Early Post Doctoral Researcher (Virutubisho Study) at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

JOB PURPOSE: 

To provide expertise and oversight in multiple micronutrient research within the maternal and child nutrition research group at KWTRP Kilifi/Coast. We are looking for an experienced laboratory researcher with working knowledge of micronutrient analysis to guide the micronutrient body of work within the VIRUTUBISHO Trial.

The VIRUTUBISHO trial is a community based clinical trial of multiple micronutrient supplementation to women of reproductive age (non-pregnant & pregnant) in Kilifi county.  The post holder needs to be experienced in managing laboratory-based research projects in an international setting and be highly self-sufficient to manage complex clinical trial research work. The post is mentally demanding, involving attention to detail and timescales, and strong engagement with stakeholders.

Description: 

REPORTING LINES:

• Principal Investigator of the VIRUTUBISHO Trial.

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY:

• Budget planning, oversight, monitoring and reporting responsibilities.

JOB DIMENSIONS:

The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) is a world-renowned research institution in Kenya that conducts studies of public health interest. One area of great public health interest is research in maternal and child nutrition that aims at improving health amongst vulnerable women of reproductive age (WRA) in developing countries.  The group is focussed on Management of nutritional At-risk mothers and infants under 6 months of age (MAMI). We have been evaluating contribution of maternal nutrition, and maternal risk factors in poor infant outcomes. We have applied mixed method approach to evaluate breast feeding problems in 1st month of life, hospital-based studies on infants with severe wasting in first 6 months of life to improve breast feeding support in and out of hospital (IBAMI1 & 2). We are members of NeoNunet; a collaborative network of Nigerian and Kenyan newborn units set up to evaluate evidence for feeding of premature and low-birthweight neonate.

The VIRUTUBISHO Trial aims to optimize nutrient requirement for maternal supplementation. It is a Phase 2b dose-finding pharmacokinetic trial of Balanced Energy Protein (BEP) and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS). It is a community-based trial that will recruit women of reproductive age from two locations in Kilifi north sub-county.

The post holder will be based in Kilifi. They will work with an experienced team of laboratory scientists in the larger nutrition research group led by Professor James Berkley.  

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To oversee the laboratory objectives of the VIRUTUBISHO trial including liaising with the scientific leadership, data management and trial monitoring to ensure effective implementation of the laboratory aspects of the study.
• To oversee collection of samples and associated data according to the study protocol including haematology, biochemistry, micronutrients, inflammation, microbiome, metabolomics, proteomics, and nutrigenetics studies among others.
• To identify biomarkers and assays to quantify micronutrients and other markers or biological profiles of interest related to micronutrient status in biological samples
• To support harmonization of laboratory procedures for VIRUTUBISHO trial with MINDR trial (Bangladesh).
• To work with internal and external labs conducting analysis of samples from the VIRUTUBISHO trial
• To conduct pharmacokinetics analysis by developing population pharmacokinetic models that will be fitted to data arising from each micronutrient using nonlinear mixed effects modelling
• To develop and maintain a high-level communication with international micronutrient experts and review literature on micronutrients and supplementation among women of reproductive age including identifying reference ranges
• To provide scientific mentorship for students within the VIRUTUBISHO trial.
• To participate in manuscript preparation, grant development, among other scientific roles

Qualifications:

• PhD degree in laboratory sciences or Computational Biology/Bioinformatics or related field.
• At least 1 Upto 4 years post-PhD experience in research laboratory.
• Prior experience in large data processing and analysis and/or experience in statistics / machine learning is required
• A track record of previous publications in bioinformatics analysis of large-scale biological data (e.g. omics, clinical data)
• Significant skills in leadership, organization, prioritisation, problem solving and decision making
• Ability to network, communicate, resolving disputes and maintain good working relationships within a multi-cultural environment.

Desirable:

• Experience handling micronutrients analysis is a added advantage
• Excellent communication skills

Competencies:

• Demonstrated high levels of confidentiality and integrity
• Excellent interpersonal, written, presentation and communication skills 
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Strong Management, leadership and decision-making skills,
• Ability to build strong and diverse effective teams, delegation and team motivationAbility to build productive and collaborative relationships with varied stakeholders

The application closing date is 17 August, 2022.