Assistant Research Officer - Flow Cytometry at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

JOB PURPOSE: 

The incumbent will largely be involved in performing cell sorting and phenotypic analysis. Ability to perform and troubleshoot basic flow cytometry and cell sorting procedures will be an added advantage. The job is based at KWTRP in Kilifi, Kenya but the incumbent will also interact and work closely with IAVI collaborating institutions.

Description: 

REPORTS TO: Group lead Postdoc and to the Principal Investigator

DIRECTLY SUPERVISES: None

BUDGET AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Will be responsible for a laptop, data storage and together with the PI, manage budget allocated for flow cytometry analysis.

JOB DIMENSIONS:

KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) is one of the leading research centres in Africa. The Programme engages in a wide range of research on the main causes of ill health in Africa. We are seeking to appoint an assistant research officer or research officer in the field of immunology to work in the Biosciences department. The successful candidate will be part of a research team seeking to understand HIV B-cell biology to inform HIV vaccine development. The candidate will principally support various research activities by performing cell sorting and phenotypic characterization using flow cytometry. This work is part of a five-year (2022 - 2026) collaborative programme with IAVI and several clinical research centres in Africa and is funded by USAID. The incumbent will have an opportunity to interact and work as part of the larger immunology analysis team within the IAVI consortium.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform daily maintenance of the flow cytometers, regular Quality Control and co-ordination with BD field service team for machine servicing and repair.
• Design and test flow cytometry analysis panels.
• Perform flow cytometry and cell sorting for clinical trial analysis and exploratory research projects.
• Undergo extensive training in flow cytometry (both software and hardware) and participate in knowledge transfer to the research team.
• Lead the trouble shooting process for any arising flow cytometry technical issues.
• Collate flow cytometry data generated and provide summaries of the same.
• Manage the inventory and procurement of flowcytometry reagents and consumables.
• Ensure that all work done complies with the applicable regulations concerning biohazards, data privacy, Good Clinical and Laboratory Practice and maintain all documentation.
• And any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

QUALIFICATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological sciences,
• Extensive hands-on experience in flow cytometry or a Masters’ degree in Immunology will be an added advantage.
• Experience in using Flowjo or any other flow cytometry analysis package.
• Experience in using various analytical packages such as STATA and R

COMPETENCIES:

• Keen interest in research
• Excellent analytical and quantitative skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to present and summarise results for reporting and publication.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Team working skills with the ability to work in a multi-cultural setting.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT:

• Based at the KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya but be flexible to travel to other partner or collaborating institutions.
• Be available to work out of hours if necessary.
• Exposure to materials considered infectious and/or biohazards.