MSc Fellow (2 positions), AI for Malaria Surveillance (AIMaR/Google-funded)

The African Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data-Intensive Sciences (ACE) at the Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, invites applications for two (2) MSc student positions under the AIMaR project, funded by Google. About the project AIMaR is a four-year research project that applies advanced artificial intelligence tools, specifically the EVE (Evolutionary model of Variant Effect) framework and AlphaFold 3, to systematically predict and characterise mutations across the Plasmodium falciparum proteome. The project aims to identify mutations relevant to malaria surveillance, drug resistance and vaccine design, and to link these mutations to key epidemiological and clinical parameters using annotated samples collected from multiple sites across Uganda over the past decade. About the role The MSc fellows will be integrated into the AIMaR research team and will develop and execute independent research concepts in line with the project's aims. Each fellow will be embedded in a multidisciplinary team of researchers working at the intersection of infectious disease science and machine learning, with close mentorship from the project's principal investigators. Key responsibilities - Develop an independent research concept in malaria bioinformatics or computational biology, aligned with the aims and scope of the AIMaR project. - Design and execute a research study under the guidance of the AIMaR principal investigators, from data acquisition through to analysis and interpretation. - Prepare and submit an MSc thesis based on the research conducted, meeting all requirements of Graduate Studies. - Write one peer-reviewed publication arising from the research. - Present research progress and findings at AIMaR team meetings, institutional seminars and, where applicable, national or international scientific conferences. - Actively participate in project team meetings and scientific discussions. - Maintain proper documentation of research activities, data and methods in line with good research practice and project data governance standards. - Adhere to ethical standards and institutional research compliance requirements. Qualifications, skills and experience - A Bachelor's degree in Computational Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Computer Science or a closely related field. - Experience working with biological or genomic data, whether through undergraduate coursework, a research project or an internship. - Demonstrated proficiency in at least one programming or scripting language, particularly Python or R. - Ability to work in a Linux/Unix command-line environment, or a demonstrable aptitude for learning computational tools independently. - Familiarity with bioinformatics tools and databases, such as PlasmoDB, UniProt or NCBI. - Exposure to structural biology tools. - Understanding of malaria biology, P. falciparum genomics or infectious diseases more broadly. - Experience with High Performance Computing (HPC) environments is an added advantage. How to apply Interested candidates should submit a single PDF document containing: (i) a cover letter describing their motivation and relevant background; (ii) a current curriculum vitae; (iii) certified academic documents; and (iv) recommendation letters from two academic referees. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Deadline The listing does not specify a closing date; interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.