Assistant Research Officer
KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) is one of the leading research centres in Africa. The Programme engages in a wide range of research on the main causes of ill health in Africa.The Bioscience department, KWTRP is seeking to appoint a postdoctoral researcher to work in the Next Generation
KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) is one of the leading research centres in Africa. The Programme engages in a wide range of research on the main causes of ill health in Africa.The Bioscience department, KWTRP is seeking to appoint a postdoctoral researcher to work in the Next Generation
(9 Months Contract)
Roles
To
undertake sequencing and bioinformatics analysis for a project aimed at
understanding the transmission pathways of respiratory viruses in Kenya.
Viruses under investigation include rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus,
influenza, coronavirus, and human metapneumovirus.
·
Implementing, optimizing and
troubleshooting viral pathogen sequencing protocols
·
Developing a multi-species whole
genome sequencing method for rhinovirus to investigate sequences in large
archive of respiratory samples
·
Molecular diagnostic screening for a
range of virus targets in archived and ongoing respiratory samples collections
·
Assembling viral sequence contigs
from the raw sequencing reads derived from next generation sequencers
·
Performing phylogenetic analyses,
producing reports and presenting arising results
·
Contributing to scientific
manuscripts and other dissemination activities
Qualifications:
·
BSc in Medical Laboratory Science and
Technology, Molecular Biology Bioinformatics, or similar (Upper second
honors or higher)
·
At least 1 year experience in virus
molecular diagnostics
·
Experience in virus whole genome
sequencing using Sanger and NGS methods
·
Previous experience in rhinovirus
typing and sequencing
·
Capability in bioinformatics and phylogenetic
analysis of sequence data
·
Undertaken a Post-Graduate Diploma in
relevant subject area
·
Knowledge and capability in
programming for sequence data manipulations (e.g. R, python)
·
A one-year research experience and
evidence of scientific publication/contribution
Skills and Competence:
·
Understanding of virus sequencing
including NGS and phylogenetics
·
The ability to plan own workload and
keep accurate scientific records.
·
Excellent communication and
interpersonal skills
·
Ability to organize work to changing
priorities is essential
Relationships:
·
Working in collaboration with members
of the Viral Epidemiology and Control (VEC) group (laboratory and research),
and with relevant Programme scientists such as those linked to Kilifi
Bioinformatics Core (KBiC).
Terms of Employment: Employment is
a one year renewable contract with a probation period for the first 3 months.
Salary is negotiable within the appropriate grade depending on education,
experience and demonstrated competency.
How to Apply
a)
All applicants must meet each selection criteria detailed in the minimum
requirements.
b)
Must include a current CV with names of at least 2 referees.
c)
Must include copies of academic and professional certificates.
A
duly signed application letter indicating the vacancy reference with copies of
documents listed above should be sent to: phrdrecruit@pipsthika.org not later than 19th October, 2018.
