Job Title: Bioinformatics Scientist – Genomics
Number of Positions: One (1)
Location: Genomics Laboratory
Reports to: Laboratory Manager Genomics
Type: Full Time
Job Terms: Two years renewable Contract

Organization Description:
The Ministry of Health, under the Department of National Health Laboratory & Diagnostic Services (NHLDS), has received funding from the Global Fund through the C19RM 2.0 grant funding to combat AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. Part of this grant aims to strengthen laboratory systems to provide reference testing, including genomic surveillance for pathogens of public health concern.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain bioinformatics databases, workflows, and data analysis pipelines, including artificial intelligence tools, to explore genomic data, integrate it with other large datasets, and generate new knowledge.
• Analyze and interpret complex biological data such as FASTQ sequences.
• Identify and address technical and validation gaps in bioinformatics methods, standard operating procedures (SOP), and/or actively participate in QA/QC Quality Improvement Plan.
• Promote bioinformatics adoption within public service structures by demonstrating its utility in public health interventions.
• Foster bioinformatics competencies through supervision, mentorship of staff, or training activities (workshops, internship courses).
• Manage, maintain, and maximize utilization and sustainability of all software and hardware resources, including equipment and fittings in the server room.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in laboratory science or a related field with at least 3 years of working experience in genomic sequencing.
• Minimum of Master’s level training in Bioinformatics and/or Computational sciences with at least 3 years of working experience.
• Knowledge of genomics, population genetics, data science, and computational biology (hands-on experience with cloud computing, Unix platform, bioinformatics tools/software, bioinformatics primary and secondary databases, scripting languages such as Python, and a strong grounding in biological sciences).

Functional Skills:

• Ability to work under minimal supervision.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement.

Application Procedures: Interested and qualified individuals should submit sealed applications accompanied by certified copies of their academic documents, detailed Curriculum Vitae with telephone and e-mail contacts, recent Passport size, and National ID to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, P.O.BOX 7272, Plot & Lourdel Road, Wandegeya, Kampala.

Applications should be delivered to the Ministry of Health Headquarters Security Registry in room No.A. 102 between 8:00 am – 5:00 pm on working days, not later than Friday, 17th May 2024, at 5:00 pm.