Hosts accepting graduate students and postdocs

Researcher Name: Afolabi-Balogun, Nusrah (She / Her)

Research Area(s): Molecular Bases of Disease, Neurobiology, Signal Transduction

Affiliation: Fountain University Osogbo

Country: Nigeria

Website 

Scientific Interests:

Our research focuses on molecular and translational biochemistry, infectious disease biology, and molecular diagnostics, with particular emphasis on human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and prevention in African populations. Key interests include HPV molecular epidemiology and genotype diversity, viral persistence, host–virus interactions, molecular biomarkers, and affordable diagnostic technologies such as LAMP. We also investigate tissue and cellular models, fluorescence-based imaging, and integration of molecular data with clinical and translational research. A major focus is research capacity strengthening in Africa, including training in molecular biology, PCR/qPCR, isothermal amplification, tissue culture, imaging, and data analysis. We promote interdisciplinary and international collaboration, providing fellows with opportunities to contribute to ongoing projects while developing practical laboratory, analytical, and scientific skills.

This offer applies to trainees/researchers eligible for the following fellowships

PROBio-Africa Fellowships, IUBMB Early-Career Research Fellowships, IUBMB Relocation Support for Displaced Trainees

Other relevant information:

The Molecular Biology and Genetic Diversity Research Laboratory (MBGD-FUO) at Fountain University provides a multidisciplinary environment for molecular and translational biomedical research. The laboratory has facilities for DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, electrophoresis, Western blotting, tissue and cell culture, fluorescence microscopy and molecular diagnostic research. Core infrastructure includes biosafety cabinets, CO₂ incubators, centrifuges, −80°C storage, imaging systems and access to a Zeiss LSM 710 confocal microscope with multiple laser lines.

The imaging infrastructure provides opportunities for fellows interested in cell biology, biomarker localisation, tissue imaging, host–pathogen interactions and quantitative fluorescence analysis. Fellows can also develop practical skills in molecular diagnostics, HPV research, tissue and cellular models, image analysis and quantitative data analysis using platforms such as Fiji/ImageJ and QuPath, with R and Python available for computational analysis.

The laboratory is embedded within an active research and training environment and has established collaborations with African and international research groups. Fellows will have opportunities to participate in ongoing projects, receive scientific mentorship, contribute to collaborative research, and gain experience conducting biomedical research within an LMIC setting.

Our laboratory is committed to groundbreaking research and impactful training. We are gracefully exploring and reflecting on the power of interdisciplinary collaboration in molecular biology. Our ongoing efforts in cervical cancer diagnosis and early detection have screened over 2,500 patients, with workshops and training programs shaping the next generation of researchers. We are committed to advancing cutting-edge research in molecular biology, genetics, and biomedical science. We are committed to unlocking genomic mysteries to understand the underlying basis of the heterogeneity of diseases for better therapeutic targeting. Our main goal is mentoring young scientists because we believe every step counts toward innovation.

With our state-of-the-art facilities in bioimaging and tissue culture, we are currently developing biomarkers of cervical cancer and the effect of our in-house anticancer agents for improved therapeutics. We are committed to advancing cutting-edge research in molecular biology, genetics, and biomedical science.

As a beneficiary of the IUBMB mid-career fellowship, my experience had exposed me to state-of-the-art facilities at the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel. The visit stimulated my passion for translational research. I, as a mentor, believed in the future of research and the role of this generation of scientists. Thus, I am passionate about training and retraining. It would be an honor to be associated by hosting Ph.D and postdoctoral fellows in our facility. For me it would be giving back to an organisation I have benefited from.

Contact:

boltux@icloud.com