Call for traineeship: Deciphering Developmental Disorders in Africa

Deciphering Developmental Disorders in Africa (DDD-Africa - https://h3africa.org/index.php/ddd-africa/) reaches out to other African countries to implement genomics in the field of developmental disorders (DD). We aim to train 9 interdisciplinary teams consisting of clinicians and laboratory geneticists. These duo’s, with the support of their local authorities, will set up the infrastructure in their home institutions, apply new clinical and laboratory skills and ensure transfer of these new expertise in their local communities. These efforts will be embedded in DDD-Africa, thus gaining access to the international community of geneticists involved in DD.

WHO CAN APPLY
This VLIR-UOS funded International Training Project is open to trainees from the following scholarship countries in Africa (https://www.vliruos.be/en/countries/96):

WHICH QUALIFICATIONS ?
Applications for the program and scholarship will be solicited for duo’s: a medical doctor/clinician (MD) and a laboratory geneticist, employed at the same (or collaborating) academic institute, from the same country. Candidates need to show at least a good level of expertise in the field, but institutes or candidates with established high level clinical genetics or genetic research are not eligible.
° For MD’s, we request a specialist level, typically in pediatrics or neurology, with clear evidence of an interest in DD.
° For laboratory geneticists, a master degree is required, with some experience in genetic variant analysis and/or experience in a molecular laboratory.

To enhance sustainability, candidates
(1) are required to have a long term appointment at their home institute.
(2) need to ensure continued support by a local accompanying group, i.e. representatives from patients and their families, academic or hospital institutions and health authorities.