icipe Laboratory Technician (Molecular Biology

icipe Laboratory Technician (Molecular Biology
March 24, 2015 Job Description
Laboratory Technician (Molecular Biology)
Ref No. NRS/104/032015
icipe – African Insect Science for Food and Health is a world-class research centre with a mission to alleviate poverty by ensuring food security, improving health, protecting the environment and building the capacity of researchers and communities across the developing world through the application of insect sciences.
Employing more than 450 national and international staff, icipe is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya with outposts in Ethiopia and on the shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya.
icipe has a proud reputation and history of delivering world-quality science that has made crucial contributions to African food and health policy, delivered development outcomes to rural communities and has been at the forefront of building Africa’s biological research capacity.
The Centre’s research activities span the African continent with partnerships linking research organisations not only across Africa but also the globe.
icipe wishes to urgently recruit a suitable person to fill the position of Laboratory Technician (Molecular Biology) in the Environmental Health Division, EU Bee Health Project.
The position is tenable in Nairobi, Kenya with travel to participating African countries.
This is a two-year contract, with a possibility of extension after successfully completing a six-month probation period of the first contract.
Overall Purpose of the Job: To apply molecular biology tools in diagnosis of honeybee pests and diseases, and presenting trial protocols and data to the project Team Leader through the immediate supervisor/manager.
Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be expected to:
Participate in the collection of bee samples in the field;
Apply molecular diagnostic tests to identify pathogens associated with bee diseases according to standards established by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE);
Measure proteins such as vitellogenin and juvenile hormones levels using immunological techniques.
Knowledge and Skills Required for Performing the JobThe suitable candidate must possess the following:
Ability to perform nucleic acid extraction and PCR amplification;
Ability to perform gel electrophoresis;
Ability to perform western blot analysis;
Bioinformatics skills.
Requirements / Qualifications
Bachelor’s (BSc) degree in related subjects, and at least 2 years experience in a molecular laboratory.
Other Desirable Attributes
Ability to interact effectively with field staff in different African countries.
Ability to communicate effectively.
Ability to take independent initiative in terms of day-to-day task management.
Self-motivated and highly responsible.
Reporting: This position reports to the Project Team Leader through the immediate supervisor/manager.The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.
How to Apply
All applications must arrive via email on or before 28th April 2015, or until the position is filled, whichever is earlier.
Please quote the job reference number NRS/104/032015 on the email subject line.
Interested applicants should submit:
(a) a confidential cover letter,
(b) detailed CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses, fax numbers), and
(c) a one-page statement on research interests, and remuneration package to:technicianmolecularbiology@icipe.org
A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate.
Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.
icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer