Research Assistant in the Arthropod Pathology Unit

icipe—African Insect Science for Food and Health is an intergovernmental organisation funded by governmental aid agencies, UN organisations and private foundations to carry out research and training in environmentally sound and sustainable management of arthropods for improving health and agricultural productivity in the tropics.

icipe has approximately 350 staff to support its research and capacity building programmes located at various sites in Kenya and Ethiopia.

icipe wishes to urgently recruit a suitable person to fill the position of Research Assistant in the Arthropod Pathology Unit. A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate.

Position Summary:

Under minimal supervision, undertakes a range of scientific experiments in the field of microbiology (with specific focus on bacteria, fungi, viruses and nematodes that attack arthropod pests) and molecular biology, collect and record data, provide support to students.

Very good verbal communication skills and must be able to transfer scientific information and procedures to colleagues.

Qualifications Required:

• Ordinary National Diploma in science laboratory or equivalent.
• Technical experience in insect pathology and molecular biology in a recognised institute.
• Working knowledge of laboratory procedures, health and safety practices, experiments, testing procedures, proper care and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Working knowledge of database, spreadsheets and simple data analysis programs.
• Very good ability to analyse and solve problems. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions presented in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
• Very good verbal communication skills. Must be able to transfer scientific information and procedures to other colleagues.

Main Duties:

• Carry out a range of scientific experiments as prescribed by scientists.
• Collect and record raw data of scientific research results and present them in charts/tables, and write reports for scientist’s approval.
• Carry out isolation and identification of micro-organisms (including fungi, bacteria, viruses and nematodes that attack arthropod pests).
• Carry out fieldwork as described by scientists.
• Operates and ensure maintenance of laboratory and field equipment.
• Ensure adequate supplies of lab and field materials are available for project use, maintain inventories and administer requisitions for scientist’s approval.
• Ensure laboratories and equipment are maintained in clean and safe conditions as per international lab procedures.
• Enter data into dBases/spreadsheets
• Operate basic statistical analysis of data collected.
• Provide support to students.

Interpersonal Interaction:

• This position reports directly to Scientist in Charge. On a daily basis, this position may require interaction with students on attachment from polytechnics, universities and other institutes.

Applications will be accepted up to 13 August 2012. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications with detailed résumés including current salary details, names and addresses of three referees (with daytime telephone numbers), and e-mail address should be sent to:

icipehr@icipe.org
The Human Resources Department,
icipe—African Insect Science for Food and Health
P.O Box 30772-00100
Nairobi, Kenya

icipe is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.