Research Officer (Sequencing) at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

JOB PURPOSE: 

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

Description: 

REPORTING LINES:

REPORTS TO:

Head of Biosciences

INDIRECT REPORT

Assistant Research Officers, Interns, students.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

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.

JOB DIMENSION

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 minimized 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 to deliver a quality service at all times.

Job Specifications

• 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.

Desirable

• 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.
• 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
• Basic analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills;
• Team working and ability to work in diverse teams
• Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking and attention to detail.

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

• Office Work with limited travel to sites.