Research Director (Kisumu Field Station) - All Interested Applicants at U.S. Embassy to Kenya

Duties

• The job holder will serve as the Kisumu Field Station Research Director for the U.S. Army Medical Research Directorate-Africa (USAMRD-A) which has four centers in/around Kisumu: Kondele Basic Sciences Laboratory, Kombewa Clinical Research Center, and Kisian Entomology Laboratory and Malaria Drug Resistance Laboratory. The job holder will serve as the primary agency contact for all USAMRD-A research and disease surveillance activities carried out in the four centers of the Kisumu Field Station. The job holder will manage USAMRD-A’s research and support collaborations with funding agencies, implementing and cooperative agreement partners, and host government ministries, including Kenya Ministries of Health and Defense, Kenya Defense Forces, county departments of health, and other organizations that work on the USAMRD-A research platform in the Kisumu Field Station. The job holder reports to the USAMRD-A Director (position #R0024714) or Deputy Director (position #R0024483) to ensure that all research and public health surveillance activities in malaria, vector-borne disease, HIV, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases address U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Force Health Protection priorities and contribute to measurable outcomes in global health. Specifically, the incumbent 1) provides subject matter expertise and leadership to the USAMRD-A research portfolio on broad pathogen research and surveillance for diseases of importance to the DOD, US Embassy, host nation, and international travelers; 2) establishes and maintains local and international partnerships and relationships and strengthens collaborations with funding agencies; 3) leads and develops research programs with sufficient depth and breadth to support the overall mission of the USAMRD-A; and 4) develops new research partnerships and manages international and local collaborations for the continued success of the USAMRD-A mission. The job holder provides guidance to up to six U.S. military personnel (position #s R0024795, R0024756, R0024619, R0024916, R0024761, and R0024401) and oversees program operations for a team of over 216 staff.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE: 

• At least 5 years of programmatic leadership in a medical research laboratory with cutting-edge activities in molecular biology (including whole genome sequencing), immunology, parasitology, or related field. Incumbent must have served as a principal investigator on at least five major projects related to previously mentioned disciplines. Must demonstrate proven ability to attract funding from government, non-profit, and corporate medical research and development entities. Must have demonstrated ability to successfully lead and/or participate as a member of complex, multidisciplinary research teams to meet pre- and post-award goals. Must have successfully completed at least one postdoctoral training period after completion of PhD (or equivalent terminal degree), with documented productivity. Must show experience in successfully mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral trainees.
• At least an additional 2 years of managerial experience in a biomedical research/public health laboratory is required.

Education Requirements:

• MD, DVM, PhD, or DrPH and/or host country equivalent in medicine, public health or epidemiology is required.

Evaluations:

LANGUAGE: 

• English: English level IV (fluent speaking/reading/writing) and Kiswahili level III (good working knowledge – speaking/reading/writing) is required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

• Incumbent must possess excellent leadership skills with ability to nurture productive working relationships with relevant stakeholders and partners. Must function effectively as a team leader, coordinating multiple projects, and providing detailed insight into activities and job assignments. Excellent organization, time and project management skills, including ability to prioritize and manage activities from start to completion, regardless of time required; ability to accomplish tasks with short deadlines; and ability to responsibly manage funds related to laboratory activities and medical research. Incumbent must possess broad and extensive experience and skill in consulting with biomedical scientists, physicians, human subjects research specialists, and policy makers, and in participating in collaborative research. requisitions. As the senior most LE staff in Kisumu Field Station, the incumbent must also be thoroughly familiar with the USG/FSN employment system. Demonstrate proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, databases and other computer applications for program implementation and research.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO):  The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Qualifications:

• All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.