Research Scientist at Kenya Medical Research - KEMRI

Vacancy No. CIPDCR/DESK-DAI/1/05/2023

• Project description: Dengue Surveillance and Control in Selected Counties of Kenya.
• The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) seeks to carry out epidemiological surveillance of dengue in Mandera, Wajir, Kilifi, Mombasa and Trans Nzoia County. The study aims to determine the public health threat posed by dengue virus and to identify potential factors that lead to sustained occurrence of dengue outbreaks. Currently, routine diagnosis of dengue is not conducted at the health facility laboratories countrywide. As a result, the true burden of dengue in Kenya remains unknown. The project is based at the Centre for Infectious and Parasitic
• Diseases Control Research (CIPDCR) in Busia. The project seeks to fill the following position.
  • Position: Research Scientist, Job Group KMR 6 (1 position)
  • Reports to: Principal Investigator
  • Location: Busia

Job Summary:

• The successful candidate will work with the Senior Research Scientist to coordinate epidemiological surveillance activities in the field while overseeing field workers, perform bioassays and support laboratory operations.

Job Specification

• Perform sample collection, processing, preservation, storage, and shipment.
• Perform laboratory procedures including PCR, ELISA, PRNT
• Propagate and maintain cell cultures and cell lines
• Follow and ensure proper compliance with protocol procedures and institutional guidelines.
• Maintenance of study documentation and records.
• Support the drafting of SOPs, operations manuals, quality assurance documentation, training materials and others.
• Attend all required trainings and ensure activities are carried out in accordance to stipulated guidance from the principal investigator.
• Train, guide and supervise field workers in the field and laboratory.
• Assist in planning, organizing, and undertaking of field activities.
• Manage and monitor equipment, reagents, consumables, and other resources needed for research activities.
• Oversee data entry and data cleaning in timely manner.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in any area of Biological Sciences with preference to Molecular Biology.

Skills and abilities

•  Demonstrated knowledge of virus isolation and characterization will be added advantage.
•  Knowledge in PCR, ELISA, PRNT and other neutralization assays is highly desirable.
•  High proficiency with Microsoft applications (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

Personal Attributes

• Should be more resilient and able to work in challenging and difficult field settings of North Eastern counties of Kenya.
• Excellent team player and willingness to work odd hours including early mornings, and late evenings.
• Should possess strong analytical skills
• A person of integrity

Terms of employment

• Employment is a one year renewable contract with a probation period for the first 3 months. Salary is negotiable within the appropriate grade depending on education, experience and demonstrated competency.
• Applications should include the following:
  • Letter of Application (Indicate Vacancy Number)
  • Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae with Telephone number and e-mail address
  • Three letters of reference with contact telephone numbers
  • Copies of Academic Certificates and Transcripts

Interested candidates who meet the above criteria are encouraged to send in their applications by post to Director CIPDCR, P.O. Box 3-50400, Busia so as to reach him not later than July 2nd ,2023