Research Associate I – Molecular Biology (IITA) job at International Livestock Research Institute
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Research Associate I – Molecular Biology (IITA)
2026-09-18T11:02:45+00:00
International Livestock Research Institute
https://cdn.greatkenyanjobs.com/jsjobsdata/data/employer/comp_8706/logo/ir2.png
FULL_TIME
Nairobi
Nairobi
00100
Kenya
Professional Services
Science & Engineering, Agribusiness, Agricultural Services & Products, Research
KES
MONTH
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.
bachelor degree
12
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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Job Info
Job Category: Engineering jobs in Kenya
Job Type: Full-time
Deadline of this Job: Friday, October 2 2026
Duty Station: Nairobi | Nairobi
Posted: 18-09-2026
No of Jobs: 1
Start Publishing: 18-09-2026
Stop Publishing (Put date of 2030): 10-10-2076
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