Vacancies

We are looking for self motivated and talented individuals to join our growing team.

Bioinformatics Programmer

We are looking for an applications developer to work in support of our biological sequence team. Their tasks will involve automating sequence analysis tasks, building web-based tools to visualise processing and analysis results, and developing relational databases for storing biological and analysis related data. The successful candidate should be self motivated, interested in acquiring domain knowledge and able to work with a team of scientists and programmers.

Overall responsibility

Developing, extending and deploying applications to support biological sequence analysis. Applications will involve web front-ends that related to a back-end relational database and command-line analysis tools. The system should be able to integrate with a batch queueing system (e.g. Torque, Sun Grid Engine, etc).

Key areas of responsibility

Deploying existing open source bioinformatics applications in a Linux environment.
Extending and enhancing such applications for local needs.
Developing new applications to form part of a biological sequence analysis system.

You will report to the SANBI Development Manager. The term of employment is 12 Months

Qualifications

The applicant must be familiar with developing in a Unix/Linux environment (3 year experience required), including the use of build tools such as autoconf and make. A solid programming background is essential. Knowledge of SQL and RDBMS is essential, with knowledge of Mysql and Postgres an advantage. Experience with developing web-based applications is essential, with specific knowledge of the Apache web server an advantage. In addition, experience with C, C++, Perl, Python and Java will be an advantage.

The successful applicant must be able to work closely with an interdisciplinary team including other programmers, bioinformaticists and biologists. The proven ability to take on domain knowledge rapidly is an advantage.

Contact

Applicants should email a CV and covering letter to Peter van Heusden. Applications close 30 October 2009.

National Bioinformatics Network Node (NBN) Manager

The Node Manager will work closely with the Node Director and will:

Be responsible for operational integration of the research, training and services operations of the UWC node
Participate in or lead research projects
Oversee the co-ordination of training courses
Be responsible for co-ordination of teaching the undergraduate bioinformatics, and honours graduate module at UWC
Help co-ordinate budgets related to the NBN
Initiate and support the growth and development of broader bioinformatics capacity at the University of the Western Cape.

The manager will provide guidance and support of researchers across campus wishing to perform bioinformatics, management of student outputs, and management of the staff that perform support and development of undergraduate and honours coursework in Bioinformatics.

The UWC node is inviting applications from highly professional, self-motivated, experienced individuals in possession of a PhD in Bioinformatics or a related field. The candidate should have evidence of computational and managerial skills, good communication skills and a track record of developing training and support programmes. Competitive renumeration is offered. Candidates should apply electronically to Ms. Ferial Mullins, ferial”at”sanbi.ac.za, attaching a full CV and providing contact details of two referees. Those applicants with an interest in performing research must supply a future research plan. Informal enquiries to heikki”at”sanbi.ac.za Heikki Lehvaslaiho, NBN Node Director.

Post-Doctoral Researcher in Tsetse Genomics (WHO Funded, 2 yrs)

Channel of command - reports to Winston Hide
Further information

Requirements

work closely with the International Glossina Genome Initiative
co-ordinate resources and genomic information on Glossina morsitans
support the development of interventions such as improved traps, populations genetics, novel biological and insecticide controls, and improved understanding of molecular mechanisms that provide candidates for interventions.
provide leadership in development of the genome consortium portal to promote vector control
research into the function and expression of genes of the vector
co-ordinate of genome research outputs in support of field efforts
the ideal candidate should have a PhD and a growing publication record
experience in genomics and bioinformatics
excellent communication skills
experience in web content development, and annotation is an advantage

Please contact judith”at”sanbi.ac.za with a cv and names of three referees. Closing date ongoing

Developers - Database (x1), Perl (x2)

The South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI) at the University of the Western Cape has a major impact on health technology and on delivering significant growth to the expertise in modern biological research in Africa.

We seek a developers for various projects whose responsibilities will include the maintenance of existing infrastructure, the extension of a newly developed systems and the improvement of the data generation workflow that is part of the institute activites.

In order to be considered you will need:

demonstrated experience in developing software in a group environment
good understanding of database systems (SQL)
proficiency and good programming practices in Perl, Python or other high level programming languages
good knowledge of standard formats (XML, RDF)
excellent organizational and communicative skills
the ability to work independently to specifications and to deadlines.

Experience with an UNIX environment and familiarity with existing RDF and ontology technologies would be of advantage. Candidates with previous relevant demonstrated experience in bioinformatics are particularly encouraged to apply.

Please apply to Ms Ferial Mullins (ferial(at)sanbi.ac.za). Highlight your strengths in software development and standards implementation and include a full curriculum vitae. Closing date: Ongoing

The website of the University of the Western Cape has additional information about the environment.