Research Scientist, Genomics and Bioinformatics, AMR Program - 2 Positions at Kenya Medical Research - KEMRI

Job specifications

The duties and responsibilities of the officer will entail:

• Assist in the implementation of research projects and/or supervising designated aspects of the work;
• Assist in carrying out wet and dry laboratory experimental procedures;
• Carry out experimental and/or developmental work under the supervision of a Senior Research Scientist or Assistant Principal Research Scientist;
• Assist in the interpretation and validation of results;
• Guiding visiting scientific students /students on attachment
• Assisting in maintaining the scientific laboratory in good working condition;

Other responsibilities

Molecular and genomic lab

• Determine and recommend laboratory needs, including lab equipment, supplies, and computer hardware and software systems.
• Develop and maintain clear and accurate standard operating procedures, experiment records, and results for laboratory projects.
• Coordinate activities in the molecular lab with other KEMRI research teams to ensure that all personnel adhere to quality and safety standards
• Analyze a wide range of genomic data from different sources (bacterial, fungal, viral) from isolates or complex samples.
• Evaluate new technologies to enhance or complement current and new research.
• Deploy existing bioinformatics pipelines, design new computational tools, and structures and determine effective data analysis framework for diverse projects.

Training

• Design assays and train students and staff in whole-genome and metagenomic sequence analyses
• Reporting and collaboration
• Input and manage data in program databases
• Perform basic data analysis using various statistical packages, analyze and package data using appropriate data visualization tools.
• Prepare regular project reports for stakeholders and present research findings in various forums
• Work closely with collaborators to analyze and disseminate genomic and molecular data.
• Participate in writing manuscript and grants

General

• Operate and maintain essential laboratory equipment such as automated ID/AST analyzers, centrifuges, Class II biological safety cabinets, PCRs, gel analyzers, sequencers.
• Comply with all laboratory-specific protocols, relevant quality assurance standards, safety, hygiene, and infection control policies.
• Any other duties as allocated by the Program Manager and/or the Principal Investigator (PI)

Person specifications

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have;-

• Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following disciplines:- Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics, Applied Sciences, Public Health, any relevant Social Science, or equivalent qualifications from a recognized Institution;
• Proficiency in computer application;
• Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.

Key skills and competences

• At least one year of active work in bioinformatics and genomics
• The applicant must have good knowledge of laboratory operations and procedures and should execute duties and responsibilities with minimal supervision.
• Competence in a scripting language and Unix with statistical packages such as R and working in Linux environments
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Experience with statistical analysis packages and electronic databases
• Experience with analyzing genomic data (Sanger, Illumina, and Nanopore)
• Skills in DNA and RNA extraction, conventional and real-time PCR and generating Sanger or Illumina whole genome sequences is an added advantage

Terms of Employment: One (1) year fixed contract. Probation period for the first 3 months.

Remuneration: Compensation is negotiable within a relevant grade, based on education levels, relevant experience and demonstrated competency. The salary scheme is based on the KEMRI scales.