Senior Research Officer I (SRO I) at icipe - African Insect Science for Food and Health

Overall Purpose of the Job

The Research Officer will manage research activities within the Animal Health Theme. He/she will assist in overseeing and designing advanced experiments. He/She will work directly with the Principal Investigator
and play a leading role in developing a research program to integrate field and laboratory activities in the theme to enhance efficiency. This includes overseeing workflow and productivity of lab personnel and
providing training to them on specific techniques as necessary. In particular, the Research Officer is expected to have well developed research management skills, statistics, while molecular biology skills
would be an added advantage. The Research Officer will be responsible for data analysis, preparation of manuscripts, and presenting research findings through various forums. The Research Officer must
demonstrate the ability to analyze and present data in professional format and to contribute significantly to manuscripts, reports, applications for approvals (research, import / export) as well as contribute to grant
writing. They will be responsible for planning field activities, and stock levels to support both field and laboratory studies.

Specific Duties

• To manage research activities undertaken by technical staff.
• To oversee, design and execute advanced experiments.
• Work with the Data Management Unit to enhance efficiency in sample management.
• Develop template data entry spreadsheets and develop proficiency in electronic data management tools.
• To provide training to lab personnel on specific techniques (including ethics) as well as to develop and maintain SOPs.
• Maintain and where necessary coordinate the distribution of biological resources (e.g. cryopreserved materials)
• To file applications for approvals (research, import / export).
• To write, edit, correct and review manuscripts, reviews, proposal, or any other scientific document in his field.

Requirements/Qualifications

• At least an MSc in Biological sciences, veterinary sciences, epidemiology or related field.
• Experience gained in veterinary or medical sciences in either a research organization or university.
• At least 3 years’ experience working in a research laboratory.
• Previous experience working in veterinary/public health field of relevance to One Health is an added advantage.
• Responsible for the executed activities and outputs, with significant decision-making.
• Mentors and trains staff.
• High degree of problem solving, planning and control.
• Mentors and trains staff.
• In-charge of monitoring experiments and research progress.
• Provide information, data to other team members / PI and other units.
• To contribute to peer reviewed papers. Co-author on at least 2 publications per year.
• Assist PI in the in the development of at least 2 concepts/proposals.
• Contributes to internal and external relations with stakeholders in relation to the scope of their activities.

Other Desirable Attributes

• Successful supervision and implementation of experiments on vectors and pathogens (data analysed and clear results obtained).
• Development of experimental data repository and template data entry spreadsheets.
• Experience with sample management systems
• Successful development and maintenance of standard laboratory SOPs.
• Successfully apply for approvals (research, import / export).
• Contribute to at least 2 concepts/proposals.
• Author on at least 2 peer-reviewed papers submitted per year.