Research Assistant - Centre of Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH), Nairobi

• Organization: International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
• Country: Kenya
• City: Nairobi, Kenya
• Office: ILRI Nairobi

 

Closing date: Wednesday, 7 November 2018

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) through a collaborative framework agreement with The University Court of the University of Edinburgh acting through its Roslin Institute, Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), seeks to recruit an enthusiastic, highly motivated and excellent Research Assistant to participate in a research project aimed at determining the mechanism of tolerance to infection with T. parva.

• The main work will consist of analyzing the proliferative response of infected lymphocytes, the level of expression of cytokines and the regulation of the genes in susceptible and tolerant calves

Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) is hosted and managed by the Roslin Institute on behalf of other partners and currently operates in two major locations in Edinburgh (Scotland) and Nairobi (Kenya). CTLGH provides a framework for the founding partners and other stakeholders to mobilize the latest knowledge and tools in genomics sciences to drive innovations that support tropical livestock development and particularly in small holder farming systems in LMICs (low and middle income countries).
ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa.

• www.ilri.org

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain cell lines in tissue culture and perform cellular assays, FACS analysis
• Undertake PCR and qPCR analyses
• Undertake ELISAs, Western blotting, immunoprecipitation and other immunological assays
• Keep detailed records of experiments, organize data, trouble-shoot and assist in determining most suitable experimental methodologies to optimize results.
• Analyse data and present results to regular lab meetings;
• Use and maintain complex scientific equipment/machines, reagents used in the laboratories.

Requirements

• A relevant undergraduate degree in biological sciences. A Master's level degree will be an added advantage
• At least 3 years' relevant laboratory experience, with in vivo, in vitro and ex vivo systems
• Knowledge and experience with basic molecular techniques such as PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis and real-time qPCR.
•  
• Theoretical background on immunology; experience with cell cultures/ cellular assays;
• Knowledge with transfection and luciferase test would be advantageous.
• Previous experience on Theileria parva is desirable
• Ability to work under your own initiative and to apply problem-solving skills to troubleshoot challenging technical issues
• Excellent organisational skills and good communication and interpersonal skills are also essential.

Terms of Appointment
This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at ILRI's Nairobi campus. It is open to Kenyan nationals only. The position is on a 2-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.
Job Level
This position is job level 2B, level 2,

• and ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes; pension, medical and other insurances for ILRI's Nationally Recruited Staff.

How to apply:

• Applicants should send a cover letter and CV explaining their interest in the position,, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate's professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development through our recruitment portal http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before 7 November 2018.
• The position title and reference number
• REF: RA-CTLGH /10/2018
• should
• be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
To find out more about ILRI visit our websites at

• http://www.ilri.org

To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at

• http://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/

ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.