Research Scientist, Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics 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 fieldwork and laboratory experimental procedures;
• Assisting in organization of the internal scientific seminars;
• 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 core and student projects.

Training

• Design assays and train students and staff in molecular, genotyping, and whole-genome 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

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;

Key skills and competences

• At least three years of active work in bacterial molecular biology 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 generating and analyzing genomic data (Sanger, Illumina, and Nanopore)
• Strong molecular biology skills (DNA and RNA extraction, conventional and realtime PCR)

Terms of Employment: One (1) year renewable contract as per KEMRI scheme of service and Probation period is the first 3 months