PhD Student - ILRI Jobs in Kenya

Vacancy Number: PHD/BT/03/10

Department: Biotechnology

Location: Nairobi, Kenya

Duration: 3 years

The globally-networked International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) helps to reduce poverty, hunger and environmental degradation by enhancing animal agriculture in developing countries.

ILRI positions its work at the dynamic interface of poverty alleviation and

sustainable livestock livelihoods. Our staff works in partnerships and alliances with diverse organisations in developed and developing countries, including some of the finest universities and research institutes in the world.

ILRI’s headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya, with a second principal campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Staff members are also based in 7 partner institutions in other parts of Africa, in Asia and in Latin America. We employ more than 700 staff from about 40 countries and are one of 15 centres around the world sponsored by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).

ILRI provides state of the art labs (BSL2 & 3), BSL2 large and small animal units, and a strong bioinformatics platform.

ILRI seeks to recruit a PhD student to join the Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) research group within the Biotechnology department in May 2010. CBPP is regarded as one of the most important livestock diseases within Africa.

This PhD project aims at characterising expression profiles of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides (Mmm) molecules and evaluation of corresponding antibody specificities from infected cattle

Specifically, the successful applicant will be expected to:
  • Investigate the expression of Mmm molecules using Western blots
  • Monitor humoral immune responses using ELISA technology
References:
  • J. Jores et al., Vet Immunol Immunopathol 124, 192 (Jul 15, 2008)
  • J. Jores et al., Vet Immunol Immunopathol 131, 238 (May 3, 2009)
  • S. Naseem et al., Vet. Research, in press (2010)
Preferred Skills:
  • Veterinary degree or a MSc in biosciences obtained no more than 3 years ago
  • Experience in academic or commercial biotechnology research groups is an advantage
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to perform in multidisciplinary and multicultural research environment.
Terms of appointment: The appointment will be for three years and will be based at the ILRI-Kenya Campus. Health insurance and stipend paid in US dollars will be offered for this position.

Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter expressing their interest, detailed CV, names and contact details (Telephone, E-mail) of two professional referees to Dr Jan Naessens and Dr Joerg Jores, e-mail: j.naessens @ cgiar.org and j.jores @ cgiar.org by 8th May 2010. The title and reference number of the position for which the application is made should be clearly indicated on the email application.

To find more about ILRI and visit our Website at www.ilri.org

ILRI is an equal opportunities employer and is keen to further diversify its staff in terms of both gender and nationality.

Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.