Call for Applications: SickleInAfrica Research Fellowships
The SickleInAfrica Consortium invites applications from eligible candidates for a three-year SickleInAfrica Research Fellowship position to assist in carrying out the cross-consortium research projects.
SickleInAfrica Consortium:
The SickleInAfrica consortium aims to facilitate research in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and the subsequent translation of this research into healthcare and health outcomes. The consortium is supported by the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI). SickleinAfrica is made up of: Sickle Africa Data Coordinating Center (SADaCC), Sickle Pan-African Research Consortium (SPARCo) and Sickle Cell Pan African Network (SPAN).
SPARCo
Aims to develop research capacity for SCD through a multidimensional approach which addresses infrastructure, education & training, development of a registry of over 30 thousand Sickle Cell Disease patients, provision of longitudinal research data and the translation of research into practice. SPARCo is in six sites located in seven countries: Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Zambia. In addition, SPARCo has a Clinical Coordinating Center (SPARCo CCC) based in Tanzania.
SADaCC
The administrative, data standardization and coordinating center for Sickle Cell Disease research and infrastructure needs. Its current mandate is to support and coordinate data and communications for the research network, SPARCo, with plans to expand this support to research groups within SPAN in the future.
SADaCC together with SPARCo CCC are facilitating four cross-consortium research projects: implementation research and cohort studies summarized below.
| Type of study | PI (Lead Site) | Area |
|---|---|---|
| Implementation Research | Prof Nnodu (Nigeria) | Newborn screening |
| Implementation Research | Prof Opoka (Uganda) | Penicillin prophylaxis and Hydroxyurea utilization |
| Cohort Study | Prof Masimirembwa (Zimbabwe/Zambia) | Pharmacogenomics of pain medication in SCD |
| Cohort Study | Prof Guindo (Mali) | Malaria chemoprophylaxis |
Financial Support:
The research fellows will be financially supported by SADaCC which is based in the Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and is thus governed by UCT policies.
SickleInAfrica Research Fellow: Position Summary
We are seeking to strengthen each of the 6 SPARCo sites with a motivated researcher who will assist in implementing cross-consortium research projects at each SPARCo site. We are convinced that the research and management skills required for this post will provide a challenging and rewarding environment for junior researchers keen to advance their careers and to contribute to the sickle cell disease field.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist the PIs in conducting cross-consortium and site specific research projects
- Write research reports as required
- Attend consortium research meetings, both in-person and online.
- Be part of research site visits to other sites as per need
- Contribute to scientific manuscripts together with the research team.
- Present research outputs as requested by the research Principal Investigator.
Minimum Qualification:
- MBBS, Masters degree or Honours degree in the Biomedical Sciences or Epidemiology.
Other Requirements
- Ability to work in a culturally diverse team of researchers
- Excellent technical skills and problem-solving abilities
- Ability to work under pressure
- Project/Research management skills
- Publication(s) in a peer-reviewed journal(s) will be an added advantage
Knowledge and Skills
- Keen interest in epidemiology: implementation research and cohort studies
- Knowledgeable about Sickle Cell Disease and keen to learn
- Research methodology knowledge and skills
- Program evaluation knowledge and skills (if interested in Implementation Studies)
Eligibility
- Be available to start by 01 September, 2022
- Be available to work full-time for the duration of 3-years
- Be based in the country they will be working from. This includes: Ghana, Mali, Tanzania, Nigeria, Uganda, Zimbabwe/Zambia or South Africa
Remuneration
To be negotiated.
Benefits
- Opportunity to work with a vibrant international team of experts on SCD
- Opportunity to network and receive mentorship
- Opportunity for hands-on training in research implementation, manuscript and grants writing
- Authorship in peer-reviewed scientific journals/li>
Optional Advantages
Interested in registering separately for a PhD or Postdoctoral Research Fellowship as per agreement with local PI.
Application
Please complete an application form via the link Application Form
Submit by 22 July 2022, 11.59pm CAT.
- You should upload a single pdf containing a 2-paged CV, copies of academic certificates and transcripts
- Upload a 1 page motivation letter from your last academic mentor/supervisor or your current employer.
*Please note the Fellowships are awarded per year and renewal is subject to satisfactory performance. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted by 03 August 2022.
For more information about the project and this Fellowship Opportunity please contact sickleinafrica@uct.ac.za and we will send your query to the most appropriate person
| Country | Principal Investigator |
|---|---|
| Ghana | Prof Fred Sarfo and Solomon Fiifi Ofori-Acquah |
| Nigeria | Prof Obiageli Nnodu |
| Mali | Prof Guindo |
| Tanzania | Prof Emmanuel Balandya |
| Uganda | Prof Sarah Kiguli |
| Zimbabwe/Zambia | Dr Patience Kuona |
| South Africa/ SADaCC | Prof Ambroise Wonkam and Prof Nicola Mulder |
| Tanzania /SPARCo CCC | Prof. Julie Makani and Dr. Irene Minja |