Job at BecA-ILRI Hub, Kenya

Research Technician
Ref: T/SEGOLIP/06/2009

The Africa-based, globally networked International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) helps reduce poverty, hunger and environmental degradation by enhancing animal agriculture in developing countries.

The BecA-ILRI Hub seeks to recruit a research technician to join the SegoliP Unit to facilitate DNA sequencing, genotyping and DNA synthesis services to institutions in the region.

The technician will report to the Technology Manager of the BecA-ILRI Hub.

Responsibilities:
Provide expert and specialised 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 and sequencing.
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 for the Unit to establish, enlighten, and inform both internal and external users and clients of the unit.
Maintain excellent working and operational relationships with internal and external clients by issuing reports.


Essential Skills and Qualifications will include:
A degree in Biosciences or equivalent.
Two years experience in the relevant field with demonstrated experience in modern biosciences experimental techniques including automated DNA sequencing and genetic marker technologies from DNA isolation to data scoring using GeneMapper Software, and preliminary data analyses using appropriate statistical software.
Basic understanding of bioinformatics.
Hands-on experience with extraction and manipulation of nucleic acids from animals, plants or microbes.
Experience in proteomics and the use of laboratory management information systems (LIMS) is also desirable.
Advanced trouble-shooting skills.
Good communication, organizational and documentation skills.

Terms of Appointment:
Location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position and is for a 2-year contract renewable subject to availability of funds and individual performance. Salary and benefits will be in line with those provided within ILRI’s NRS scheme. Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter indicating earliest availability, curriculum vitae and the names and addresses (including telephone, fax and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Human Resources Manager, email: recruit-ilri @ cgiar.org by 25th July 2009.

The name and reference number of the position for which the application is made should be clearly marked on the envelopes of mailed, or on the fax or email applications.

To find out more about ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer and is keen to further diversify its staff in terms of both gender and nationality.

Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.