Research Assistant, BecA
Posted: 04 Jun
2013 07:31 AM PDT
Vacancy
Number: RA/BECA/06/2013
BecA
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 2 years with the possibility of renewal
BecA
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 2 years with the possibility of renewal
The International Livestock Research
Institute (ILRI) works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of
poverty in developing countries. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and
other hubs in East, West and southern Africa and South, Southeast and East
Asia. http://www.ilri.org/.
CGIAR is a global agricultural
research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15
research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with
hundreds of partner organizations.http://www.cgiar.org/
ILRI also manages the Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) Hub, the
centre for excellence in modern plant and animal biology in Africa. BecA
is an initiative developed within the framework of the New Partnership for
Africa’s Development (NEPAD)/ African Union African Biosciences initiative. It
consists of a Hub based on the ILRI campus in Nairobi, Kenya and a network of
regional nodes and other affiliated laboratories and organizations throughout
the region. The BecA Hub facilities are world class, including a range of
molecular, plant transformation, and genomics laboratories and equipment (e.g.
454 sequencing, Biosafety level 3 laboratory, plant growth facilities).
The Hub hosts and conducts research in crop, microbe and livestock areas
where new developments in science offer promise to address previously
intractable problems constraining Africa’s development. Capacity building
is a major goal of all activities. The scope covers agriculture and food
security and their intersections with human health and nutrition, and the
sustainable use of Africa’s natural resources. Further information is
available at http://hub.africabiosciences.org/
Job purpose
In hosting the BecA Hub on a shared
research platform, ILRI seeks to recruit a Research assistant to provide
sequencing, genotyping and proteomics services.
Responsibilities
· Provide expert and specialized technical assistance in sequencing,
genotyping and proteomics including participation in experimental design,
execution and reporting;
· Introducing, adapting, testing and implementing novel methodologies not
previously used in the Unit in an efficient and cost effective manner;
· Provide technical leadership and trouble-shooting in complex
manipulations in genotyping, sequencing and proteomics;
· Ensure that the methodologies and standard operating procedures used in
the unit conform to national and international health & safety standards.
Maintain laboratory chemical usage records and good laboratory practices;
· Sourcing and procurement of laboratory supplies and equipment. Planning
and administration of Unit resources and budgets to ensure that services are
rendered on a cost recovery basis;
· Providing prospective clients and visiting scientists with cost
estimates and detailed information on how costs are derived for services
provided by the Unit;
· Liaison officer for the Unit to establish, enlighten, and inform both
internal and external users and clients of the unit. Maintain working and
operational relationships with internal and external clients by issuing
reports.
Skills and Competencies
· BSc degree in Biosciences or equivalent with at least 5 years relevant
working experience;
· Broad and most current knowledge on genomics, transcriptomics and
proteomics are required to deal with activities for livestock, crops and
microbial research;
· Basic understanding of bioinformatics, advanced trouble shooting skills,
good organizational skills and documentation as well as communication skills
are required;
· Demonstrated experience in modern experimental techniques such as
sequencing, different marker technologies from DNA isolation to data scoring
using Gene Mapper Software, preliminary data analyses using appropriate
statistical software;
· Hands on experience with manipulations of nucleic acids and proteins
from livestock, plants and microbes, automated capillary sequencers as well as
DNA/RNA extraction robotic as well as the use of modern equipment such as the
2-D gel electrophoresis system, RT-PCR system are required;
· Experience with plants biotechnology/crops sciences are also be
required.
Terms of Appointment
This is a Nationally Recruited Staff
(NRS) position based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus. The position is on a 2
year contract with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual
performance and continued funding.
Job level and salary
This position is job Grade
2C. This is exclusive of other benefits provided by ILRI.
How to Apply
Applicants should send a cover letter
and CV combined as one document addressed to the Human Resources Director,
explaining their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and
the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who
are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work
experience by 19th June, 2013. Log on to: http://www.myjobsinkenya.com/ilri_jobs.
The position title and reference number REF: RA/BECA/06/2013 should be clearly
marked on the cover letter. Only online applications will be considered, and
only short listed candidates will be contacted.
To find out more about ILRI and
the BecA Hub, visit our websites athttp://www.ilri.org/ and http://hub.africabiosciences.org/
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