TRAINEE BIOINFORMATICIAN VACANCY AT MRC LABORATORIES

MRC Laboratories, The Gambia is the Medical Research Council’s largest establishment conducting laboratory, field based and clinical research in developing countries. The Unit aims to improve the health of people in developing countries by contributing to the development, testing and safe adoption of interventions aimed at reducing the burden of morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases.

An exciting opportunity for a scientist seeking a career in bioinformatics is available as a grant-funded position within the Molecular Microbiology Group. The successful candidate will work with the Molecular Microbiology Group for approximately 3 months before going to the University of manchester and the Sanger Institute, United Kingdom (UK) to take up a 1-year full-time MSc scholarship to study Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (starting 1st October 2011) at the University of Manchester, UK. The candidate will then return to the MRC Unit, The Gambia to complete a further 9 months in the first instance working on a project funded by a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to participate in an African Pneumococcal Consortium to study the genetic basis of key African pneumococcal serotypes in four African Countries (The Gambia, Malawi, Niger and South Africa).
Position: Trainee Bioinformatician
Qualification:
• Candidates with an interest and/or training in computational science or training in biology with demonstrable mathematical/statistical and computer skills, and an interest in international public health, vaccine preventable bacterial infections and cutting-edge sequencing technology should apply.

We seek who has:
• B.Sc (hons) in mathematics, computation or biological sciences (minimum overall score credit or distinction)
• In certain circumstances, a lower honours degree supplemented with a proven track record of appropriate relevant work experience may be acceptable
• Good interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent computer literacy in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and statistical software.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to complex research projects
• A flexible and well-organized approach to work and an ability to meet deadlines.

Please note that to satisfy the UK course requirements the minimum English Language requirement is IELT 6.5, TOEFL 577 (paper-based), 233 (computer-based) or 90 (Internet-based)

M.Sc Scholarship package:
International University fees
Living expenses whilst in the UK
Provision for a laptop
Visa, health insurance and English language test costs
Return economy fight to the UK.


The Appointment is up 30th June 2013 in the first instance

The salary whilst based at the MRC Unit, The Gambia will be in Occupational Group D2. When studying for an MSc in the UK the post-holder will receive living expenses in lieu of salary.
How to Apply:
If you are interested and feel you have the qualities, skills and experience for this trainee position please contact the Human Resources Office to obtain a standard MRC Application form and a copy of the Job Description. Completed application forms, together with copies of qualifications and a recent CV, should be sent to:
Human Resources Office
Vacancy for: Trainee Bioinformatician
MRC Unit, the Gambia
P.O, Box 273, Banjul, the Gambia, West Africa, Telephone; +220 4495442-4 & +220 4494072-9
Email: hr@mrc.gm Website www.mrc.gm
Not later than 15th June, 2011

MRC is an Equal Opportunities Employer and operates a strict no smoking please

Only Short-listed Candidates will be contacted.