Job Opportunities at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

The Position:

Internships are short-term academic training for young professionals who join ILRI for a short period (usually 3 months or less but can be up to 6 months in length) as part of their academic curriculum and are expected to resume their studies upon completion of their internship. The internship aims at helping students connect theory to practice, as well as nurturing young minds into livestock agriculture.

Interns work five days per week under the supervision and mentorship of a staff member in the department or program to which they are assigned.

Requirements:

Applicants must at the time of application meet the following requirements:

1.   Be enrolled for an undergraduate university degree program, with at least one full semester to completion. Through strategic partnerships, ILRI also provides internship opportunities to students enrolled for diploma and certificate programs, as well as senior high school students.
2.   Proficiency in Microsoft Office
3.   Proficiency in English.

Terms of appointment: ILRI offers a stipend to cover living expenses as well as insurance. 

Interested candidates who meet the criteria above are encouraged to submit their application letter, detailed CV, motivation letter and university internship request letters. Applications should be addressed to the Head of Capacity Development.

We thank all applicants for the interest in taking their internship at ILRI. Due to the large volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, on a continuous basis, as opportunities arise within ILRI programs.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.

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Key Responsibilities

This position is supported by ICARS and in collaboration with the European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility testing (EUCAST) to establish an Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) Center of Excellence and conduct regular trainings on AST to individuals from other laboratories, and to provide technical support for troubleshooting on an ongoing basis.

• Develop standard operating practices (SOPs) for AST for different bacterial species (human and veterinary)
• Implement AST quality control systems
• Organize trainings and workshops in phenotypic AST
• Develop materials and a curriculum for trainings and workshops on AST

Evaluate and calibrate AST methods against International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) reference methods

• Contribute to writing project reports, journal publications and other research outputs e.g. datasets, blog posts, etc.
• Co-ordinate the Microbiology Lab and ensure all equipment are in good working order

 Requirements

• Master’s in science in Medical Microbiology or similar relevant subject area
• Good theoretical background in microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, and molecular biology techniques
• Three years in a related or similar position
• Experience and knowledge in microbiological and antimicrobial susceptibility assays, and molecular biology techniques
• Experience working with Microsoft Office software e.g. Word, Excel and Powerpoint
• Developing laboratory SOPs
• Prior experience in lab management and lab supervision would be advantageous.
• Basic bioinformatic skills would be beneficial
• Demonstrate ability to produce high-quality written material in English is essential

Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya

Terms of Appointment

This position is at job level HG 13. The position is a 2.5 years contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes; pension, medical and other insurances

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The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research Associate to provide technical support to various microbiological projects within the ILRI Biosciences program.

Key Responsibilities

The Research Associate will perform microbiological assays like bacterial isolation and identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and, is also familiar with basic molecular biology assays (e.g. DNA extraction and PCR).

• Process different samples from animals, humans, food and the environment to isolate, quantify and identify specific bacterial species
• Perform antimicrobial susceptibility test using agar dilution or broth dilution methods such as disc diffusion and MIC testing
• Perform molecular biology techniques e.g. nucleic acid extractions, PCRs and qPCR Basic bioinformatic skills would be advantageous. 
• Keep a sample, strain and consumable database using excel.
• Follow strict good laboratory practices including aseptic techniques
• Assist in laboratory and workshop trainings
• Conduct other research activities as directed by the team

 Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Biosciences, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Laboratory Technology, Biomedical technology, Clinical laboratory Sciences
• At least one-year relevant work experience with degree or three years relevant experience with diploma
• Good theoretical background in microbiology and antimicrobial resistance
• Experience and knowledge in microbiological, antimicrobial susceptibility assays, and molecular biology techniques
• Experience working with Microsoft Office software e.g. Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Basic bioinformatic skills would be advantageous.

Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya