The KEMRI - Wellcome Trust Research Programme is an internationally renowned health research programme that is committed to research capacity development in the East African Region. Research internships provide an opportunity for recent graduates to gain experience in a dynamic research environment by working with senior scientific staff in on-going research activities. The internship gives young graduates an opportunity to decide if they would like to take up research as a career. Several internships commencing in January 2013 are available at our Nairobi and Kilifi sites.
Applications are invited from graduates of the subjects below who either completed their Bachelors degree within the last two years (2010 & 2011) or will have completed their course by December 2012.Biological Sciences (e.g. zoology, biochemistry),Health Sciences (e.g. medicine, pharmacy and nursing),Social Sciences, AnthropologyGeography, EconomicsMathematics, Statistics, ICTApplicants should have achieved or expect to achieve a first class or upper second degree.
The internships are limited to 6 months duration and are nonrenewable.
A monthly stipend of KSh. 39, 913 will be provided.
Candidates will be selected through a two stage process. Closing dates for application for the first stage of selection is 12th of September 2012.
Only online applications will be accepted.

Post Doctoral Research Assistant - Molecular Virology

Reference Number: PDRA-MV-07-12

Category: Research, Science and Biotechnology
 
We seek a molecular virologist of outstanding ability to join a dynamic team of researchers working on the epidemiology, evolution and control of respiratory and enteric viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for which the group is internationally recognised. The successful candidate will support studies relating to molecular and immuno-epidemiology, transmission dynamics, genetic; antigenic diversity, and evolution of a range of viruses. We require post-doctoral level support in relevant molecular biological techniques such as quantitative real time PCR, sequencing and phylogenetics, protein and peptide synthesis and expression. We are looking for an individual with the capacity to support on-going studies and, importantly, aptitude to develop independent lines of enquiry. Priority will be given to candidates from Kenya or the East Africa Region. This is a two year contract in the first instance.

Principle duties and responsibilities:

Provide leadership in all molecular virology activities of the VEC groupWork closely with the lab manager in operating molecular biology facilityProvide technical support and guidance in molecular biological techniques operated by the research group to technical and research staff involved, including troubleshootingDevelop and implement new molecular-based assays, eg quantitative real time PCRUndertake tasks including primer/probe design, cloning, sequencing and protein expressionSupport viral screen of archived and prospective nasal specimens, including training of staffExtend ongoing investigations of the molecular epidemiology of RSV, adenoviruses, human metapneumovirus, influenza viruses and coronaviruses, etcDevelop Group’s interest in Next Generation Sequencing using in-house Ion-Torrent technologyConduct RSV immuno-epidemiology based on strain specific peptidesRepresent the group at Cluster and Programme level, including committee membershipCoordinate group’s involvement in seminar series, journal clubs and lab managementWrite protocols for scientific/ethical/funder review, reports and scientific papersEducation, experience and skills:

Essential:         

PhD in Molecular VirologyExperience in PCR, cloning and sequencingAbility to work well within a teamExcellent communication skills both oral and writtenAptitude for scientific independence and leadershipBioinformatics expertiseStudent supervisionExperience in writing funding applicationsApplication procedure:

Click here to visit the KEMRI career site and apply online

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".  Please attach also a full academic CV and covering letter describing why you wish to be considered for the position, together with your career aspirations.

All applicants are required to state thier current/last salary.

Applicants must supply an email and telephone contact that will be used when offering interviews. The application closing date is 29th August 2012. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For further information on the appointments contact James Nokes (jnokes@kilifi.kemri-wellcome.org)

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).

BioBank Manager

Reference Number: BBM-08-12
 

Category: Statistics and Data Management
 
Summary: To plan and coordinate the implementation of a new laboratory repository system utilizing MySQL based LIMS architecture, ensuring all processes are client friendly, robust, stable, easily maintained, scalable and future proofed.

Reporting Lines: Reports to the Head of Laboratory Services.

Key Responsibilities:

The position holder will:

In close collaboration with Centre’s IT staff, scientists and senior laboratory management, develop and implement a strategic plan to upgrade the Centre’s existing Biological Specimen Repository processes using LIMS software.Develop well defined procedures to log new samples and link data, and to manage retrieval and re-entry processes.Carry out systems analysis and functional requirementsBuild workflows and business rules for the LIMSPlan and coordinate all new study/project sample storage requests in liaison with researchers.Produce maintenance plans for the repository with appropriate auditable Quality Systems incorporated that comply with international regulatory standards.Future proofing - ensure long-term scalability to a larger network of studies and usersProduce clear and complete documentation of all procedures and processes.Plan and perform user inductions and regular update trainings. Incorporate appropriate biological and data security measures and restriction policiesEnsure all plans and procedures are incorporated in to a long term BCP (business continuity plan)Put in place mid and long term plans and projections for future anticipated physical and software expansions.Roll-out the system to other areas of the Centre, and other sites throughout the East African region as required.Continually comply with all laid down QMS guidelines/ standards/ SOPs and comply with all health and safety guidelines relevant to area of workSkills and Competence:

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

A Master’s degree or equivalent in Library and Information Science, Records/Archive Management or areas related to information management and/orA Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and qualifying experienceAt least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in modern archive management, record keeping, curation or repository coordination, library, or information management functions of which a minimum of two (2) years should be in electronic records management.Experience in project management including supervision or people management.Experience with database management systems including queryingComputer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft applicationsStrong supervisory and people management skillsStrong planning, coordinating, organizational and follow through abilityAbility to follow laid down processes and proceduresExcellent interpersonal and communication skillsTeam working and ability to work in a multi-cultural environmentTo 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. The application closing date is 16th August 2012. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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).

Assistant Research Officer or Research Officer

Reference Number: ARORO-08-12

Category: Research, Science and Biotechnology
 This position is intended for a science graduate with excellent laboratory skills to assist in the application of next generation sequencing (NGS) technology to research in pathogen biology in the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kenya. The Programme carries out research on the molecular and population biology of pathogens causing infectious diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, TB, HIV and RSV. We use DNA sequence technology to study virulence factors and antigens of malaria parasites and other bacterial and viral pathogens, with an emphasis on exploring pathogen diversity and the development of naturally acquired immunity.NGS is likely to radically change our approaches to these questions and open up exciting new avenues for research.The successful candidate will play a key role developing NGS capacity through the construction of pathogen libraries and operation of an Ion Torrent sequencing machine.

Reporting Lines: Post holder will report to study principal investigators.

Key Responsibilities:

To support and execute the technical aspects of next generation sequencing for new and ongoing projects, including:

DNA and RNA extraction.DNA library construction.Operation of a next generation sequencing machine.Management of sequencing data.Any other duties as assigned.Skills and Competence:

Skills and Qualification

A bachelor’s degree in sciences at least with an upper second class.Other qualifications and experience:Laboratory experience in Molecular biology.Basic bioinformatics skills.Ability to learn and apply new techniques quickly.Work effectively and independently as a team member in a collaborative research environment.Good oral and written communication skills.Good organisational and prioritization skills.Careful attention to detail.Previous experience in next generation sequencing and/or computational data analysis.Application Procedure:

Click here to visit the KEMRI career site and apply online

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. The application closing date is 21st August 2012. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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).

ICT Projects Manager

Reference Number: ICTPM-08-12
 

Category: Information and Communications Technology
To manage all the ICT Projects and ensure the successful delivery of all ICT systems to ICT's internal and external clients.

Reporting Lines:

Reports to the Head of ICT and supervises all members of ICT working on ICT projects and the ICT Infrastructure Support Engineers

Key Responsibilities:

The position holder will:

Manage all ICT infrastructure projects including project planning to ensure that all activities and tasks begin and end on time.Identify project resource requirements and ensure that these are availed on time and utilised as per laid down plans including staffing, hardware and software requirements.Ensure effective and efficient security systems that ensure network, systems and data security and recovery from internal and external security threats.Manage the problem management register and resolve problems in a timely mannerMaintain accurate infrastructure documentation, RAID logs, project plans, and other project documentation.Analyze the infrastructure environment and suggest improvements along with the infrastructure support teamEstablish a strong working relationship with staff to understand their needs and ensure they have a good experience when new projects are deployedSkills and Competence:

Qualifications, skills and Experience:

MSc in Computer science, IT or related discipline.Certified in PRINCE2 or PMP project management qualificationExcellent customer service and communication skillsAt least three (3) years’ progressive experience in project managementGood knowledge of Windows infrastructure environments including Active Directory and Exchange serverGood knowledge of key infrastructure concepts including switched networks, firewall security, storage solutions, and server hardwareTo 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. The application closing date is 16th August 2012. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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).