Diagnostic Assay Development Specialist

Vacancy Number: DADS/AB/01/2013
Animal Sciences
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 3 years with the possibility of renewal

Base salary from USD 45,000 – 55,000 per annum depending on skills and experience, with an attractive international benefits package (tax free*).

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium, a global research partnership of 15 centres working with many partners for a food-secure future. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in eastern, western and southern Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.

The Position: ILRI seeks to recruit a scientist to develop novel or improved diagnostic assays for infectious diseases of relevance and identify novel diagnostic platforms suitable for ILRI’s research activities and for use in ILRI’s target livestock systems.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the research and development to commercialization of pen-side diagnostic assays as part of efforts to control or eliminate infectious diseases of importance to poor livestock owners;
• Identify and develop opportunities for diagnostic assay development for diseases aligned to ILRI’s research focus;
• Identify and develop opportunities for novel diagnostic assay technologies, especially those suitable for resource-limited environments;
• Manage the ILRI diagnostic services, identify and implement new routine diagnostic assays;
• Contribute to the development of new research proposals and mobilize funding for further research;
• Publish results of research in high quality peer-reviewed international journals.

Essential Skills and Qualifications will include:

• PhD in infectious disease research, diagnostic assay development or similar field;
• At least 5 years’ post doctoral experience in academic or commercial environment;
• Experience in development of serological and nucleic acid-based diagnostic assays for infectious diseases;
• Knowledge of novel diagnostic assay technologies;
• Experience in epidemiology of infectious diseases;
• Previous successful proposal development;
• Track record of publishing in high quality peer-reviewed articles;
• Fluency in English is essential.

Post location: This position is based at ILRI’s Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

Position level: Scientist level 1 (4C).

Duration: 3 years with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding.

Terms of appointment: ILRI offers a competitive international remuneration and benefits package which includes: 15% Pension, Medical insurance for staff and dependents, Life insurance, Education allowance for dependent children, Housing allowance, Relocation Allowance, Annual Home leave, Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days+public holidays.

*Benefits are tax free subject to compliance with tax regulations of country of citizenship.

Applications:

Applicants should address a cover letter and CV with full list of publications to the Human Resources Office explaining their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Email your application to ilri-DADSAB@cgiar.org . The position title and reference number: DADS/AB /01/2013should be clearly marked on the subject line of the online application.