Research Associate at Mount Kenya Academy

Qualification

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING

Essential

• PhD in either entomology or analytical chemistry

OR

• MSc in entomology or analytical chemistry with 2 years’ experience in the 2 disciplines

EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Practical experience working on handling entomology laboratory
• Experience in analytical chemistry instrumentation including GCMS and LCMS
• Ability to analyze and interpret data from GC-MS and LC-MS
• interpret results from GC-MS and LC-MS
• Ability to properly document work and write reports and publish in peer reviewed journals
• Well skilled in use of MS Excel, PowerPoint and Word document
• Provide expert interpretation of data and compare results to established specifications or anticipated trends

Desirable

• Experience in rearing of insects .

Key responsibilities also include

KEY RESULT AREAS:

• Take a leading, practical role in the strategic and routine operation of a 15-month KTP collaborative project to ‘develop novel female fruit fly protein bait’. Close interaction with project partners from both academia (MKU and UWS) and Farmtrack Consulting Ltd will be needed.
• Take a leading, practical role in the analysis and formulation of the protein bait using locally available materials.
• Work with Project Team to carry out field efficacy trials for the developed product.
• Work with Project Team to develop protocols for analysis and formulation of the product as well as efficacy trials under field conditions.
• Under the guidance of the Project Team, develop protocols for rearing of fruit fly in the laboratory for use in the project experiments.
• Co-ordinate and manage data (including data quality, integrity and security) acquired by the project, staff and external partners.
• Prepare reports covering aspects of the research project and present to relevant audiences as required and completion of KTP final report.
• Contribute to the preparation of articles for publication to peer reviewed journals.

PLANNING AND ORGANISING:

• Work closely with both Staff and Management in Farmtrack and the Academic Research Team within the Group.
• Work on own initiative prioritizing workload to ensure achievement of research activities and project deadlines.
• Coordinate workload with members of the Project Team within Farmtrack and MKU to avoid duplication of workload and conflict.
• Undertake and/or co-ordinate data collection, data analysis, writing up of findings and dissemination of findings at appropriate conferences and industry events.
• Use research resources/facilities as appropriate.

DECISION MAKING

• Deal with problems which may affect the delivery of or the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Contribute to decisions affecting the work of the Team.
• Decide, with members of the Project Team within Farmtrack, MKU and UWS the most appropriate way to overcome difficulties that may arise in order to achieve the project outcomes.
• Analyze and interpret the results of research, and contribute to the generation of original ideas based on outcomes.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Work closely with and be supported by both the project leads in Farmtrack, MKU and UWS and any potential external partners.
• Liaise with colleagues and support staff within Farmtrack and the School of Pure and Applied Sciences at MKU on research matters.
• Actively participate as both practitioner within Farmtrack and research team members in MKU.
• Attend and contribute to Project Team meetings and other relevant meetings.
• Demonstrate awareness of ethical issues pertaining to the research process and consideration to others.

Requirements

SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/UNDERSTANDING

Essential

• Essential skills we require as a minimum:
• A good understanding of insect biology and analytical chemistry
• A good understanding of the issues relating to development of products
• A good understanding of formulation and packaging and dispensing of products
• Ability to undertake data analysis from complex datasets.
• Ability to conduct literature and database searches using appropriate search strategy/terms, co-ordinate and manage data (including data quality, integrity and security) acquired by the project
• Prepare reports covering aspects of the research project and present to relevant audiences as required and contribute to the preparation of articles for publication to peer reviewed journals
• Excellent written communication skills; technical documents and documentation suitable for non-technical users and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences
• Expert knowledge of laboratory apparatus and equipment and a variety of laboratory techniques
• Take a leading, practical role in the development and formulation of the product
• Demonstrate awareness of ethical issues pertaining to the research process and consideration to others

 Desirable

• Work on own initiative prioritizing workload to ensure achievement of research activities and project deadlines
• Deal with problems and overcome difficulties which may affect the delivery of or the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a high-performance team
• Motivated and enthusiastic
• Hands-on approach to problem solving