Senior Research Scientist (Natural Products Chemistry) at Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)

Job Description

KMFRI is seeking to recruit self-motivated professionals who are team players to fill the following vacant positions within her approved staff establishment: The senior research scientists shall be deployed in any of the following research areas: Oceans and Coastal Systems & Blue Economy, Freshwater Systems, Aquaculture and Socioeconomics research areas. 

The duties and responsibilities of the officer will entail: –

1. Prioritizing research problems for implementation;
2. Developing research concepts for donor support;
3. Guiding research scientists in identification of research areas;
4. Reviewing project proposals, scientific publications and grant applications for submission;
5. Coordinating medium sized multi-disciplinary research teams;
6. Budgeting for research projects and resource management;
7. Writing relevant technical reports including refereed journal papers, book chapters, research notes, technical notes, conference papers and posters, dissemination flyers for stakeholder sensitization;
8. Disseminating research findings in local and international fora that include seminar, workshops, congress;
9. Briefing visitors including County and National government on the institution’s research activities;
10. Participating in planning and executing relevant capacity building courses to improve research skills for scientists;
11. Implementing relevant ISO standards in their departments;
12. Training, supervising and mentoring scientists, technologists, and students;
13. Implementing institute’s and national aquatic research policies;
14. Identifying innovations and technologies for up-scaling;
15. Assist in providing scientific advisory services on behalf of the Institute;
16. Responding to calls for proposals for consultancies (e.g. on development projects, status of environment) upon request
17. Developing Policy briefs
18. Organizing monthly internal seminars
19. Participating in conferences, field days, and workshop
20. Participating in joint research (both locally and internationally) through combined development of research proposals and publications
21. Soliciting for grants to organize scientific workshops (local, regional, international)

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have: –

1. At least six (6) years of relevant experience, three (3) of which must have been as a Research Scientist or a comparable position in the public or private sector;
2. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent degree in any of the following fields: Biochemistry or Natural Products chemistry
3. Master’s degree in any of the following fields: Biochemistry, Natural products chemistry
4. Published a minimum of five (5) peer reviewed publications in ISI-indexed journals, with at least two (2) first authorship as a Research Scientist, KMFRI Grade 6, or a comparable position.
5. A supervisory course lasting not less than two (2) weeks.
6. Project Management Course lasting not less than one (1) month from a recognized institution;
7. Demonstrated professional competence as reflected in work performance and results; and
8. Meets the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution.

Key Competencies and Skills

1. Experience in operating and interpreting data from GC, HPLC, LC-MS, NMR
2. Strong communication and reporting skills;
3. Strong analytical and numerical skills;
4. Strong organization and interpersonal skill;
5. Mentoring, coaching and leadership skills;
6. Conflict management; and
7. Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and multi-task.