Early Post Doctoral Researcher (Re-advertised) at KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP)

Job Description

The KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme (KWTRP) is based within the KEMRI Centre for Geographic Medical Research – (Coast). Our core activities are funded by the Wellcome Trust. We conduct integrated epidemiological, social, laboratory and clinical research in parallel, with results feeding into local and international health policy. Our research platforms include state-of-the-art laboratories, a demographic surveillance system covering a quarter of a million residents, partnership with Kilifi County Hospital in health care and hospital surveillance, a clinical trials facility, a vibrant community engagement programme and a dedicated training facility. The KWTRP leadership includes the Executive Director Philip Bejon, the KEMRI Centre Director Benjamin Tsofa, the Ag. Nairobi Programme director Mike English and the Chief Operating Officer Catherine Kenyatta. Our Vision to establish long term sustainable capacity for research in human health that improves global health. Our Mission to deliver high quality research relevant to global health and to build local capacity for undertaking research. Aims of the programme •To conduct research to the highest international scientific and ethical standards on the major causes of morbidity and mortality in the region in order to provide the evidence base to improve health. •To train an internationally competitive cadre of Kenyan and African research leaders to ensure the long term development of health research in Africa

JOB PURPOSE: 

We are seeking Early Post – Doctoral Researcher for a three-year WELLCOME funded G2P – Global Knowledge Exchange to Enable In Country Risk Assessment of SARS CoV-2 Variants aimed at determining the zoonotic potential of SARS-CoV-2 variants. The candidate will work with a team to develop system serology protocols to isolate monoclonal antibodies and measure functionality of the antibodies.

Job Dimension:

The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Collaborative Research Programme (KWTRP) researches diseases with the highest burden in developing countries for which it is recognised internationally within the fields of international public health, clinical tropical medicine, epidemiology and immunology. The programme aims to maximise opportunities for learning and training in order to maintain a cadre of highly skilled and experienced staff from all disciplines. The goal of this funded G2P – Global Knowledge Exchange to Enable In Country Risk Assessment of SARS CoV-2 Variants is to assess the potential for spill-overs into domesticated and wild animal species and subsequent reservoir seeding; undertake in-country virological assessments of future virus outbreaks, and associated virus variants. To do this, the project will perform genomic surveillance of the variants, immunological profiling and monoclonal antibody discovery. This position will be based at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme but will work collaboratively with external partners. The candidate will be expected to perform flowcytometry, cell sorting, library preparation, sequencing and sequence analysis, cloning, expression of mAbs and functional analysis

Reporting To:  Project Principal Investigator

Financial Responsibility:  None

Key Responsibilities:

Supporting the research team in developing protocols for mAb isoloation, bioinformatics analysis and interpretation of large sequencing data sets generated on diverse platforms (NextSeq,MiSeq and NovaSeq). Technology transfer from collaborating laboratories. Training and supervision of ROs and junior staff Designing exploratory analysis approaches and bioinformatics pipelines Perform basic molecular biology procedures to generate sequencing libraries. Presenting of project results at different forums, locally and internationally. Contribute to the writing of scientific manuscripts Ensuring that all work done complies with the applicable regulations concerning biohazards, data privacy, Good Clinical and Laboratory Practice and maintain all documentation. And any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Requirements

Qualifications:

A Ph.D. in bioinformatics, data science or molecular biology/immunology Upto 4 years Post doc experience Experience in analysing large next-generation sequencing data. Experience in using various analytical packages such as STATA and R The candidate will be expected to organize their work to changing priorities and possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Evidence of ability to work independently

Desirable:

Proficiency in programming in Python and software development stacks Proficiency with the Pandas Data Library and Jupiter Software Ecosystem

Physical Environment/Conditions:

Based at the KEMRI/Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, Kenya but flexible to travel to other partner or collaborating institutions Be available to work out of hours if necessary. Exposure to materials considered infectious and/or biohazards.

Competencies:

Demonstrated high levels of confidentiality and integrity Excellent interpersonal, written, presentation and communication skills Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Strong Management, leadership, and decision-making skills, Ability to build strong and diverse effective teams, delegation, and team motivation Ability to build productive and collaborative relationships with varied stakeholders