Research Technician, BecA

Vacancy Number: RT/BECA/04/14
Department: BecA ILRI-hub
Duration: 8 months fixed term contract

ILRI seeks to recruit a Research technician on a short term contract at the BecA ILRI-Hub. The job holder’s focus will be in the application of molecular biology and genomics tools on crop and animal pathogens that create major constraints in African small farming systems.

ILRI works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI is a member of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (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 West and southern Africa and South and Southeast Asia. www.ilri.org.

The Centre’s headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, and research is conducted in 31 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. We are supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and receive funding from over 50 different donors.

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. www.cgiar.org.

ILRI also manages the Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) Hub, the centre for excellence in modern plant and animal biology in Africa.  BecA is an initiative developed within the framework of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD)/ African Union African Biosciences initiative. It consists of a Hub based on the ILRI campus in Nairobi, Kenya and a network of regional nodes and other affiliated laboratories and organizations throughout the region.  The BecA Hub facilities are world class, including a range of molecular, plant transformation, and genomics laboratories and equipment (e.g. 454 sequencing, Illumina MiSeq, Biosafety level 3 laboratory, plant growth facilities).  The Hub hosts and conducts research in crop, microbe and livestock areas where new developments in science offer promise to address previously intractable problems constraining Africa’s development.  Capacity building is a major goal of all activities. The scope covers agriculture and food security and their intersections with human health and nutrition, and the sustainable use of Africa’s natural resources.  Further information is available at http://hub.africabiosciences.org/

Responsibilities

• To provide high level technical support in molecular biology, genomics, NGS libraries; preparation, data analysis for research at the BecA-ILRI Hub;
• Conduct research under supervision of research scientists;
• Conduct trainings and assist students in molecular biology techniques;
• Ensure observation of good laboratory practice, good laboratory etiquette and research ethics;
• Prepare and edit SOPs for the laboratory manual;
• Coordinate and manage purchase requisition of consumable stock items;
• Coordinate with ILRI engineering and lab manager to ensure that the laboratories and equipment are in good working order;
• Manage sample collections for the overall project;
• Establish and curate databases containing overall project data.

Requirements

• MSc degree in biological sciences or related field;
• Experience in molecular biology methods and research;
• Experience in genomics tools and their applications to address a wide range of issues;
• Ability to organize and coordinate technical activities of the work unit;
• Ability to communicate effectively and to work in a multidisciplinary team;
• Knowledge of laboratory health and safety procedures;
• Computer literacy in MS Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is essential;
• Knowledge of bioinformatics;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team setting;
• Ability to adapt new technology and methods to enhance program effectiveness;
• Strong English language skills, both written and spoken;
• Experience in molecular biology techniques ;
• Knowledge of next-generation sequencing strategies and methods.

Terms of appointment:

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) positions based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus and is for a period of 8 months from May-December 2014.

Job level and salary:

This position is job level 2C with a starting salary of KES 116,417 per month. In addition to salary, ILRI offers Medical insurance for staff and dependents, Life insurance, Pension at 12.5% employers contribution, Annual holiday entitlement of 30 days+ public holidays within ILRI’s National Recruited Staff Scheme

How to apply:

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV 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 to the Human Resources Officer through: http://ilri.simplicant.com/ before 24 April 2014. The position title and reference number REF: RT/BECA/04/14 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the online application.