The Doyle Foundation       
providing advocacy and support for the role of science in international development

Home | Aims | Dr John Doyle | Directors | News | Community

 

 

Laboratory Research Manager

Biosciences eastern and central Africa (BecA) is a new center for excellence in modern biology in Africa. It will consist of a Hub based on the campus of the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, Kenya and a network of regional nodes and other affiliated laboratories and organizations throughout the region.  BecA will facilitate, host and conduct research in areas where new developments in science offer promise to address previously intractable problems constraining Africa’s development.  Capacity building will be a major goal of all activities. The scope covers agriculture and food security and their intersections with human health and nutrition, and the sustainable use of Africa’s natural resources.  Further information is available at www.biosciencesafrica.org.

The establishment of the BECA hub on the ILRI campus with first class research facilities requires upgrading of existing facilities and construction of some new laboratory, bio-containment and other facilities. This facilities development is being undertaken primarily with the financial support of the Government of Canada, provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and its Canada Fund for Africa (CFA). 

In preparing to host the BecA Hub as a shared research platform at ILRI, ILRI now seeks to recruit a Laboratory Research Manager to facilitate, coordinate and implement the genomic,  molecular genetic, and other research projects, being developed by scientists in eastern and central Africa. This is a senior level appointment reporting to the BecA Coordinator and ILRI Deputy Director General for Research.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

  • An experienced scientist, with broad experience in cutting edge genomic and molecular genetic technologies, with strong organizational skills.

  • PhD in modern biology, biotechnology or genomic sciences.

  • Record of scientific achievement in biological sciences, including publications

  • In depth knowledge and experience of new and advanced applications of modern biology, including equipment requirements

  • Proven skills in managing laboratories and overseeing teams of scientists and technicians and associated fiscal/budget responsibilities.

  • Broad and strong relations to modern biology laboratories worldwide

  • Demonstrated ability to coordinate and facilitate a complex portfolio of research projects

  • Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to create and maintain successful scientific alliances/networks internationally

  • Track record of building and maintaining excellent working relations with project leaders,  scientists and technical staff.

  • Ability to meet and exceed performance indicators of an internationally recognized centre of excellence in science

  • Fluency in spoken and written English.

Desirable:

  • Fluency in French

  • Experience in creating new scientific infrastructure to support research

  • Experience of technology transfer

  • Experience of IP protection and exploitation

  • Work experience in sub-Saharan Africa

Location:
The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Conditions:
The initial contract for this position will be for a two year term with the possibility of extension, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.  Salary, dependent on experience, will be paid in US dollars.  ILRI provides excellent benefits including employer-paid medical, life and disability insurance and retirement benefits.  Relocation, housing, annual leave travel and education allowances are also provided.  On-site furnished accommodation is provided, subject to availability, or in the absence of suitable housing, a housing allowance.

Applications:
Applicants should send a cover letter, curriculum vitae and the names and addresses (including telephone, fax and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidates professional qualifications and work experience to the Human Resources Manager, ILRI, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, 00100, Kenya; Telephone: 254-20-630743; Fax: 254-20-631499; e-mail: recruit-ilri@cgiar.org.  The name and reference number of the position for which the application is made should be clearly marked on the envelopes of mailed, or on the fax or email applications.  Screening of applications will begin 18 April 2005 and will continue until the post is filled. To find more about ILRI, visit our Website at http://www.ilri.org

Qualified candidates from African countries, particularly women, are encouraged to apply.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.