable study programmes/modules for postgraduate and continuous professional development;
• National and international networking with specialists in the field with the aim of participating in state-of-the-art research and utilising leading technology;
• Proactive interaction with other universities to encourage effective collaboration;
• Reporting on an annual basis to the Head of Department and two Deans regarding the progress of projects of the Chair for presentation to the Advisory Committee.

The five-year contract may be renewable depending on performance.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• A PhD-degree in Genetics, or an aligned field;
• Evidence of an established, internationally recognised research programme in the field of Human Genetics, with preference given to Cancer Genomics, Neurogenomics and Reproductive Genomics;
• Demonstration of international recognition must include a sustained record of high impact publications within accredited journals, presentations at international meetings and research awards, as well as proven experience in fundraising for academic research and postgraduate student support;
• A proven track record of excellence in teaching, mentoring and research training of postgraduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Proven teamwork, interpersonal and leadership skills;
• Fundraising and extensive networking skills.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Evidence of professional service and on-going outreach initiatives;
• Membership/affiliation of national and international scientific and professional bodies;
• A demonstrated commitment to supporting the involvement of diverse groups in research.

The all-inclusive remuneration package for this contract position will be commensurate with the incumbent’s level of appointment, as determined by UP policy guidelines.

Applicants are requested to apply via the apply online button below.

CLOSING DATE: 30 March 2018

No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

ENQUIRIES: Prof Paulette Bloomer, Tel: (+27 12) 420 3259, E-mail: paulette.bloomer@up.ac.za

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­31 May 2018, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity.

In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups.

All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply.

The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.