UFS-NGS UNIT
Vacancies
Grow Your Career in Cutting-Edge Genetic Research
Four exciting postgraduate research opportunities (2 PhD and 2 Master’s) are available in the field of
pathogen genomics and genomic surveillance at the University of the Free State Next-Generation
Sequencing Unit (UFS-NGS Unit), School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences. The
successful candidates will join the UFS Research Chair in Genomic Surveillance of Respiratory and
Enteric Pathogens from Children in South Africa, a flagship initiative led by Prof. Martin Nyaga. The
project applies next-generation sequencing (NGS) and metagenomics to characterise respiratory and
enteric viral pathogens, antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), vaccine efficacy, and transmission
dynamics in children under five years across three provinces.
Position Details We are accepting applications for:
– 2 PhD positions (3 years)
– 2 Master’s positions (2 years)
Research Nurse Opportunities (x2 positions in the Free State Province and KZN)
The University of the Free State (UFS) Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Unit is seeking qualified and
experienced Research Nurses to join the UFS Research Chair in Genomic Surveillance of Respiratory and Enteric
Pathogens from Children in South Africa. This flagship initiative, led by Prof. Martin Nyaga, applies next-generation
sequencing (NGS) and metagenomics to characterise respiratory and enteric viral pathogens in children under five
years of age, with emphasis on antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs), vaccine efficacy, and transmission dynamics.
The successful candidates will play a critical role in hospital-based syndromic surveillance across the Free State
Province and KZN, contributing directly to the collection of clinical specimens over the 2026–2030 period.
Position Details
– Contract Type: Part time (12 hours a week).
– initial 12 months, renewable annually up to 2030 based on performance.
– Location: Public hospitals and healthcare facilities in the Free State Province and KZN.
– Hourly rate will be discussed with the shortlisted candidates.