Research Officer II - Animal Health Theme at icipe - International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology

Overall Purpose of the Job

• The Research Officer will manage research activities within the Animal Health Theme. He/she will assist in overseeing and designing experiments, work directly with the Head of Theme and assist other investigators. He/she will play a leading role in developing programmes to integrate field and laboratory activities in the theme to enhance efficiency. This includes overseeing workflow and productivity of lab personnel and providing training to them on specific techniques as necessary. In particular, the Research Officer is expected to have well-developed research management skills, statistics, while molecular biology skills would be an added advantage.
• The Research Officer will contribute to data analysis, preparation of manuscripts, and presenting research findings through various forums. The Research Officer must demonstrate the ability to analyze and present data in professional format and to contribute significantly to manuscripts, reports, applications for approvals (research, import/export) as well as contribute to grant writing. They will be responsible for planning field activities, and stock levels to support both field and laboratory studies.

Specific Duties

•  To manage research activities undertaken by technical staff.
•  To contribute to design and implementation of advanced experiments.
•  Work with the Data Management Unit to enhance efficiency in sample management.
•  Develop template data entry spreadsheets and develop proficiency in electronic data management tools.
•  To provide training to lab personnel on specific techniques (including ethics) as well as to develop and maintain SOPs.
•  Maintain and where necessary coordinate the distribution of biological resources (e.g. cryopreserved materials).
•  To file applications for approvals (research, import/export).
•  To write, edit, correct, and review manuscripts, reviews, proposals, or any other scientific document in his field.

Requirements/Qualifications

•  Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, Epidemiology Sciences or related field.
•  Experience gained in veterinary or medical sciences in a research organization.
•  At least 3 years’ experience working in a research laboratory.
•  Previous experience working in the veterinary/public health field of relevance to ONE HEALTH is an added advantage.

Other Desirable Attributes

•  Responsible for the executed activities and outputs, with significant decision-making.
•  High degree of problem-solving, planning and control.
•  Mentors and trains staff.
•  In-charge of monitoring experiments and research progress.
•  Provide information, data to other team members / PI and other units.
•  To contribute to peer reviewed papers. Co-author on at least 2 publications per year.
•  Assist in the development of at least 2 concepts/proposals each year.
•  Contributes to internal and external relations with stakeholders in relation to the scope of their activities.

Application Deadline - 29th May 2023