Call for applications: BecA-ILRI Hub advanced genomics and bioinformatics training workshop 2016

Details

Written on Wednesday, 08 June 2016 14:39

As part of its capacity building program, the Biosciences eastern and central Africa-International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub in collaboration with Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) will hold a two weeks hands-on training workshop on advanced genomics and bioinformatics from 8–19 August 2016. The workshop aims at providing a learning forum for researchers in genomics (laboratory procedures in Next Generation Sequencing NGS) and bioinformatics (computational methods of analyzing NGS data).

Applications are invited from researchers in eastern and central Africa who require advanced skills in genomics and bioinformatics to support their research. Selection of participants will be based on evidence of productive research and the relevance of genomics and bioinformatic skills in their current work. Individuals who are currently engaged in agricultural research within a national research institute or a university are highly encouraged to apply. Proficiency in molecular biology and genomics 'wet-lab' activities is necessary.

Selected participants will attend an intensive 2-week training workshop at the BecA-ILRI Hub in Nairobi, Kenya. The program will include:

• Introduction to Genomics and NGS technologies
• Library preparation and sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform
• Basic statistics for analysis of biological data
• Genome and transcriptome assembly
• RNA-Seq differential expression analysis
• Variant discovery (SNP and Indel)
• 16S rRNA Metagenomics
• Phylogenetics

A team of facilitators from the SLU, New York University, Ohio State University and BecA-ILRI Hub will conduct the training sessions.

Applicant requirements

• A national of one of the following BecA countries: Burundi, Central Africa Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon, Madagascar, São Tomé and Príncipe, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan. In exceptional cases, applicants from other African countries may be considered. (Please note that applicants from Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, Tanzania and Uganda require nominations from their home institution. Applications from the above nine countries may also be considered if they are sponsored or have own funding to meet at least 75% of the full cost of the course.)
• Currently engaged in biosciences research
• Proficiency in molecular biology and genomics
• MSc or PhD in biological sciences
• Good working knowledge of written and spoken English

Application process
All those interested should fill and submit the online application. To access the form, CLICK HERE.

No other mode of application will be accepted. Online application form submitted by 8th July 2016.

Important dates
The online application form must be submitted by 8 July 2016 mid-night Nairobi time.
Successful applicants will be notified by 15 July 2016.
Applications received after  deadline and incomplete applications will not be considered.
 
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
• Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency
• UK Department For International Development
• The Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture

For further clarifications/ inquiries on the workshop, do not hesitate  to contact us.

Share this post