Research Assistant - Analytical Chemist at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Job description

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research Assistant –Analytical chemist to provide technical support in diagnostics and analytical chemistry.

Responsibilities

• Support research fellows (ABCFs) and other researchers through training and supervision
• Work as part of a team conducting capacity building and research with scientists from universities and National Agricultural Research
• Institutes from Eastern and Central Africa, and beyond. Specific responsibilities are in the area of diagnostics and analytical chemistry;
• Conduct research and implement laboratory operations at a logistical level (including help in development of standard operating procedures, managing consumables stocks and procurement, drafting risk assessments and obtaining permits) under the supervision of the nutritional analysis-mycotoxin project leader and in consultation with other team members;
• Ensure observation of good laboratory practice including drafting risk assessments and surveillance of laboratory users’ activity;
• Operate a subset of the platform’s laboratory equipment, including several of the following: ELISA, fluorometer, UPLC, AAS, UV-VIS, NIR, GCMS, LCMS;
• Prepare laboratory chemical reagents and media;
• Carry out routine tasks such as sampling and sample testing, contribute to the development of laboratory protocols within the nutritional analysis-mycotoxins platform, conduct data analysis and interpretation;
• Conduct induction and periodical training of lab members and other partners.

Requirements

• MSc in analytical chemistry or equivalent and at least two years relevant working experience;
• Expertise in analytical chemistry and diagnostics, including: sampling strategies, extraction procedures, standards preparation, data analysis and interpretation, equipment operations, troubleshooting, routine equipment maintenance;
• Experience working in a laboratory setting;
• Experience with experimental design and sampling procedures;
• Experience developing and following detailed SOPs;
• Knowledge of MS Office; and with statistical analyses and database usage;
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance and control procedures;
• Experience with mycology, molecular biology and genetics;
• Experience developing databases;
• Experience conducting teaching and training.
• Ability to communicate effectively, work independently and work productively in a multidisciplinary, multicultural team;
• Ability to adapt new technology and methods to enhance program effectiveness;
• Strong English language skills, both written and spoken.

Terms of Appointment

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus. It is open to Kenyan nationals only. The position is on a 3-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.