National Public Health Laboratory Genomic and Molecular Specialist at Amref Kenya

JOB PURPOSE

The successful candidate will lead the genomic surveillance component at the Department of Laboratory Services (DLS), Ministry of Health.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead genomic data analysis component on key issues such as TB, Malaria, COVID-19 surveillance, Early Infant Diagnosis of HIV, HIV Viral load, and HIV Drug resistance among others.
• Analyse surveillance data and link it to genomic data with a view to identify current trends and predict future trends.
• Lead environmental genome surveillance component to track pathogens with an environmental component such as SARS CoV2, Polio, etc.
• Develop and validate Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) related to pathogen diagnosis, surveillance, or analysis.
• Generate, analyse and archive genomic data.
• Lead the bioinformatic analysis component using any pathogen data.
• Prepare genomic data for submission to online platforms such as Global Initiative on Sharing Avian Influenza Data (GISAID) and National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).
• Lead writing of grants with molecular aspects of diagnosis, surveillance, or analysis.
• Coordinate quality assessment for laboratories affiliated with the NPHL especially those in the genome surveillance network.
• Lead quality assurance compliance including ISO certification of the genomics unit.
• Raise requisitions related to molecular diagnosis, surveillance, or analysis.
• Prepare policy briefs related to molecular and genomic surveillance and advise the Head, DLS on key components of these briefs.
• Train and mentor staff and students on pathogen diagnosis, surveillance, or analysis and in any relevant component of genomic surveillance.
• Any other duties assigned for by the Head DLS or Head, NPHL.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Biomedical degree with sufficient exposure to Nucleic Acid Science.
• Master’s in a degree related to Genomic Research is an added advantage. Experience
• Minimum of five (5) years of proven experience (dry and wet lab) with genome sequencing using appropriate viral pathogen nucleic acids. Experience on sequencing other pathogens such as bacteria and eukaryotic genome is an added advantage.
• Demonstrable experience in genomic/bioinformatic analysis of sequence data from different pathogens.
• At least two (2) published manuscript in peer reviewed journal a lead, second or last author in a peer reviewed journal.
• Proven experience in grant and proposal writing, at least having one successful application.

Skills, Knowledge and Competencies

• Should be a Team player and proven skills in Grant writing and application
• Ability to communicate and manage diverse skill set
• Sufficient computer literacy applicable to bioinformatic analysis

Languages

• Excellent spoken and written English and Swahili