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Research programme

The Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research (CBTBR) is looking for MSc students, PhD students and post-doctoral fellows with a background in molecular biology/genetics/microbiology.

Desirable attributes include good written and oral communication skills in English, strong analytical and laboratory skills and potential/ambition to develop a strong research career. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to participate in the vibrant research programme ongoing in the department.

Funding
The running expenses for the candidate’s research will be funded through several local and international grants awarded to the CBTBR by the Department of Science and Innovation, National Research Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Students are encouraged to apply for bursary/scholarship funding to cover living costs and fees. This can be done through funding agencies including the University, National Research Foundation, the Medical Research Council and the CBTBR.

Growth opportunities
The Wits node of the CBTBR provides a dynamic working and training environment for career development. Students will learn and gain experience in the following:

  1. Basic molecular biology techniques such as cloning, PCR and bacterial genetics

  2. Clinical and translational research aimed at assessing mycobacterial physiology in sputum

  3. Culture and handling of human pathogens under BioSafety Level III (BSL3) conditions

  4. Occupational Health and Safety training with GLP/GCP training to work in BSL3 laboratories

  5. Specialist techniques in microbial physiology such as microarrays, HPLC and confocal microscopy

  6. Analysis of mechanisms of drug resistance emergence in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Students will have the opportunity to interact and grow their research with collaborators, and to present their work at local and international meetings. This call is for full-time students and post- doctoral fellows who are South African citizens. Part-time applications will not be considered. Short listed candidates will be required to complete a questionnaire to assess basic microbiology and DNA molecular techniques.

Should you be selected, you will need to apply for an MSc or PhD through the Wits students application process.

To apply for this programme, please submit (via email) a brief application letter that summarises your background and qualifications in relation to the requirements and desirable attributes listed above. As part of the application please send an updated resume, academic transcript and the names and email addresses of three referees to:

Ms. Astika Sewcharran: astika.sewcharran@nhls.ac.za 

 

Please note: The CBTBR is primarily an academic research entity and provides a training ground for individuals who wish to proceed further in postgraduate study, develop academic careers, work at high level positions in industry and foster innovation in the workplace. The laboratory does not offer training that will allow for registration with the Health Professionals Council of South Africa (HPCSA) for routine work in diagnostic laboratories in the public and private sectors.

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