KEMRI-Wellcome Assistant Research Officer Jobs in Kilifi Kenya

KEMRI-Wellcome Assistant Research Officer Jobs in Kilifi Kenya


Reference Number:

  • ARO-26102018

    Employment Type:

  • Full time

    Category:

  • Clinical Healthcare and Research

    Job Grade:

  • 6.01

    Country:

  • Kenya

    Location:

  • Kilifi

    Job Purpose:

  • To support the laboratory component of the Multi-stage malaria vaccine consortium (MMVC) studies.
  • The post holder will maintain and contribute to laboratory activities. The main activities will include: laboratory assays such qPCR assays and immunological assays including assisting in the development of assays for malaria and routine ELISAs and flow cytometry-based assays, routine culture and maintenance of Plasmodium falciparum parasites, sample management, specimen processing , data management and analysis, preparation of SOPs and publications.

    Description:

    Reports to:

  • Laboratory Director and Principal Investigator(s)

    Directly Supervises:

  • None

    Indirectly Supervises:

  • None

    Budget and Resource Responsibility:

  • Ordering materials, consumables and ensuring sensible use of resources.

    Job Dimensions:

  • The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme conducts high quality clinical trials and laboratory research focussing on diseases that present a high burden for developing countries.
  • The programme aims to maximise opportunities for learning and training in order to maintain a cadre of highly skilled and experienced staff from all disciplines.
  • A part of the MMVC, KEMRI-CGMRC will conduct several studies to help develop a multi-stage malaria vaccine including phase I and II and Controlled Human Malaria Infection (CHMI) studies. We will evaluate component of the proposed vaccine in phase I and II trials and as part of CHMI and this will involve laboratory sample processing and analysis. The post holder will have a high level of responsibility for ensuring laboratory procedures for the study are performed in accordance to the existing SOPs and guidelines.
  • The post holder will need to be self-sufficient and be able to work unsupervised and as well as part of a team, often with an unpredictable timescale.

    Key Responsibilities:

  • Work with the Principal Investigator(s) and laboratory manager to plan and set up the study, identify and procure required resources, and document and implement study procedures according to the protocol.
  • Develop, establish and maintain procedural standards and test procedures in the study.
  • To support and execute technical aspects of research in the lab under the guidance of the PIs involving routine molecular biology and immunological assays, including:
  • Culture of malaria parasites from laboratory lines.
  • DNA and RNA extraction
  • qPCR assays
  • Parasite genotyping/sequencing
  • Standard and competition ELISA assays
    Immunoprofiling using flow cytometry
    Immunoprofiling using other approaches to be identified.
  • Conduct laboratory processing and analysis of biological samples, interpret and document results using routine and basic laboratory procedures involving manual techniques or use of laboratory instruments.
  • Standardise, calibrate and carry out preventive maintenance and basic troubleshooting on laboratory equipment and instruments.
  • Track and receive samples and ensure adequate storage of samples and that relevant support documentation is provided and processed in line with relevant QC guidelines; document sample and process information.
  • Participate in various QAQC, EQA, IQC and regulatory agency activities within the assigned section, including developing and documenting QC monitors.
  • Prepare and collate study results in an organized and timely manner, and prepare reports as required.
  • Participate in data analysis and interpretation and provide relevant information including statistics, summaries, charts, graphs, reports, etc.
  • Monitor lab resources, ensure
    adequate stock of reagents and other consumables are available, track usage, and inform relevant staff on the replenishment.
  • Manage and dispose of waste in line with laid down guidelines including segregation and use of specified waste disposal facilities.
  • Continually comply with all laid down QMS guidelines/ standards/ SOPs and comply with all health and safety guidelines.
  • Report all problems encountered with samples or equipment to the immediate supervisor in a timely manner.
  • Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

    Essential Qualifictaions:

  • A BSc degree in Biological/Biomedical Sciences.
  • Atleast 1 years experience in clinical research.
  • One year experience in basic molecular biology, qPCR, and/or immunological assays.
    Computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applications.

    Essential Competencies:

  • Knowledge of Laboratory safety and infection control procedures and practices.
    Good planning, analytical,organisation, and co-ordination skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to take and follow instructions, initiative, keen to learn and proactive with the ability to work under minimal supervision.
  • Flexibility, adaptability, ability to multi-task.
  • Confidentiality and integrity.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, team working and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

    Desirable Qualifications & Competencies:

  • At least two years’ experience in laboratory research.
  • One year experience in basic molecular biology, qPCR, and/or immunological assays.
  • Training in Good Clinical Laboratory Practice and regulatory/accreditation agency QA requirements.
  • Data management and basic statistical skills.
  • Experience in budget and resource management.
  • An interest in the molecular epidemiology and immunology of infectious diseases, bioinformatics and/or malaria parasite biology would be added advantages.

    Physical Environment/Conditions:

  • Based at the KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya.
  • Be available to work out of hours if necessary.
  • Exposure to materials considered infectious and/or biohazards.

    How to apply

    Applications Procedure:

  • To apply for this post you must be a registered user. Log into your account then go to Vacancies, view the post and click on the button: "Apply for this job" On our website online.
  • All applicants are required to state their current/last salary.
  • Candidates must supply an email and telephone contact that will be used when offering interviews.
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Shortlisted candidates shall be required to produce ORIGINALS of their National Identity Card, academic and professional certificates, original transcripts and testimonials, detailed curriculum vitae and valid clearance certificate (certificate of good conduct) during the interviews.
  • The application closing date is 9th November, 2018.
  • KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) is an equal opportunity employer. Direct or indirect canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification. KWTRP does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees).

  • For more information and job application details, see; KEMRI-Wellcome Assistant Research Officer Jobs in Kilifi Kenya

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