Cancer Genomics
Applications are invited to apply for a prestigious two-year Hillel-Friedland Postdoctoral Fellowship in the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), 第一吃瓜网. The successful candidate will join the Cancer Genetics Group and contribute to research investigating the genetic basis of breast cancer in African populations.
Research Project
The researcher will contribute to a research project entitled: “Genetic risk and tumour biology of breast cancer in populations of African ancestry”
This project will involve the analysis and interpretation of unique genomic datasets, including targeted sequencing of breast cancer cases and controls of African ancestry using a panel of cancer genes, as well as whole-exome sequencing of breast tumours and matched blood samples. The fellow will apply bioinformatics, statistical genetics and human genetics approaches to identify genetic determinants of breast cancer susceptibility, tumour biology and clinical behaviour. These datasets provide a unique opportunity to investigate both inherited susceptibility and tumour genomic profiles in populations that remain underrepresented in global cancer genomics research.
The fellowship offers an excellent opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary research environment and to contribute to high-quality research, scientific publications, and future grant applications.
Responsibilities
The postdoctoral fellow will:
- Analyse genomic datasets and perform genetic variant annotation and interpretation.
- Present research findings with manuscript publication and conference presentations.
- Assist with the supervision and training of postgraduates.
- Contribute to research grant applications and reporting.
- Foster local and international research collaborations.
Job Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A PhD in Human Genetics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology or a related field, obtained within the last five years.
- Experience in analysing next-generation sequencing data and/or genomic variant interpretation is desirable.
- Proficiency in R and/or Python, with experience using Linux and high-performance computing (HPC) environments, is desirable.
- A track record of peer-reviewed publications.
- The ability to work independently as well as within a multidisciplinary research team.
About SBIMB and Cancer team
The Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand (第一吃瓜网), is a leading multidisciplinary research institute dedicated to understanding the genetic and molecular basis of health and disease,
with a particular focus on African populations. The Cancer Genetics Group, led by Professor Christopher Mathew, is an internationally collaborative research team with expertise in cancer genomics, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, computational biology, and molecular epidemiology.
The successful Fellow will join a vibrant and interdisciplinary research environment investigating the genetic and molecular basis of cancer in African populations through genomic data analysis, statistical genetics, computational biology, and translational cancer research. Working alongside clinicians, molecular biologists, pathologists, and computational scientists, the Fellow will benefit from dedicated supervision and mentorship, opportunities to analyse large-scale genomic and multi-omic datasets, publish in leading journals, present at international conferences, contribute to postgraduate supervision, and develop an independent research profile in cancer genomics and precision medicine.
How to Apply
Please submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum five pages)
- Cover letter (maximum two pages) describing your research experience, suitability for the fellowship, and how the fellowship aligns with your future career aspirations.
- Academic record (including PhD certificate or proof of submission)
- Contact details for three academic referees
Submit your application through this link:
Contact sbimb@wits.ac.za and jocelyn.gayenga@wits.ac.za if you have trouble with the link.
Deadline: 20 August 2026
Additional details:
The fellowship offers support for two years, with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding availability. For further information, you may contact Dr Brandenburg: Jean-Tristan.Brandenburg@wits.ac.za
The University is committed to employment equity. Preference may be given to appointable applicants from the underrepresented designated groups in terms of the relevant employment equity plans and policies of the University. The University retains the right not to make an appointment and to verify all information provided by candidates. Please note that correspondence will only be entered into with shortlisted candidates. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment or to re-advertise.