Call for applications: Introduction to Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics Training Workshop 2014

Details

Written on Monday, 03 February 2014 13:44

Background
Biosciences tools can be used to address many of Africa’s agricultural challenges such as pests, diseases and climatic constraints that result in low crop yields and poor animal productivity. However, opportunities linking modern biosciences to agricultural improvement to solve some of Africa’s major agricultural problems remain largely untapped.

The BecA-ILRI Hub hosts and conducts research in crop, microbe and livestock areas where new developments in biosciences and well trained researchers can solve some intractable problems constraining Africa’s food security. For more information about the BecA-ILRI Hub please visit http://hub.africabiosciences.org/. As part of its capacity building program, the BecA-ILRI Hub will hold a training workshop on introductory molecular biology and bioinformatics from 5th to 16th May, 2014. For more information on the workshop, the concept note and draft program are available below.

Scope of the training workshop
Selected applicants will be sponsored to attend an intensive 2-week training workshop consisting of lectures and hands on training in DNA purification, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing and bioinformatics. Participants will also experience the research discovery process whereby potentially novel DNA sequences acquired by each participant will be analyzed and discussed during the bioinformatics sessions. Training will be given by experts in molecular biology and bioinformatics from the BecA-ILRI Hub and regional partner research institutions.

Who can apply/selection criteria
The Hub is seeking applicants from eastern and central Africa region who require basics skills in molecular biology and bioinformatics to support their research. The training is targeting graduate students and early career researchers, based on evidence of productive scholarship and research, relevance of the workshop to applicant’s current research, and visible engagement in agricultural research within a national research institute or university. Additionally, applicants must must meet the following criteria:

• Only nationals of BecA countries are eligible (Burundi, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda).
• Strong affiliation with a national agricultural research program or institution or university in any of the above BecA countries.
• Currently engaged in agricultural biosciences research.
• Holders of BSc, MSc or PhD in biosciences or a related subject.
• Good working knowledge of written and spoken English.
• Letter of nomination/recommendation from head of department or institution head.

Women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.

Application process

• All those interested should fill and submit the online application available at: http://hpc.ilri.cgiar.org/beca/training/IMBB_2014/Application/index.html
• No other mode of application will be accepted.

Important dates

• The online application form must be submitted by mid-night, 28th February 2014 (Nairobi time).
• Applications received after the deadline or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Successful applicants will be notified by 17th March  2014.
• Further information to successful applicants will be communicated by 24th March 2014.

Workshop sponsors

• the Australia Government Department for Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through a partnership between Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) and the BecA-ILRI Hub.
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
• The Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
• Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture.

Thank you for considering this opportunity and we look forward to hearing from you.

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