Research Associate I – Molecular Biology (IITA)
2026-09-18T11:02:45+00:00
International Livestock Research Institute
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https://www.ilri.org/
FULL_TIME
Nairobi
Nairobi
00100
Kenya
Professional Services
Science & Engineering, Agribusiness, Agricultural Services & Products, Research
2026-10-02T17:00:00+00:00
8
About the position
The position focuses on construct development and performing genomic DNA extractions, PCR, Southern blotting, qRT-PCR, sequencing, mutation detection, and maintaining bacterial cultures. The successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and contribute to ongoing research in plant genome editing and trait enhancement.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop genome editing and RNAi constructs.
- Perform genomic DNA extraction from various transgenic and gene edited events of date palm, sugarcane or any other crops for molecular analysis.
- Conduct PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and qRT-PCR (quantitative Real-Time PCR) to assess gene expression and mutation verification.
- Perform mutation detection assays, including T7 endonuclease and band-shift analysis.
- Carry out Southern blot analysis for gene copy number determination and transgene integration.
- Sequence analysis for detection and validation of gene edits using techniques such as Sanger or next-generation sequencing.
- Maintain and propagate bacterial cultures for plasmid DNA preparations.
- Contribute to the maintenance of gene-edited plant lines in the lab and greenhouse.
- Ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and record-keeping for experimental results.
- Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and manuscripts related to the research findings.
- Collaborate with other team members and provide technical support in molecular techniques.
- Perform any other duty assigned
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in molecular biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related field.
- Relevant professional certification.
- Two years relevant experience with degree or four years’ relevant experience with diploma. Experience with in silico gene cloning tools such as Benchling and SnapGene
- Hands-on experience with molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, qRT-PCR, and sequencing.
- Familiarity with Southern blotting and mutation detection assays is a plus.
- Ability to maintain detailed lab records and follow protocols with precision.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working in a collaborative research environment.
- Develop genome editing and RNAi constructs.
- Perform genomic DNA extraction from various transgenic and gene edited events of date palm, sugarcane or any other crops for molecular analysis.
- Conduct PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and qRT-PCR (quantitative Real-Time PCR) to assess gene expression and mutation verification.
- Perform mutation detection assays, including T7 endonuclease and band-shift analysis.
- Carry out Southern blot analysis for gene copy number determination and transgene integration.
- Sequence analysis for detection and validation of gene edits using techniques such as Sanger or next-generation sequencing.
- Maintain and propagate bacterial cultures for plasmid DNA preparations.
- Contribute to the maintenance of gene-edited plant lines in the lab and greenhouse.
- Ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and record-keeping for experimental results.
- Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and manuscripts related to the research findings.
- Collaborate with other team members and provide technical support in molecular techniques.
- Perform any other duty assigned
- In silico gene cloning tools such as Benchling and SnapGene
- DNA extraction
- PCR
- qRT-PCR
- Sequencing
- Southern blotting
- Mutation detection assays
- Data collection and analysis
- Record-keeping
- Organizational skills
- Time management skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Communication skills
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in molecular biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related field.
- Relevant professional certification.
- Two years relevant experience with degree or four years’ relevant experience with diploma.
JOB-6aad1a5582dd7
Vacancy title:
Research Associate I – Molecular Biology (IITA)
[Type: FULL_TIME, Industry: Professional Services, Category: Science & Engineering, Agribusiness, Agricultural Services & Products, Research]
Jobs at:
International Livestock Research Institute
Deadline of this Job:
Friday, October 2 2026
Duty Station:
Nairobi | Nairobi
Summary
Date Posted: Friday, September 18 2026, Base Salary: Not Disclosed
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JOB DETAILS:
About the position
The position focuses on construct development and performing genomic DNA extractions, PCR, Southern blotting, qRT-PCR, sequencing, mutation detection, and maintaining bacterial cultures. The successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and contribute to ongoing research in plant genome editing and trait enhancement.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop genome editing and RNAi constructs.
- Perform genomic DNA extraction from various transgenic and gene edited events of date palm, sugarcane or any other crops for molecular analysis.
- Conduct PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and qRT-PCR (quantitative Real-Time PCR) to assess gene expression and mutation verification.
- Perform mutation detection assays, including T7 endonuclease and band-shift analysis.
- Carry out Southern blot analysis for gene copy number determination and transgene integration.
- Sequence analysis for detection and validation of gene edits using techniques such as Sanger or next-generation sequencing.
- Maintain and propagate bacterial cultures for plasmid DNA preparations.
- Contribute to the maintenance of gene-edited plant lines in the lab and greenhouse.
- Ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and record-keeping for experimental results.
- Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and manuscripts related to the research findings.
- Collaborate with other team members and provide technical support in molecular techniques.
- Perform any other duty assigned
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in molecular biology, Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related field.
- Relevant professional certification.
- Two years relevant experience with degree or four years’ relevant experience with diploma. Experience with in silico gene cloning tools such as Benchling and SnapGene
- Hands-on experience with molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, qRT-PCR, and sequencing.
- Familiarity with Southern blotting and mutation detection assays is a plus.
- Ability to maintain detailed lab records and follow protocols with precision.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working in a collaborative research environment.
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: 12
Level of Education: bachelor degree
Job application procedure
Application Link: Click Here to Apply Now
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