Research Officer I at icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Overall Purpose of the Job

This position will support the activities of a malaria project that aims to identify the underlying biological and ecological drivers of persistent malaria transmission in Kenya. The assistant will be able to; identify malaria vectors to species level (molecularly) and perform a variety of experiments and analyses to assess insecticide susceptibility, mosquito response to metabolites, infection of malaria parasites and host blood feeding associations. The individual will be able to set up experiments that encompass vector manipulations in level 2 Arthropod containment laboratory (ACL-2) in addition to rearing and maintenance of vector colonies while adhering to correct standard operating procedures and health and safety guidelines.

Specific Duties

• Identification of field-collected anophelines by molecular means.
• Rearing of mosquitoes from field-collected specimens and conducting experiments (e.g., insecticide susceptibility assays).
• Set up bioassay experiments to quantify mosquito behavioural responses to metabolites/substrates (crude, synthetic, etc)
• Analyse volatiles/non-volatiles using chemical methods (e.g., GC-MS, LC-MS)
• Screening of mosquito specimens for pathogens and host blood meal.
• Assist in training of students/interns.
• Collate and summarise data and present monthly progress reports.
• Carry out any other duties commensurate with experience which may be assigned from time to time.

Requirements/Qualifications

• BSc in Biological Sciences/Analytical Chemistry.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.
• Good clinical laboratory procedures.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge in inventory and biorepository management.
• Willing to engage in field work.
• Skills in setting-up bioassays for i) insecticide resistance and ii) evaluating mosquito responses to volatiles; Analytical chemistry techniques (e.g., GC-MS, LC-MS).
• Ability to handle and rear mosquitoes.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an engaging laboratory and ACL-2 facility, mosquito bioassay experiments and analytical chemistry techniques.

Other Desirable Attributes

• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to troubleshoot and respond to a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to undertake initiatives.
• Team player and willing to assist students in setting up experiments.
• Collate and organize data for manuscript development.