Research Technician- immunology and immune-chemistry

Vacancy Number: RTI/BIOS/04/13
Bioscience
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Duration: 2 years with the possibility of renewal

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to enhance the roles livestock play in pathways out of poverty in developing countries. ILRI has two main campuses in East Africa and other hubs in East, West and southern Africa and South, Southeast and East Asia. http://www.ilri.org/.

CGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future. Its science is carried out by 15 research centres that are members of the CGIAR Consortium in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations. www.cgiar.org.

The Position

The Vaccine Group in the Bioscience Theme at ILRI has an exciting position for a Research Technician to support a team working on the development of a vaccine for controlling the cattle disease East Cost fever, caused by the parasite Theileria parva. The technician will focus on humoral immunology and immuno-chemistry, and will be part of a group that includes very experienced senior technicians who can also provide supervision.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain cell lines and tissue cultures and perform some cellular assays;
• Test sera in ELISA for titer determinations, isotypes and subtypes;
• Test sera / mAb’s in dot blot, Western blotting, immuno-precipitation, 2D-electroforesis and purification of antibodies;
• Bleeding of animals, preparation of PBMC, prepare media and store reagents;
• Keep detailed records of experiments, organize data, trouble-shoot and assist in determining most suitable experimental methodologies to optimize results;
• Analyze data and present results at regular lab meetings;
• Use and maintain complex scientific equipment/machines, reagents used in the laboratories;
• Transfection of cell lines.

Requirements:-  

• A relevant degree with 3 years of experience; a masters will be an advantage, but not essential;
• Good theoretical background in immunology;
• Experience with maintenance of cell cultures is essential;
• Knowledge and experience with basic molecular techniques such as PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis and real-time qPCR is an added advantage;
• Good hands-on knowledge of relevant experimental design and techniques;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Highly motivated and flexible team player;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including skills and ability to plan and work independently.

Terms of Appointment

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at ILRI’s Nairobi campus.  The position is on a 2 year contract with the possibility of renewal, contingent upon individual performance and continued funding.

Job level and salary

This position is in job Grade 2B with a starting salary of KES 83,606. This is exclusive of other benefits provided by ILRI. This is exclusive of other benefits provided by ILRI.

How to Apply

Applicants should send a cover letter and CV combined as one document addressed to the Human Resources Director, explaining 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 by 10^th May, 2013. Log on to: http://www.myjobsinkenya.com/ilri_jobs. The position title and reference number REF: RTI/BIOS/04/13 should be clearly marked on the cover letter. Only online applications will be considered, and only short listed candidates will be contacted.

To find more about ILRI, visit our Website 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.