Research & Development Specialist at Sanergy

We currently seek a Research & Development Specialist 1 who will be assisting in ensuring we have reliable and predictable products and processes.

Job Ref: 2020/3/12

The Research & Development Specialist 1 role is responsible for two main workstreams:

• Support in design, execution, and analysis of trials for project workstreams in Kilifi
• Assist in troubleshooting technology-related issues in Operations.

Key duties and responsibilities

Project management

• Lead an assigned project workstream
• Lead elements of and input to project scope, timeline, budget and risk management plan
• Coordinate and deliver high-quality work packages to an agreed timeline (as set by project lead)
• Coordinate cross-functionally for the successful implementation of a work package
• Support stakeholder management through stakeholder engagement, interviews, presentations and updates
• Input to project learnings and evaluation documents
• Ensure assigned work package in the project plan is maintained and up to date with accurate data through frequent engagements with the project team (if applicable) and R&D Team Lead
• Inputs into near term planning Weekly Update Meeting with the Design team
• Requests resources or support where project progress is slowing or roadblocked

Product and process development

• Contributes ideas towards improving profitability and product quality in the assigned work area

Execution of trials

• Supports design of and leads execution and analysis of trials in technical workstreams
• Ensures relevant stakeholders are involved in trials, including preparation, execution, wind-down and communication of results
• Formulates trial protocols, reviewed by the project lead
• Coordinate trial execution, data collection, logistics, wind down and analysis
• Completes trial reports;
• Present findings in post-mortems as per the R&D WoW that draw sound conclusions and make clear recommendations
• Carry out pre-trial surveys as per the R&D WoW to proactively identify risks and opportunities with respect to answering research questions
• Use general analytical and statistical (quantitative and qualitative) approaches to analyze experimental data to arrive at logical conclusions making use of appropriate tools and procedures

Systems and processes

• Identifies and escalates issues in trial and R&D processes that reduce the quality of work and speed of execution

Quality support

• Support RCAs focused on product issues in the work area
• Support Quality improvement projects in the work area

Operations support

• Supports resolution of technology-related issues in facilities in the work area
• Actively interact with the Operations team to identify issues in production early for mitigation measures

Professional development

• Initiate, attend and contribute to update discussions (with the project and team lead)
• Initiate feedback discussions with team lead & stakeholders
• Identify own professional development needs and seeks opportunities/executes agreed actions, including training, coaching, mentoring and workplace activities
• Initiate development discussions with team lead and skip level management
• Initiate and lead prioritization discussions

Team development

• Share subject matter knowledge with R&D team members by taking part in brain-storming sessions as requested
• Participates in team culture activities

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Biological Sciences
• Experience in research in biological/ life sciences
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office suite especially in Advanced Excel skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong time management, organizational, and prioritization skills
• Excellent communication skills on all levels
• Relentless desire to improve yourself, your team, and your organization;
• A collaborative mentality
• Able to work in hot environments

Required documents for Shortlisting

• NHIF
• NSSF
• KRA PIN
• Police Clearance Certificate
• Academic Transcripts and Academic Certificates