Senior Researcher (Smart Data Integration - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract - Wits Health Consortium)

Division: Wastewater Genomics Main purpose of the job: * To develop and implement advanced statistical, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence (AI) methods for integrated pathogen surveillance using wastewater, clinical, and other public health data streams for data integration, analysis, visualization, and open dissemination, with the ultimate goal of strengthening public health decision-making and global health surveillance Location: * NICD, Sandringham Key performance areas: * Develop statistical, bioinformatics, and AI tools for integrated pathogen surveillance * Implement analytical tools for integrated pathogen surveillance across wastewater, clinical, and public health data streams * Leveraging existing analytical resources in collaboration with computational scientists, and epidemiologists * Develop and manage integrated surveillance data systems * Lead and/or contribute to manuscript drafting for peer-reviewed publications, research reports, conferences, and grant applications Required minimum education and training: * PhD in Computational Biology/ Epidemiology/ Biostatistics/ Computer Science/ Machine Learning/ Bioinformatics/ Data Science/ Applied Mathematics, or Public Health with a strong Quantitative focus * Proficiency in: * Coding/scripting in major programming languages (e.g., Python, R, etc.) * Bioinformatics pipeline tools/workflow managers (e.g., Bash, Nextflow) * Proficiency in developing APIs (REST/FastAPI) and building computational pipelines for graphical user interfaces (GUIs) and dashboards * Git version control, Docker/containers, cloud/HPC computing environments, and automated data pipelines Required minimum work experience: * Minimum 1 years’ relevant experience in a research environment Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities: * Take ownership and accountability for tasks & activities * Demonstrate effective self-management, ensuring that quality and productivity standards of own work are maintained * Possess good management skills * Demonstrate high emotional intelligence skill with strong conflict resolution and interpersonal skills * Ability to be flexible and willingness to learn * Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback * Ability to work under pressure and maintain confidentiality TO APPLY: * Only if you meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV and a cover letter (maximum one page) that clearly states which vacancy you are applying for,with two contactable references * Please Apply Online and complete your registration via our website to enable and protect you as a candidate, and to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions * This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL * However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market * Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position * Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates * Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful * Closing date: 06 October 2026 * Note: No CV will be accepted after the closing date Please note: * WHC, in accordance with its Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto * AJ Personnel is only responsible for advertising and the response handling on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium * AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position AJ Personnel Recruiter