Research Officer (Kilifi) at Kenya Medical Research - KEMRI

JOB PURPOSE: 

1. Operate and oversee the programme’s Next Gen Sequencing Facility.
2. Manage and maintain the malaria qPCR service
3. Coordinate a Sanger sequencing service with 3rd party providers
4. Manage and maintain the molecular biology laboratory section

Description: 

REPORTS TO:

• Head of Biosciences

DIRECTLY SUPERVISES:

• Assistant Research Officers.
• Interns, students.

INDIRECTLY SUPERVISES:

• None

BUDGET AND RESOURCE RESPONSIBILITY:

• Manage all stocks of consumables and reagents for 1,2 & 3 above and maintenance of equipment for 4 above.
• Provide timely budget reports and invoicing for services provided.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordination, operation and maintenance of the Next Generation Sequencing facility and Malaria qPCR service.
• Maintain a robust stock control and grant billing system to ensure stock-outs are minimised and budgets remain balanced.
• Ensure all equipment are fully maintained and operational.
• Work closely with senior scientists to develop sequencing assays.
• Develop and maintain SOPs and other controlled documentation.
• Maintain clear and accurate records and results.
• Coordinate a Sanger sequencing service with 3rd party providers, including sample shipment and payments.
• Provide a clean and safe working environment for laboratory staff.
• Monitor and maintain relevant GCLP procedures and standards in order to deliver a quality service at all times.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A laboratory based MSc in a relevant subject, e.g. Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, Molecular biology, evolution, genetics.
• At least 3 years of research experience in a Medical Research Laboratory.
• Knowledge of GCLPs, QMS and other relevant best practices and standards.
• Knowledge and experience of implementing, operating and maintaining Quality Assurance & Quality Control systems including; Internal Quality Control and External Quality Assurance (EQA) Schemes
• Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications and Bioinformatics software.

DESIRABLE:

• Significant hands-on experience in Next Generation Sequencing, particularly utilising the Illumina MiSeq platform.
• Significant experience in performing quantitative PCR assays.
• Strong budgeting and stock management skills.
• Experience in troubleshooting molecular assays and equipment and working with Service Providers, when required, to provide rapid solutions that ensure minimum downtime.

COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrate high levels of integrity and confidentiality  
• Excellent interpersonal, written, presentation and communication skills  
• Good analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills;  
• Teamwork and ability to work with diverse teams  
• Strong Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking and attention to detail  
• Strong team coordination and Supervisory skills.