NGO Assistant Research Officer Job in Kenya,Salary over Ksh80,000 – (6 Months Contract)
Reference Number: ARO0218
Employment Type: Full time
Category: Clinical Healthcare and Research
Job Grade: 6.01
Country: Kenya
Location: Kilifi
JOB PURPOSE:
JOB PURPOSE: The main purpose of the job is to manage the collaborative studies between the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI)-Wellcome Trust Programme and Stanley Centre at the Broad Institute, Boston, USA. The data and sample collection will involve several hospitals and schools on the Kenyan coast. The Assistant Research Officer will work in consultation with the PIs for NeuroDEV to ensure that all logistics are performed in good time, to supervise data and sample collection, and to participate in communications and engagement strategy.
Description:
REPORTS TO:
- The Principal Investigators
BUDGET AND RESOURCE RESPONSIBILITY:
- Overseeing project operational costs across the participating hospitals or sites.
- Monitoring of the logistics for running the studies.
JOB DIMENSIONS:
The job will involve coordination of data and sample collection across the participating hospitals, management of both internal and external communications with our collaborators, ensuring availability of logistics e.g. use of fully translated assessment tools (Kiswahili) and genotyping kits, identifying and engaging key stakeholders particularly heads of participating hospitals, and providing sites with mentorship and guidance in communication.
The post is both mentally and technically demanding, involving a high level of understanding of the nature of neurodevelopmental disorders, working with families of vulnerable children and coordinating with collaborators in different countries.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Act as the liaison in communications between the principal investigators and international collaborators or participating sites/hospitals
- Preparation of logistics for the studies including receiving and safe storage of genotyping kits, and coordination of training of members of staff involved in NeuroDEV.
- Ensure appropriate collection, storage and transport of genetic samples to the USA.
- Help with supervision and coordination of members of staff in the NeuroDEV particularly the field workers
- Arranging for site visits or on-site trainings by our collaborators as well as team building activities of members of staff
- Monitoring data collection progress and making recommendations to the Principal Investigators.
- Identify stakeholders and determine strategic engagement strategies with the communities and county and hospital administrators.
- Provide professional support in the preparation of the NeuroDEV communication including reviewing, editing and providing rigorous feedback on drafts of papers and reports to ensure high standards.
- Contribute to data analysis, write up and dissemination
QUALIFICATIONS:
- A Degree from an accredited institution in the field of human development and biology
- At least 1 year of experience in a relevant post or equivalent.
- Demonstrable knowledge of genetics and genomics
SKILLS & COMPETENCE:
- Excellent hands-on communications skills with local and international collaborators
- Understanding and exposure to Good Laboratory Practice
- Possess excellent writing skills that can be utilised to prepare reports or scientific materials when asked to do so
- Possess excellent organisation skills for overseeing training of staff, safe record keeping and operational costs of the project
- Able to work flexibly and productively with colleagues, researchers, external delivery partners and multiple stakeholders
DESIRABLE:
- Have a basic understanding of data analysis, that is useful in tracking study progress and for graphical presentation of the same
- Excellent interpersonal and engagement skills
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:
- Based at the KEMRI/Wellcome Trust office in Kilifi.
- Occasional travel to visit sites/hospitals or training.
