Research Officer at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

The KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) is based within the KEMRI Centre for Geographic Medical Research – (Coast). Our core activities are funded by the Wellcome Trust. We conduct integrated epidemiological, social, laboratory and clinical research in parallel, with results feeding into local and international health policy. Our research platforms include state-of-the-art laboratories, a demographic surveillance system covering a quarter of a million residents, partnership with Kilifi County Hospital in health care and hospital surveillance, a clinical trials facility, a vibrant community engagement programme and a dedicated training facility. The KWTRP leadership includes the Executive Director Philip Bejon, the KEMRI Centre Director Benjamin Tsofa, the Ag. Nairobi Programme director Mike English and the Chief Operating Officer Catherine Kenyatta. Our Vision to establish long term sustainable capacity for research in human health that improves global health. Our Mission to deliver high quality research relevant to global health and to build local capacity for undertaking research. Aims of the programme •To conduct research to the highest international scientific and ethical standards on the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the region in order to provide the evidence base to improve health. •To train an internationally competitive cadre of Kenyan and African research leaders to ensure the long term development of health research in Africa

SUMMARY

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 funded G2P – Global Knowledge Exchange to Enable In Country Risk Assessment of SARS CoV-2 Variants is to assess the potential for spill-overs into domesticated and wild animal species and subsequent reservoir seeding; undertake in-country virological assessments of future virus outbreaks, and associated virus variants. To do this, the project will perform genomic surveillance of the viruses, immunological profiling and monoclonal antibody discovery. This position will be based at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme but will work collaboratively with external partners. The candidate will be expected to perform flowcytometry, cell sorting, molecular biology techniques such as library preparation, sequencing and sequence analysis and a range of serological assays including ELISA, Luminex and Neutralization.

Reports To:

• Project Principal Investigator

Financial Responsibility:

• None

Key Responsibilities:

Research

• To perform serological assays such as Luminex, ELISA and virus neutralization assays


• To perform molecular biology assays such as cloning, protein expression and purification


• To perform flowcytometry and cell sorting


• To prepare libraries for sequencing and analyse NGS sequencing data


• 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


• Prepare and collate results, update relevant databases and prepare reports as may be required.


• To contribute to development of scientific manuscripts

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications:

• A MSc degree in Molecular Biology or Biochemistry or related biological science


• At least 3 years of research experience in a Research Laboratory.


• Practical working knowledge of NGS sequencing.


• The candidate should be familiar with cell culture and serological assays such as ELISA


• The candidate will be expected to organize their work to changing priorities and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills.


• Evidence of ability to work independently

Desirable:

• Experience in performing virus neutralization assays


• Experience in running sequence analysis pipelines

Physical Environment/Conditions:

• Based at the KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya but 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.

Competencies:

• Demonstrate high levels of integrity and confidentiality


• Excellent interpersonal, written, presentation and communication skills


• Good analytical, problem solving and critical thinking skills;


• Teamwork and ability to work with diverse teams


• Strong Flexibility, adaptability, multi-tasking and attention to detail


• Strong team coordination and Supervisory skills.

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