Assistant Principal Research Scientist at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

Reports to: Principal Investigator

Position Summary: The  purpose  of  the  job  is  to  lead  the  HIV  research laboratory  in  terms  of  scientific  output, quality management and part of site leadership as laboratory lead.

ESSENTIALREQUIREMENTS

• BSc in Biomedical / Applied Laboratory Sciences
• MSc in Biomedical / Applied Laboratory Sciences
• Doctorate in Virology, Molecular Biology or related field from a recognized institution
• Developed at least a funded proposal
• Published at least two (2) articles in refereed journals as the first or lead author
• Proficiency in computer applications
• Fulfill the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a laboratory (preferably in a virology and/or bacteriology laboratory, sequencing, drug resistance in plasma, RNA viral load and genotyping viruses)
• DESIRED QUALITIES:
• Technical  understanding  and  practical  experience  in  DNA  extraction,  purification  and cleavage  and  finger  printing,  polymerase  chain  reactions  (PCR),  virus  cell  culture, extraction, viral protein isolation, RNA extraction, reverse transcriptase reactions, nested PCR, cloning, purification and gene fragment analysis. •Understanding  of  other  clinical  tests  including  early  infant  diagnosis  by  DNAPCR, quantification of viral load, STI serological diagnosis, blood chemistry, complete blood count, T-cell immune-phenotyping and analysis of hematological parameters in a clinical setting.
• Understanding of HIV drug resistance genotypic testing using various validated assays and  sequence  analysis  utilizing  various  platforms  to  determine  HIV  drug  resistance mutations following genotyping and subsequent laboratory interpretation of the results.
• Knowledge of ISO 15189 accreditation standards, principles of Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP)•Experience  providing  technical  oversight  and  scientific  leadershipfor  clinical  trials, operational research and implementation science protocols.
• Good communication skills, judgment in problem solving, awareness of own limitations and strong internal motivation. •Experience in managing a laboratory. •Experience in scientific writing.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Research Leadership
  • Work  with site  leadership  to  initiate  equipment  evaluation  protocols,  write  up laboratory  aspects  of  clinical  evaluation  protocols,  and  implement  biorepository protocols in the capacity of principal investigator.
  • Prepare the lab for new test menu as part of the lab road map to being a leading regional laboratory.•Build collaboration to further collaborative research projects conducted at the site or within the laboratory.
  • Performany other duties as assigned by the HIV research division lead.
• Laboratory Management
  • Deputize the HIV Division Lead in the overall laboratory management within the HIV research division.
  • Overseeing all the laboratory activities and programs to ensureappropriate support to clinical trial and collaborative studies within the division
  • Supervising all laboratory staff to ensure smooth running of the laboratory
  • Review  of  all  laboratory  documents  including  annual  reports,  budgets,  and  staff appraisals.
  • Ensure maintenance of the laboratory Quality Management System and laboratory accreditation standards, and ensure all laboratory work is conducted in accordance with principles of GCLP.
  • Provide backup support to the CRS Laboratory Director as needed.
• Scientific, Publication and Grant writing
  • Development and submission of individual or group grants, and spearheading grant response for laboratory calls.
  • Lead  review  of  laboratory  related  manuscripts,  including  mentoring  of  laboratory staff to develop scientific and writing skills.
  • Develop    and    write    individual    or    group    concepts,    leading    to    scientific manuscripts/publications or abstracts for scientific journals and gatherings.
  • Protocol preparation, design, review and submission to Centre scientific committee, including    coordinating    responses    to    comments    arising    from    submitted manuscripts/protocols to the IRB.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Aone-yearrenewable contract as per KEMRI scheme of service and a Probation period for the first 3 months.  Remuneration:Compensation  is  negotiable  within  a  relevant  grade,  based  on  education levels, relevant experience and demonstrated competency. 

The salary scheme is based on the KEMRI scales plus supplemental amounts.