Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

This is a Research Officer position within the KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme, with the possibility of being based in either Kilifi or Nairobi.

Responsibilities or duties

• Coordinate the collection, processing, compilation, verification and storage of study data or samples and ensure all processes are conducted in line with Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and the study protocols.
• Conduct Data analysis and interpretation of study data or samples to identify insights and synthesize the same through statistical summaries and other data visualization techniques.
• Lead and support in troubleshooting of new laboratory assays and ensure laboratory experiments (DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR and sequencing) within the team are conducted as per the SOPs
• Contribute to report writing, dissemination and publishing of study research work by authoring in various reputable scientific journals, preparing policy briefs and disseminating at various internal and external meetings, conferences, workshops and other relevant Scientific forums
• Network, collaborate and partner with the other Departments, research groups and other internal and external stakeholders and support in the Study Project Management to ensure quality of outputs and timely completion of the Project.
• Conduct training and Mentorships to other Researchers by designing, implementing and reviewing mentorship plans, developing user-friendly learning aids and reference materials as well as delivering virtual or physical training sessions to the assigned researchers, students and interns.
• Supervise the Study team by providing day to day supervision and coordinating both the Study research and operations teams and participate in other study HR Management issues as assigned
• Contribute to the Study full compliance with all relevant internal ethical and Research Governance protocols, policies and procedures as well as all external legal, ethical and regulatory requirements by ensuring proper documentation and adherence at all Research Phases.
• Provide inputs and necessary technical support to the Principal Investigator and other Programme Researchers in identifying sustainable funding opportunities and developing proposals to secure Research Grants and funding.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

• Minimum Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences, Bioinformatics, or any other relevant field from a recognized university
• Demonstrated experience in capacity building and the use of current technology in Health Research, specifically R and other bioinformatics software.
• Demonstrated high levels of integrity and confidentiality
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and build strong relationships with internal and external collaborators
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to deliver quality outputs within strict timelines.
• Strong team coordination and decision-making skills

Experience needed

• Minimum Three (3) Years experience in Genomics and Bioinformatics at a reputable Research institution

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

• Job Type: Contract
• No. of Vacancies: 2
• Job Grade: Not specified
• Location: KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme - Kilifi/Nairobi
• Contact Email Address: icthelpdesk@kemri.go.ke

• Coordinate the collection, processing, compilation, verification and storage of study data or samples and ensure all processes are conducted in line with Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and the study protocols.
• Conduct Data analysis and interpretation of study data or samples to identify insights and synthesize the same through statistical summaries and other data visualization techniques.
• Lead and support in troubleshooting of new laboratory assays and ensure laboratory experiments (DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR and sequencing) within the team are conducted as per the SOPs
• Contribute to report writing, dissemination and publishing of study research work by authoring in various reputable scientific journals, preparing policy briefs and disseminating at various internal and external meetings, conferences, workshops and other relevant Scientific forums
• Network, collaborate and partner with the other Departments, research groups and other internal and external stakeholders and support in the Study Project Management to ensure quality of outputs and timely completion of the Project.
• Conduct training and Mentorships to other Researchers by designing, implementing and reviewing mentorship plans, developing user-friendly learning aids and reference materials as well as delivering virtual or physical training sessions to the assigned researchers, students and interns.
• Supervise the Study team by providing day to day supervision and coordinating both the Study research and operations teams and participate in other study HR Management issues as assigned
• Contribute to the Study full compliance with all relevant internal ethical and Research Governance protocols, policies and procedures as well as all external legal, ethical and regulatory requirements by ensuring proper documentation and adherence at all Research Phases.
• Provide inputs and necessary technical support to the Principal Investigator and other Programme Researchers in identifying sustainable funding opportunities and developing proposals to secure Research Grants and funding.

• Demonstrated experience in capacity building and the use of current technology in Health Research, specifically R and other bioinformatics software.
• Demonstrated high levels of integrity and confidentiality
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work with diverse, multidisciplinary teams and build strong relationships with internal and external collaborators
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to deliver quality outputs within strict timelines.
• Strong team coordination and decision-making skills

• Minimum Master’s Degree in Biological Sciences, Bioinformatics, or any other relevant field from a recognized university
• Minimum Three (3) Years experience in Genomics and Bioinformatics at a reputable Research institution