The Molecular Virology group in the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, University of the Free State, invites applications for a postdoctoral fellowship position.

Rotaviruses are one of the main causative agents for severe dehydrating diarrhoea in humans and animals and more than 80% of global rotavirus related deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. The Molecular Virology group at the University of the Free State have an exciting position for a dynamic postdoctoral fellow to develop a bovine rotavirus reverse genetics system (RGS). This project forms part of the Antigens and Reassortant Strains for Rotaviruses Circulating in Africa (AfRota) research program, which aims to generate antigens and antigenic strains to serve as a basis for future development of rotavirus vaccines, specifically designed for the use in Africa. AfRota is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

The candidate will be responsible for general project coordination, development of the bovine RGS and will also be involved in supervision of postgraduate students.

Requirements:

• Recently (within 2 years) obtained PhD in Biochemistry
• Specific skills include mammalian cell culture, molecular cloning and immunological techniques such as ELISA, immunofluorescence and western blot analysis.
• Previous experience in a Biosafety Level 2 lab
• Be able to work independently

The position is available for 1 year, which can be renewed based on satisfactory progress. Interested candidates can contact Prof Trudi O’Neill at oneillhg@ufs.ac.za under the email heading Postdoc position no later than 31 January 2023.

Please provide a cover letter summarising your areas of expertise, research interests and experience, your CV, including names and contact details of references, as well as academic record in one pdf file.

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