Senior Lecturer / Associate Professor / Professor: Ampath Chair in Human Genetics / Cancer Genomics

INTERFACULTY POSITION: FACULTY OF NATURAL AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES AND FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES, DEPARTMENT OF BIOCHEMISTRY, GENETICS AND MICROBIOLOGY

SENIOR LECTURER / ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR / PROFESSOR: AMPATH CHAIR IN HUMAN GENETICS / CANCER GENOMICS (ONE POST)

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 / Cancer Genomics, supported by the AMPATH Trust. The establishment of the Chair in Human Genetics / Cancer Genomics will advance collaborative, translational research and postgraduate student training in cancer genomics. The main aim of the 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 cancer genomics.

 The University of Pretoria has a strong inter-faculty network of researchers, pulled together into a research institute, focused on hormone-dependant cancers. The network links, amongst others, genomics, microbiomics, neuroendocrinology and environmental toxicology to pre-clinical research to identify useful targets, understand mechanisms and drug development. The ultimate goal is to contribute to diagnostics, therapeutics and public health education. The preferred candidate will be the research leader to this research entity and will be responsible for co-ordinating the research to realise the set goals.

 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. The preferred candidate will provide input to the development of these training programmes and to ensure uptake of training by potential postgraduate students.

 

 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

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

• Management and co-ordination of research programmes and establishment of research platforms in the research institute on hormone-dependent cancers
• Establishment and leadership of research programmes, including collaborating with project development initiatives in partnership with AMPATH
• 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

 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

Senior Lecturer:

• A PhD-degree in Genetics or Biochemistry, or an aligned field
• Evidence of an established research programme in the field of Human Genetics, with specialisation in cancer research
• An established publication record and evidence of local recognition
• Evidence of current and completed postgraduate student supervision at MSc and PhD levels (the recommendation is successful master's graduates)

 

Associate Professor:

•  A PhD-degree in Genetics or Biochemistry, or an aligned field
• Evidence of an established research programme in the field of Human Genetics, with specialisation in cancer research
• Demonstration of national and/or 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
• Evidence of current and completed postgraduate student supervision at MSc and PhD levels (the recommendation is four graduates in the past four years)

 

Professor:

•  A PhD-degree in Genetics or Biochemistry, or an aligned field
• Evidence of an established research programme in the field of Human Genetics, with specialisation in cancer research
• Demonstration of national and/or 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
•  Evidence of current and completed postgraduate student supervision at MSc and PhD levels (the recommendation is seven graduates in the past four years)

 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES): 

• Proven teamwork, interpersonal and leadership skills
• Fundraising and 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

 

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za, and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In applying for this post, please attach:

• A comprehensive CV
• Certified copies of qualifications
• Names, e-mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact
• Names and contact details of peer reviewers (academic and research)
•  A maximum three-page self-evaluation and vision, as well as a description of current and future research

 

CLOSING DATE:

19 November 2018. No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements

 

ENQUIRIES:

Prof Tiaan de Jager, Tel: (+27 12) 319 2191, e-mail: tiaan.dejager@up.ac.za

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 January 2019, 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.