Assistant Research Officer Job in Kenya

Reference
Number: ARO080720

Employment
Type: Full time

Category:
Bioscience

Job
Grade: 6.01

Country: 
Kenya

Location:
Kilifi

JOB PURPOSE: 

We are seeking an Assistant Research Officer
(ARO) for a one-year Rapid
Impact COVID-19 Project aimed at:

•  Developing immunological
  assays for measuring immunity to SARS-Cov-2.


•  Analysing the kinetics of
  the immune response to SARS-CoV-2.

This project aims to improve our understanding and interpretation
of antibody assays being employed around the world for surveillance of
SARS-CoV-2 and to understand the role of the immune response in pathogenesis.

The ARO will work with the team to develop local capacity for the
immunology of SARS-CoV-2 at KWTRP, whilst supporting collaborative studies with
other research institutions based in Kenya and beyond. Our main objective will
be to provide the immune kinetics data quickly to help the interpretation of
sero-surveillance data that will be generated across Africa, and the world.

Description: 

REPORTS TO:

• Project Principal Investigator

JOB DIMENSIONS:

The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Collaborative Research Programme (KWTRP)
researches diseases with the highest burden in developing countries for which
it is recognised internationally within the fields of international public
health, clinical tropical medicine, epidemiology and immunology. 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.

The goal of this Rapid Impact COVID-19
Project is to provide an understanding of the evolution of
the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2, and its role in pathogenesis and
immunity.  To do this – the ARO will optimise the assays to be used, and
subsequently generate the kinetics data – which will be analysed with the help
of the PI and colleagues.

The ARO will be primarily based at the KWTRP in Kilifi, Kenya, but
will work collaboratively with the Aga Khan University, Nairobi, the Karolinska
Institute and Mabtech AB, Stockholm, among other collaborators.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research

• To implement, optimize and
  troubleshoot various immunological assays including ELISAs, virus
  neutralisation, Fluorospots, and flow cytometry.


• To generate kinetics data on
  the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 using ELISAs, flow cytometry and
  neutralization assays.


• To generate kinetics data on
  the cellular response to SARS-CoV-2 using Luminex, Fluorospot and flow
  cytometry-based technologies.


• To manage and update sample
  shipments from other labs and usage at KWTRP.



• To keep accurate laboratory
  records on the assay development and data generation


• To perform preliminary
  analyses, produce and present the results


• To contribute to the writing of
  scientific manuscripts


• To present data at weekly group
  meetings and institutional seminars

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A BSc degree in immunology, or
  an equivalent degree programme with a substantial component in immunology
  training.


• At least One-year relevant work
  experience.


• Experience with peripheral
  blood mononuclear cell isolation and counting.


• Practical working knowledge of
  ELISAs, ELISpots, neutralisation and flow cytometry assays.


• Strong attention to detail and
  ability to keep accurate scientific records


• Ability to work independently,
  organize and plan own workload and adapt to changing priorities


• Excellent communication and
  interpersonal skills.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES (GIVING ADDED
ADVANTAGE):

• Basic knowledge of R and other
  critical IT packages.


• Experience in recombinant
  protein expression.

PHYSICAL
ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

• Based at the KEMRI/Wellcome
  Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya but be flexible to travel to
  other partner or collaborating institutions


• Be available to work out of
  hours if necessary


• Exposure to materials
  considered infectious and/or biohazards.

How To Apply

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”.

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 22 July, 2020. 

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).

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