The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research Assistant to conduct laboratory and field research on the epidemiology and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases of veterinary importance. The incumbent will join a team of local and international researchers working on Rhipicephalus microplus, the Asian cattle tick, an invasive livestock pest and disease vector. R. microplus was relatively rare in Africa previously but is spreading rapidly across the continent and with it the threat of Babesia bovis, the most important disease of cattle globally.
ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org
Key Responsibilities
- Establishment and maintenance of laboratory colonies of R. microplus ticks
- Performs routine molecular diagnostic assays for tick-borne pathogens (PCR and quantitative RT-PCR, Reverse Line Blotting (RLB) and ELISA
- Collect compile and manage data from experiment; manage the relevant databases
- Perform acaricide resistance testing (PCR-based and bioassays)
- Contribute to the planning and implementation of field work activities per the project plan
- Care for experimental animals at the tick unit (cattle &rabbits)
- Dissection of infected ticks to extract salivary gland for in vitro infections
- Support research students and visiting scientists attached to the tick unit
- Contribute to writing of research reports and other research outputs as necessary
Requirements
- Master’s degree in entomology, molecular parasitology or related field
- At least 2 years of experience with molecular biology research
- Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and additional experience in lieu of Master’s degree
- Molecular experience acquired in a research laboratory in some of the above techniques is required
- Previous experience working with arthropod vectors such as ticks or mosquitoes
- Good record keeping, and ability to prepare written scientific reports are important considerations
- The suitable candidate will be willing to learn new techniques and demonstrate independent capability in task accomplishment.
- Practical knowledge of statistics, the use of bioinformatics databases and software are added advantage.
Terms of Appointment
This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus. It is open to Kenyan nationals only. The position is on a 1-year fixed term contract.
Job Level
This position is job level 2C, ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes; pension, medical and other insurances for ILRI’s Nationally Recruited Staff.
How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development by clicking on the “Apply Now” tab above before 14 February, 2019. The position title and reference number REF: RA/AHH/01/2019 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.
We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.
To find out more about ILRI visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org
To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/
ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.