Research Technician, BecA

Posted: 04 Jun 2013 07:24 AM PDT Vacancy Number: RT/BECA/06/2013 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 Technician to provide high level technical support to visiting scientists and graduate students (research placements) conducting  research projects in genomics, bioinformatics and genotyping at the BecA-ILRI Hub. Responsibilities · To provide high level technical support in genomics, bioinformatics, genotyping and genotyping data analysis for research placements at the BecA-ILRI Hub; · Develop work plans, budgets and ensure research compliance for research placements; · Assist in developing and conducting individual and group training in molecular-based technologies, including the annual molecular biology and bioinformatics workshops; · Conduct research under supervision of research scientists; · Ensure observation of good laboratory practice, good laboratory etiquette and research ethics · Facilitate weekly laboratory meetings and monthly journal club for research placements; · Prepare and edit SOPs for the laboratory manual; · Coordinate purchase requisition of consumable stock items; · Coordinate with ILRI engineering and lab manager to ensure that the laboratories and equipment are in good working order; · Participate in institutional training and seminars. Skills and Competencies · MSc in biological sciences with at least 3 years of relevant experience; · Knowledge and experience in Genomics, bioinformatics, genotyping and genotyping data analysis; · Strong English language skills, both written and spoken; · Excellent organisation and problem solving skills; · Computer literacy in MS Office; · Excellent training skills and interpersonal skills. 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/2D depending on the candidate’s experience. 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: RT/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/ To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website athttp://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/