Postdoctoral Fellow in Pathogen Genomics job at Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI)

Job Description 2: Postdoctoral Fellow in Pathogen Genomics (One Health Focus)

• Position Title:  Postdoctoral Fellow – Pathogen Genomics
• Department: Global Health Security
• Project: Professor Sewankambo Global Health Security Training Program in Africa
• Reports To: Deputy Head of Department
• Duration: One year, renewable
• Location: IDI-McKinnell MKC, Makerere University Campus
• Application Deadline:  Two weeks after the advert date

Position Overview
We are seeking a dynamic Postdoctoral Fellow with expertise in pathogen genomics to strengthen our global health security program, with a particular emphasis on One Health approaches. The role integrates genomics applications with practical contributions to business development, scientific documentation, and program implementation to combat infectious diseases at the human-animal-environment interface.

Key Responsibilities

• Business Development: Contribute to the development of high-quality business and funding proposals, including concept notes, grant applications, and partnership pitches targeting donors, governments, and international organizations.
• Scientific Documentation: Support the preparation of scientific manuscripts, technical reports, policy briefs, protocols, and other documentation for internal and external stakeholders. The postdoc shall also support the presentation of research findings at conferences, workshops, and partner events.
• Program Delivery: Actively participate in the implementation of ongoing and new Global Health Security initiatives, including data analysis, modeling, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building activities.
• Science & Innovation: Conduct independent and collaborative studies focused on epidemic-prone pathogens and genomic data.
• Collaborations: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (including clinicians, epidemiologists, and policymakers) to translate computational insights into actionable public health strategies.

Academic Qualifications

• PhD in Pathogen genomics, Immunology, Pathology, Computational Biology, Medicine, Advanced Microbiology, Veterinary Medicine, Molecular Biology, or a related field, completed within the last 2 years (or soon to be completed).
• Candidates who have submitted and are awaiting thesis defense are eligible

Person Specification
Qualifications and Requirements

• Education: PhD in Pathogen genomics, Immunology, Pathology, Computational Biology, Medicine, Advanced Microbiology, Veterinary Medicine, Molecular Biology, or a related field, completed within the last 2 years (or soon to be completed). Candidates who have submitted and are awaiting thesis defense are eligible.
• Technical Expertise: Strong foundation in epidemics-related genomics, with specific interest or experience in one health applications (human-animal-environment interfaces). Familiarity with filovirus and large-scale genomic datasets like PathogenWatch is essential.
• Experience: Track record of scientific output (publications preferred). Recent PhD graduates or candidates finalizing their doctorate are welcome.
• Skills: Proficiency in genomic data tools, analysis software, and scripting languages (e.g., Python, R, Bash). Excellent scientific writing and interpersonal skills. Ability to thrive in collaborative, applied settings.
• Personal Attributes: Innovative, collaborative, committed to translational science, and eager to contribute to real-world global health solutions.

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