Job Opportunities at KEMRI

Location: Busia County with residence around the KEMRI ALUPE Campus in Busia

Duration: 4 Months Fixed-term Contract

Reporting to: Social Scientist

Vacancy: CGHR /141/06/20

Terms of Employment: Four (4) months fixed term contract as per KEMRI scheme of service

Remuneration: Compensation is negotiable within a relevant grade, based on education levels, relevant experience and demonstrated competency. The salary scheme is based on the KEMRI scales plus supplemental amounts.

Job Description

The Spatial Repellents (SR) project is funded by UNITAID and seeks to fill the gaps for assessing spatial repellent products efficacy, deployment, and uptake strategies. In this regard, Kenya has been selected as the site for conducting the epidemiological evaluation of spatial repellent product efficacy in a high malaria transmission setting. This study will be conducted in Busia County over the next two years. The project seeks to fill the following position.

The successful candidate will work with the Social Scientist to conduct the social science research, which is aimed at understanding the factors that could affect successful implementation of SRs at scale. Data will be gathered at the individual/household levels to better understand perceptions of and experiences with malaria control products. Social science methods will include in-depth interviews, free-listing, rating and ranking. The research will be carried out in Busia County in Western Kenya.

Responsibilities:

• Transcribe and translate (if necessary) audio files and submit typed transcripts including interview summary notes to the study Social Scientist in a timely manner
• Reviewing transcripts for any spelling, grammar or formatting errors, as well as other inconsistencies
• Debrief with social science team on a regular basis
• Adhering to confidentiality guidelines and respecting sensitive information
• Ensure that data quality assurance procedures are strictly adhered to
• Participate in planning meetings and scheduled conference calls with Social Scientist and study partners
• Perform any other related duties that may be assigned from time to time

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences (preferably Anthropology or Sociology) from a recognized university
• Demonstrated knowledge in transcription and translation of interview audio files with the following essential skillset:
  • Creating accurate written versions of audio recordings
  • Good typing speed and attention to detail
  • Excellent listening and reading skills
  • Strong translation skills
• Ability to read, speak, understand, and translate Ateso language
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English
• High proficiency with Microsoft Word
• The ability to focus for long periods of time
• Willingness to reside in field study sites
• Possession of a valid Certificate in human subject’s research protection

How to apply

Applications should include the following:

1. Letter of Application (Indicate Vacancy Number)
2. Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae with Telephone number and e-mail address
3. Three letters of reference with contact telephone numbers
4. Copies of Academic Certificates and Transcripts
5. Must have Certificate of Good Conduct
6. Must have KRA Certificate of Tax compliance
7. Must have Clearance Certificate from HELB
8. Must have Credit Reference Bureau Certificate

go to method of application »

Reports to: Principal Investigator

Position Summary: The  purpose  of  the  job  is  to  lead  the  HIV  research laboratory  in  terms  of  scientific  output, quality management and part of site leadership as laboratory lead.

ESSENTIALREQUIREMENTS

• BSc in Biomedical / Applied Laboratory Sciences
• MSc in Biomedical / Applied Laboratory Sciences
• Doctorate in Virology, Molecular Biology or related field from a recognized institution
• Developed at least a funded proposal
• Published at least two (2) articles in refereed journals as the first or lead author
• Proficiency in computer applications
• Fulfill the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a laboratory (preferably in a virology and/or bacteriology laboratory, sequencing, drug resistance in plasma, RNA viral load and genotyping viruses)
• DESIRED QUALITIES:
• Technical  understanding  and  practical  experience  in  DNA  extraction,  purification  and cleavage  and  finger  printing,  polymerase  chain  reactions  (PCR),  virus  cell  culture, extraction, viral protein isolation, RNA extraction, reverse transcriptase reactions, nested PCR, cloning, purification and gene fragment analysis. •Understanding  of  other  clinical  tests  including  early  infant  diagnosis  by  DNAPCR, quantification of viral load, STI serological diagnosis, blood chemistry, complete blood count, T-cell immune-phenotyping and analysis of hematological parameters in a clinical setting.
• Understanding of HIV drug resistance genotypic testing using various validated assays and  sequence  analysis  utilizing  various  platforms  to  determine  HIV  drug  resistance mutations following genotyping and subsequent laboratory interpretation of the results.
• Knowledge of ISO 15189 accreditation standards, principles of Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP)•Experience  providing  technical  oversight  and  scientific  leadershipfor  clinical  trials, operational research and implementation science protocols.
• Good communication skills, judgment in problem solving, awareness of own limitations and strong internal motivation. •Experience in managing a laboratory. •Experience in scientific writing.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Research Leadership
  • Work  with site  leadership  to  initiate  equipment  evaluation  protocols,  write  up laboratory  aspects  of  clinical  evaluation  protocols,  and  implement  biorepository protocols in the capacity of principal investigator.
  • Prepare the lab for new test menu as part of the lab road map to being a leading regional laboratory.•Build collaboration to further collaborative research projects conducted at the site or within the laboratory.
  • Performany other duties as assigned by the HIV research division lead.
• Laboratory Management
  • Deputize the HIV Division Lead in the overall laboratory management within the HIV research division.
  • Overseeing all the laboratory activities and programs to ensureappropriate support to clinical trial and collaborative studies within the division
  • Supervising all laboratory staff to ensure smooth running of the laboratory
  • Review  of  all  laboratory  documents  including  annual  reports,  budgets,  and  staff appraisals.
  • Ensure maintenance of the laboratory Quality Management System and laboratory accreditation standards, and ensure all laboratory work is conducted in accordance with principles of GCLP.
  • Provide backup support to the CRS Laboratory Director as needed.
• Scientific, Publication and Grant writing
  • Development and submission of individual or group grants, and spearheading grant response for laboratory calls.
  • Lead  review  of  laboratory  related  manuscripts,  including  mentoring  of  laboratory staff to develop scientific and writing skills.
  • Develop    and    write    individual    or    group    concepts,    leading    to    scientific manuscripts/publications or abstracts for scientific journals and gatherings.
  • Protocol preparation, design, review and submission to Centre scientific committee, including    coordinating    responses    to    comments    arising    from    submitted manuscripts/protocols to the IRB.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Aone-yearrenewable contract as per KEMRI scheme of service and a Probation period for the first 3 months.  Remuneration:Compensation  is  negotiable  within  a  relevant  grade,  based  on  education levels, relevant experience and demonstrated competency. 

The salary scheme is based on the KEMRI scales plus supplemental amounts.