Research Assistant, Flygene Project, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at University of Nairobi

AD/7/93/23 (1 POST)
The Project

• The University of Nairobi, in collaboration with Aarhus University's (AU) Center for Quantitative Genetics and Genomics (AU-QGG), the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), and Makerere University, has received funding from the DANIDA Fellowship Centre (DFC) for a project on sustainable and efficient insect production for livestock feed through selective breeding (FLYgene). The project aims to improve the quantity and quality of Black Soldier Fly products through selective breeding in Kenya and Uganda. It will generate new knowledge in Black Soldier Fly (BSF) genetics, genomics, and phenomics for designing sustainable breeding programs in Kenya and Uganda. The project will bring together a multi-disciplinary team of entomologists, geneticists, bioinformaticians, electronic and computer engineers, and nutritionists to investigate innovative BSF phenotyping and family identification systems before establishing a breeding program. The project results are expected to lead to job creation opportunities and climate-friendly bio-waste management in a circular bioeconomy and cover several UN Sustainable Development Goals. To successfully implement the assignment, the Project seeks to competitively fill the above position.

The position

• Reporting to the Project Investigator (PI) at the University of Nairobi, the position entails managing BSF founder populations and conducting experiments at the breeding facility.

Location

• This is a full-time position based in Nairobi. The Research Assistant will be based at the FLYgene facilities at Upper Kabete Campus, University of Nairobi. Some travel to key clients may also be required.

Job specifications

• A Diploma in Animal Science, Animal Health, or an equivalent qualification
• Experience working with insects or managing a facility for insects is essential. Prior BSF training from ICIPE would be an added advantage.
• Be available to start working on August 1, 2023

Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage the Black Soldier Fly (BSF) breeding facility, including feeding and organizing organic waste collection;
• Conduct experiments in the BSF breeding facility;
• Assist the PhD student in recording phenotypes in founder populations;
• Contribute to building research capacity, including training;
• Collate data and write reports and
• Any other duty as assigned by the Principal Investigator (PI).

Personal attributes:

• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Ability to listen and communicate well both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.

Terms of appointment

• The appointment is for one year and is renewable based on satisfactory performance, mutual agreement, and the availability of funds.

Salary and benefits

• The position offers an attractive salary in addition to professional and personal development for the duration of the project.