Associate Professor / Professor: Ampath Chair in Human Genetics at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

Job description

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)

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.