Senior Research Scientist (Physical Oceanography) at Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)

KMF/2. SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST – PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY (KMFRI GRADE 5) – POSITION– ONE (1) 

Basic Salary Scale: KShs. 116,410 – KShs. 151,334 P.M.
House Allowance: KShs. 35,000 P.M.
Commuter Allowance: KShs. 8,000 P.M.
Annual Leave Allowance: KShs. 10,000 P.A.
Medical Cover & Other Allowances: As provided by KMFRI
Terms of Service: Permanent & Pensionable 

The senior research scientist shall be deployed in any of the following research areas: Oceans and Coastal Systems & Blue Economy, Freshwater Systems or Aquaculture. 

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; and
21. Soliciting for grants to organize scientific workshops (local, regional, international).

For appointment to this grade, a person 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. Experience in operating oceanographic instruments such as Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), Conductivity Temperature Depth (CTD) meters, marine robots and towed or self-powered underwater vehicles, hydro-acoustics equipment, current meters etc;
3. Experience in the development of regional ocean models is essential. Prior modelling experience with Regional Oceans Modeling System (ROMS) will be an advantage;
4. Experience in the analysis of satellite and tide-gauge sea level observations;
5. Excellent data analysis and data visualization skills. Good technic al skill in Linux shell scripting/ Python/ MATLAB/ RDI and Nortek software or similar packages is essential;
6. Experience in conducting surveys in vessels at sea;
7. BSc in Environmental Science, Aquatic Sciences and Physical Sciences;
8. Master’s in Physical Sciences/Oceanography from a recognized university OR Masters in Environmental Science with advanced training in Physical Oceanography;
9. Published a minimum of five (3) 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;
10. Good understanding in sea level and climate change studies, studying the properties of currents, waves, tides and ocean circulation, plus the temperature and salinity of oceans;
11. Demonstrated professional competence as reflected in completed research and results;
12. Supervisory course lasting not less than two (2) weeks from a recognized institution;
13. Proficiency in computer applications; and
14. Fulfills the requirements of the Chapter Six of the Constitution.

Key competencies and skills

1. Strong communication and reporting skills;
2. Strong analytical and numerical skills;
3. Strong organization and interpersonal skill;
4. Mentoring, coaching and leadership skills;
5. Conflict management; and
6. Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and multi-task.