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Monthly Archives: August 2025

MyAfroDNA > 2025 > August
25
Aug
Date August 25, 2025
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Job Opening: Field Application Scientist at MyAfroDNA


Location: Port Harcourt, Nigeria (Hybrid)
Organization: MyAfroDNA – Advancing African Genomics and Molecular Research
Type: Full-time | Contract | Onsite





About Us





MyAfroDNA is a pioneering biotech dedicated to providing African biospecimens, molecular testing, and CRO services to support global research, public health, and innovation. From paternity testing to biospecimen analysis, we are committed to delivering high-quality scientific services.





Role Overview





We are looking for a dynamic Field Application Scientist to serve as a liason between our laboratory team and external stakeholders. This role is ideal for someone passionate about genomics, diagnostics, and community-focused science, with a talent for building relationships, developing partnerships, and driving client engagement.





Key Responsibilities






  • Promote MyAfroDNA’s services to research institutions, hospitals, NGOs, and private clients.




  • Identify and develop partnerships with universities, labs, and health organizations.




  • Conduct field visits to introduce our services and collect feedback.




  • Represent MyAfroDNA at events, conferences, and local exhibitions.




  • Collaborate with the product team to ensure client needs inform service development.




  • Provide input on marketing strategy from a scientific and community-focused lens.





Requirements






  • Background in Biology, Biotechnology, Public Health, or a related field.




  • Strong communication, networking, and presentation skills.




  • Familiarity with molecular testing and biospecimen collection.




  • Experience working with communities, NGOs, or research teams is a plus.




  • Willingness to travel within Nigeria and beyond as needed.





Bonus Skills






  • Community Engagement




  • Experience with grant writing or science communication




  • Previous work in a startup or research outreach





How to Apply





Please complete the application form using this link and upload your CV and cover letter.


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06
Aug
Date August 6, 2025
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Genomic Diversity in Neonatal E. coli in Malawi Raises Vaccine Design Concerns


A comprehensive genomic study of 208 neonatal Escherichia coli isolates collected from 2012 to 2021 at a major hospital in Blantyre, Malawi found extensive diversity in sequence types (STs), O‑antigens, and H‑antigens among strains causing invasive disease  . Genomes from 169 isolates passed quality control and revealed 71 distinct STs, including 11 previously unreported types; over half of STs were observed only once  . Among common lineages, ST69, ST131, ST10, and ST410 were most frequent, with ST410 highly enriched in cerebrospinal fluid samples suggesting invasive potential  .





Researchers also catalogued 63 O‑antigen types—none exceeding 10% prevalence—and 34 H‑types, with only a handful appearing in more than one year. Notably, serotypes O15, O25B, and O8 appeared most often but no type dominated across years  .





Using theoretical vaccine coverage models, the study shows that existing vaccine candidates like EXPEC4V or EXPEC9V would leave a large proportion of isolates unprotected. Crucially, the removal of O8 from some vaccine formulations could significantly reduce coverage in this setting  .





Additionally, high resistance rates were observed: over 90% of strains demonstrated resistance to co‑trimoxazole, and many were multidrug resistant; yet meropenem resistance remained rare. Only amikacin and carbapenems remained reliable options in severe cases  .





Implications for vaccine design in sub‑Saharan Africa: The extraordinary antigenic diversity among neonatal E. coli in Malawi presents a significant obstacle to one‑size‑fits‑all O‑antigen vaccines. The authors recommend vaccine strategies tailored to local serotype ecology and genetic surveillance integrated into design efforts.





Read more here.






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04
Aug
Date August 4, 2025
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Unlocking Africa’s Bioeconomy Through Genomics & Bioinformatics


A new study published by our partners, the AfricaBP Open Institute, showcases transformative efforts to harness biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics to drive a sustainable African bioeconomy.





The Africa BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) aims to sequence 105,000 non‑human genomes across Africa, spanning plants, animals, fungi, and protozoa, to support food security, conservation, and biotech innovation. To bridge capacity gaps, the AfricaBP Open Institute organized 31 hands‑on regional workshops in 2024 across five geographic regions, engaging participants from over 50 African countries. These sessions trained 401 African researchers in genome sequencing, gene editing, bioinformatics, molecular biology, ethics, and biobanking, strengthening local research infrastructure and skills.





A highlight case study: the proposed “1000 Moroccan Genome Project,” which illustrates economic returns from local genome sequencing. Analysis shows that a US$20 million investment over 10 years could yield US$40 million in discounted benefits and deliver a benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of 3.29—meaning every dollar invested returns more than three dollars in value—particularly across agriculture, R&D, education, and downstream sectors.





Key recommendations emerge: integrate biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics into national bioeconomy strategies, expand capacity‑building initiatives, build regional sequencing hubs, and foster ethical, inclusive data-sharing policies. Strategic investment in these domains positions African nations to capitalize on their unique biodiversity and reclaim ownership of genomic science—a powerful lever toward sustainable development and regional innovation rooted in African knowledge and priorities  .





In short, AfricaBP’s model provides a scalable path for leveraging genomic science to fuel a resilient, inclusive African bioeconomy driven by regional talent and locally generated data. Read more here.






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