Research Scientist - Turkana County (Kakuma/Kalobeyei)
Key Responsibilities:
- Design, optimize, and implement molecular laboratory protocols for pathogen, vector, host, and environmental sample processing.
- Coordinate laboratory workflows including nucleic acid extraction, PCR assays, sequencing library preparation, quality assurance, and sample tracking.
- Perform comprehensive bioinformatics analyses of high-throughput sequencing datasets including quality control, genome assembly, alignment, variant detection, phylogenetic analysis, transcriptomics, metagenomics, and population genomics.
- Develop, optimize, and maintain reproducible computational pipelines using Python, Linux shell scripting, and workflow management systems.
- Integrate genomic, epidemiological, entomological, environmental, and climate datasets to investigate disease transmission dynamics and climate-health interactions.
- Perform advanced statistical analyses and develop informative visualizations, dashboards, and scientific figures for reports, publications, and stakeholder engagement.
- Manage research databases and ensure data quality, integrity, reproducibility, and compliance with institutional and national data governance policies.
- Interpret genomic findings and translate complex scientific results into actionable recommendations for project partners, county governments, and humanitarian stakeholders.
- Contribute to manuscript preparation, conference presentations, technical reports, and grant applications.
- Provide mentorship and technical training in molecular laboratory methods, bioinformatics, and scientific programming to project staff and students.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful implementation of laboratory and computational research activities.
- Maintain laboratory documentation, bioinformatics workflows, analytical reports, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Ensure compliance with biosafety, biosecurity, ethical guidelines, and the Kenya Data Protection Act (2019).
- Perform any other research-related duties assigned by the Principal Investigator or Project Supervisor.
Vacancy Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Genomics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Computational Biology, or a related biological science. Mandatory
- At least 2–3 years of research experience in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, or related disciplines. Mandatory
- Demonstrated experience in molecular laboratory techniques including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, quantitative PCR, gel electrophoresis, library preparation, and DNA/RNA quality assessment. Mandatory
- Hands-on experience working with High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS) platforms such as Illumina, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, PacBio, etc. Mandatory
- Strong bioinformatics skills for processing and analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) datasets, including quality control, genome assembly, read mapping, variant calling, transcriptomics, metagenomics, or phylogenomic analyses. Mandatory
- Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments and shell scripting. Mandatory
- Strong programming skills in Python for genomic data analysis, workflow automation, and statistical computing. Mandatory
- Experience using bioinformatics tools such as BWA, Bowtie2, Minimap2, SAMtools, BCFtools, GATK, BEDTools, FastQC, MultiQC, Kraken2, SPAdes, IQ-TREE, Nextflow, Snakemake, or equivalent tools. Mandatory
- Experience in statistical analysis and data visualization using Python (Matplotlib, Plotly, Seaborn), R (ggplot2), or equivalent analytical platforms. Mandatory0
- Excellent scientific writing, communication, and presentation skills. Skills & Competencies
- Communication skills Skills & Competencies
- Interpersonal skills Skills & Competencies
- Team player Skills & Competencies
Method of application
If you are interested and qualified, kindly submit your application via the link provided below,
https://erecruitment.kemri.go.ke:7070/Home/SingleJobView/VN00994?utm_source=Jobinkenya
Deadline 07/29/2026