Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST, Kumasi

The Program

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) with funding support from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation is implementing a project titled ‘Supporting a Drug Discovery Hub Development in Ghana’. This project seeks to train young scientists and technicians towards building a critical mass for drug discovery applications, equip them to compete effectively for international funding for research work in Africa, offer them international exposure, and facilitate their networking and collaboration with other institutions. This call is to invite interested applicants to apply for specific positions in the field of Drug metabolism and Pharmacokinetics (DMPK). Successful applicants will conduct full-time research for a one-year period (renewable up to two years based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds) in a strong interdisciplinary environment at the Department of Pharmacology and the Central Laboratory, KNUST. Suitably qualified applicants are invited to submit applications for the positions listed below:

Research Assistant

The research assistant should have research expertise in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics (DMPK). The successful candidate will be expected to undertake the following duties

• perform discovery experiments to understand the pharmacokinetics (PK) and absorption, metabolism, distribution, and excretion (ADME) of candidate drug molecules.
• perform experiments from start to finish, including running the assays, analysis, interpretation and reporting of DMPK data generated in your experiments.
• Where appropriate, assist with experimental design and troubleshooting.
• Conduct data processing, as well as data review and QC checking.

Laboratory Technician

This person must have expertise in working with the LC-MS/MS in addition to the items listed below

• Prepare biological samples for analysis by LC-MS/MS
• Operate LC-MS/MS instrumentation
• Review data generated by LC-MS/MS instrumentation and report results
• Assist with training new staff on sample preparation, LC-MS/MS operation, and data review.

Eligibility

Research Assistant: A young scientist seeking research career in academia or industry. Applicant should have a MPhil degree in Pharmacology, Pharmaceutical sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related disciplines with knowledge in absorption, distribution, drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics obtained within the past 5 years. Applicants must be able to carry out independent DMPK assays and must be willing to work with other researchers in the laboratory. The applicant must also be highly motivated, have strong research and conceptual skills and be interested in developing novel research directions. Applicants must have strong written and oral communication skills in English. Working knowledge of English would be an advantage.

Laboratory Technician: A young scientist with a Master’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences, Chemistry, Biochemistry or related disciplines with knowledge in LC-MS/MS instrumentation and operation obtained within the past 5 years. Prospective applicants must be able to perform routine and non-routine testing with focus on chromatographic systems (LC) and mass spectrum (i.e.LC-MS/MS) to support pre-clinical DMPK studies.

The applicant must also be highly motivated, have strong research and conceptual skills, and be interested in developing novel research directions. Applicants must have strong written and oral communication skills in English. Working knowledge of English would be an advantage.

How to Apply

Prospective candidates should complete and submit an application pack (both electronic and hardcopies) to The Head, Department of Pharmacology, KNUST. The application should include the following:

• A letter of application (stating areas of expertise, research interests and experience);
• An up-to-date Curriculum Vitae;
• List of publications;
• Copies of relevant educational and professional certificates and transcripts; and,
• Two academic references

Electronic copies should be sent to: bmgfddsupport@knust.edu.gh and copy afdonkor.chs@knust.edu.gh

Submit hardcopies to:

The Head

Department of Pharmacology

Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST

PMB

KNUST, Kumasi, Ghana

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to participate in a selection process.

Deadline of Application Submission

Applicants should send both electronic and hardcopies of their applications to The Head of Department by Friday, July 15, 2022 (17.00hr GMT)