African Center for Translational Genomics (ACTG) Fellow at 54gene

54gene is a research, services and development company located in Nigeria and the United States. The company was founded in 2019 by Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong to improve our understanding of the world’s most genetically diverse population. 54gene utilises human genetic data from diverse African populations, to improve the development, availability and efficacy of medical products that will prove beneficial to Africans and the wider global population. 

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: African Center for Translational Genomics (ACTG) Fellow

Location: Lagos
Employment Type: Contract
Zip / Postal Code: 105102
Department: Research
Status: Part-Time / Remote
Start Date: November 30, 2020
Reports to: VP, Research, Governance & Ethics    
Term: 24 months

Job Description

• The African Center for Translational Genetics (ACTG) is a not-for-profit entity with funding from 54gene  Inc as part of its vision to democratize precision medicine. The objectives of the centre are to empower the next generation of African genomic scientists through the provision and implementation of grants, fellowships, and internships; enable better health outcomes by powering the discovery of disease variants which will significantly improve responses to drugs especially among African populations, and enhance therapy on the African continent by enabling individualized and precise care that utilizes patient unique genetic identity to develop new targets to medicine.
• As part of ACTG’s pillar on strengthening research, two landmark studies aimed at gathering demographic and health information, as well as, genomics data from 100,000 Nigerians in the first instance are being funded under the auspices of the ACTG. This would serve as a veritable pool of resources that would drive the generation of insights that would have the potential of improving knowledge and health outcomes for Africans and other global populations. These studies are being conducted by a team of researchers under the Non-Communicable Diseases Genetic Heritage Study (NCD-GHS) Consortium. The Non-Communicable Diseases – Genetic Heritage Study (NCD-GHS) Consortium is a collaboration between 54gene, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) and the National Biotechnology Development Agency’s Center for Genomics Research and Innovation (NABDA-CGRI).
• We are seeking to appoint a post-doctoral fellow that would work with the NCD-GHS secretariat, and Principal Investigators (PIs) to support the management of the study implementation, as well as, efforts aimed at generating insights from the corresponding data obtained. This includes, but is not limited to, writing reports and publications. This Fellowship position is unique in that it offers an opportunity for a mix of research and applied policy work that leverages the scientific reputation of NIMR, NABDA-CGRI and 54gene’s network of partners and government stakeholders.  

Job Functions

• Draw from relevant expertise to help identify high priority opportunities for strengthening policy and governance for NCD-GHS operations and studies;
• Provide support in the identification of priority scholarship needs in topic areas relevant to the intersection of genomics research, precision medicine and improvements in access to quality healthcare for African populations on diseases of priority to the ACTG and the NCD-GHS;
• Participate in career-development activities such as training and hands-on experience with study operations management and publication of the fellow’s individual research;
• Lead the review, and/or development of policies and standard operating procedures needed to further strengthen the work of the ACTG and the NCHD-GHS
• Identify and address key research questions to deepen and strengthen ACTG’s projects’ technical and/or methodological underpinnings and outcomes;
• Help organize workshops on topics relevant to the project and research questions and/or attend conferences in order to present research findings;
• Be part of project teams that engage industry, government, and academic institutions in building selected initiatives, developing solutions, and taking those solutions into implementation.

Requirements
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• PhD in a related field within the last five years
• Demonstrated interest in genomics and healthcare applications of genomics insights to healthcare improvements
• Ability to produce a variety of written materials and communicate complex topics to a variety of audiences, and
• Superlative interpersonal skills; self-starter, with the ability to work independently and as a member of a team, and to participate in or manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Application Closing Date
9th November, 2020.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Application Guideline

• Provide your personal statement (maximum 2 pages) addressing:
  • Your past academic research and relevant work experience;
  • Any involvement in broader impact activities relevant to the scope of 54gene, the ACTG and the NCD-GHS;
  • Why you are interested in the ACTG Fellowship and how you envision it furthering your career;
  • How your skills, expertise and networks can help drive forward, ACTG’s research projects, and the generation of insights from such projects to improve knowledge and healthcare for African populations
• CV
• One writing sample, and
• Contact information for three references, with at least one reference who can speak to your broader impact activities.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

• 54gene celebrates diversity and is proud to be an inclusive employer.  We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, colour, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, age, marital status, genetic information, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a mental or physical disability, or any other applicable legally protected status or characteristics.