Senior Data Scientist

Requisition ID:  487

Department:  Faculty of Health Sciences

City:  Cape Town

SENIOR DATA SCIENTIST

(Payclass 11; 25 Months)

South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI)

Department of Pathology

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

The South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI) performs cutting edge clinical, epidemiological and immunological research in clinical vaccine development, TB pathogenesis and biomarker discovery in a setting where TB is endemic. We have completed 31 clinical trials of nine novel TB vaccine candidates as well as BCG vaccine, including two pivotal trials that demonstrated efficacy and are leading systems biology efforts to discover immune correlates of vaccine protection against TB. Critical to our research is bioinformatic, biostatistical and computational analyses of omics and immunology datasets generated in studies of M. tuberculosis infection, TB disease and/or vaccination. For more information on SATVI and our research, visit www.satvi.uct.ac.za

We are inviting applications for a Senior Data Scientist within our dynamic clinical immunology group. The position will be located in Cape Town and will provide opportunities to work in collaboration with local and global leaders in vaccinology, statistics and systems biology. The Senior Data Scientist (PC11) will be responsible for the design, development, and execution of bioinformatic, and computational analyses of omics and immunology datasets relating to studies of M. tuberculosis infection, TB disease and/or vaccination. The Data Scientist may also develop tools and analysis pipelines and apply computational models as well as provide bioinformatics support, advice and solutions to other scientists and projects being conducted at SATVI.

Other important key performance areas include data management and quality control, mechanisms to share data and code, participation in project meetings and discussions (internal and external), and iterative advancement of project-specific solutions. This post ideally requires the individual to integrate knowledge of TB pathogenesis and immunology with data analysis approaches.

Requirements for the job:

• PhD in Bioinformatics, Biostatistics or Computational Biology
• At least 2 years postdoctoral experience or similar
• Expertise in analysing big data
• Proficiency in R and Python scripting/programming languages
• Fluency in English

The following will be advantageous:

• Expertise in immunology or molecular biology
• Scientific writing, excellent verbal and written communication, presentation skills, teaching skills
• Expertise in workflow management systems (Nextflow, Snakemake or CWL)
• Database design and management
• Organizational skills

Responsibilities:

• Duties will include design, development, and execution of bioinformatic, and computational analyses of omics and immunology datasets relating to studies of M. tuberculosis infection, TB disease and/or vaccination. The Data Scientist may also develop tools and analysis pipelines and apply computational models as well as provide bioinformatics support, advice and solutions to other scientists and projects being conducted at SATVI.
• Data management and QC, mechanisms to share data and code, participation in project meetings and discussions (internal and external), and iterative advancement of project-specific solutions.
• This post ideally requires the individual to integrate knowledge of TB pathogenesis and immunology with data analysis approaches.
• Additional responsibilities will include publication of results, supporting grant applications and management and support of postdoctoral fellows and postgraduate students.

The annual remuneration package, including benefits is between R711 889 and R837 514.

To view and apply for this position, please visit the UCT Internal Careers site (For Internal Applicants) and UCT Careers site (For external Applicants) to create a profile and to submit your application.  You will need to attach your CV and a motivation letter that speaks to the specific requirements of the position. Please also supply us with three referee names which must include their title and name, position details, relationship to you, their e-mail address and telephone number.  These referees may be contracted directly by UCT at any stage of the selection process.

Shortlisted candidates may be required to undergo an assessment.

Any enquiries for the position to be addressed to Ms Tracy Moore at recruitment05@uct.ac.za or 021 650 5405

Closing date:              16 November 2023                             

Website:                     http://www.health.uct.ac.za

UCT is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups. Our Employment Equity Policy is available at https://uct.ac.za/media/9482.

UCT reserves the right not to appoint.

All the best with your applications