Research Associate II- STEM Cell Biology, Organoids, and Biobanking at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide logistical support for field activities, including sampling and processing
• Support laboratory operations and the establishment of primary cell line cultures
• Maintain and monitor stem cell cultures and biobanked cell lines to ensure quality and viability
• Perform organoid differentiation in line with established protocols
• Conduct biobanking activities, including cryopreservation and sample storage
• Conduct molecular biology analyses and support cellular characterization processes
• Maintain accurate data records and support data management and Digital Sequence Information (DSI) processes
• Ensure compliance with project documentation requirements, laboratory biosafety standards, and quality assurance protocols
• Support capacity building initiatives and collaborate effectively with WorldFish and NARS project partners
• Support stakeholder engagement activities, including training sessions and outreach initiatives
• Implement and promote adherence to biosafety and ethical research protocols
• Contribution to manuscripts and publications drafting
• Perform any other related duties as may be required

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in molecular biology, biotechnology, animal science, cell biology, genetics, biomedical sciences, veterinary sciences, aquatic biology or related disciplines
• Two years of relevant experience with a degree or four years of relevant experience with a diploma
• Strong laboratory experience in molecular biology and biotechnology workflows
• Experience in sterile tissue culture techniques
• Knowledge of molecular biology methods (PCR, nucleic acid extraction, gel electrophoresis)
• Experience handling biological samples and laboratory equipment
• Ability to maintain detailed laboratory records
• Good understanding of biosafety and laboratory quality systems
• Experience with stem cell culture or organoid systems
• Experience in cryopreservation and biobanking
• Familiarity with livestock or aquatic genetic resources
• Knowledge of genomics or sequencing workflows
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
• Familiarity with ABS, DSI, or biodiversity governance frameworks