SAMRC invites Physiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry graduates to apply for this

Opportunity to pursue PhD or MSc study (2023-2026) at the Biomedical Research and Innovation

Platform (BRIP), Parow, Cape Town in collaboration with SSISA at UCT

Applications are invited for a PhD or MSc candidate for a project investigating a commercially available food product – Baobab fruit powder – for gut and cardiometabolic health benefits in apparently healthy adults with obesity. The study will recruit 50 participants and explore biomarkers of gut health and cardiometabolic risk prior to and following 45 days of supplementation with baobab or placebo. The study will take place at the Sports Science Institute South Africa (SSISA) in Newlands.

ELIGIBILITY: BSc Hons or MSc degree in Physiology, Biology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry or a related discipline.

DUTIES:

 Assist with participant recruitment and data collection (questionnaires), biological sample (blood urine and stool) processing and storage, data entry

 Laboratory analyses of samples, data analyses

 Writing reports and publications

REQUIREMENTS

 Proactive and self-driven/self-motivated, excellent organization and communication skills

 Driver’s license and own transport for commuting between SSISA and SAMRC

 Laboratory skills (Molecular Biology, Aseptic technique)

Advantage:

o Prior experience with coordination or assisting with studies involving human participants

o Clinical skills

o Experience with or interest in liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry techniques

o Interest in bioinformatics or analysis of microbiome data sets

VALUE, PERIOD AND CONDITIONS OF THE AWARD

 The candidate can be supported with a stipend for up to one year (R150 000). The candidate will be required to apply for bursaries (e.g. at NRF or SAMRC) or provide their own funding thereafter.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

 A cover letter indicating why the applicant may be appropriate for this project (max 1 page)

 Curriculum vitae, including 3 contactable references;

 Copy of ID;

 Certified copies of highest qualifications.

Start date 01 August 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Applications should be emailed to sylvia.riedel@mrc.ac.za before the closing date: 10/07/2023

For further inquiries, please contact Dr Sylvia Riedel: 021 9380844

Post by SAMRC