Master's Student – NTM Sequencing Research

About the role

Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) is looking for a highly motivated master's candidate to join its Makhado research group. This is a two-year master's position based at AHRI's facility in Durban, South Africa, focused on analysing histopathological human biological samples, including resected lung samples, and characterising nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) using whole genome sequencing and targeted sequencing.

Key responsibilities

• Analyse histopathological human samples, including resected lung tissue, and characterise NTM.
• Characterise and analyse NTM using whole genome sequencing and targeted next-generation sequencing with Deeplex Myco-TB.
• Investigate NTM species relatedness, functional genomic changes, drug resistance and structural variations.
• Interact regularly with an extensive international research network.

Required profile

• Honours degree in medical microbiology, molecular biology or a related biomedical science field.
• Experience with standard tuberculosis diagnosis tests.
• Ability to work under guided supervision.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, good interpersonal skills and a team-oriented approach.
• Knowledge of infectious disease research is preferable but not essential.

Required skills

• Experience with PCR-based methods and data analysis.
• Whole genome sequencing and targeted next-generation sequencing.

The salary depends on previous experience and follows AHRI's official scheme and NRF grades, without tax deduction because of the tax-exempt status for students. Applications close on 23 October 2026 and should include a cover letter, a 1-2-page CV and academic records, sent by email with the subject 'Makhado_ NTMs in FFPE tissue samples study'. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.