SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST

KENYA MEDICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Opening date 14th August, 2023 CGHR/364/07/23
Project description: The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the University
of Massachusetts Chan Medical School (UMass Chan) are conducting a communitybased study in western Kenya to evaluate the immunogenicity and efficacy of the first
malaria vaccine (RTS,S also called Mosquirix) approved for general use in children
residing in malaria endemic areas. Using an integrated systems immunology and
machine learning approach, we will determine the effects of ongoing exposures to
malaria, systemic inflammation, pre-existing anti-malarial immunity, and immaturity
of cellular immune signatures on RTS,S vaccine hypo-responsiveness, defined as the
inability to develop a core group of functional anti-CSP antibodies. This 3-year project
is part of a larger NIH funded consortium involved in developing and evaluating the
next generation of malaria vaccines.
RTSS Malaria Vaccine Immunogenicity and Efficacy Grant: NIH U01 AI165524
Position: Senior Research Scientist (KMR 5)- 1 position
Reports to: Principal Investigator
Location: Center for Global Health Research, UMass-KEMRI partnership
a) Job Specifications
The duties and responsibilities of the officer will entail:-
i. Responsible for implementing sophisticated immunologic protocols
inteneded for flow cytometry, CyTOF and systems serology assays.
ii. Plan and coordinate all new study/project sample storage protocols in
close liaison with researchers.
iii. Responsible for developing, review and oversee procedures and processes
for scientifically rigorous blood sample collection, processing and storage.
iv. Produce clear and complete documentation of all procedures and
processes.
v. Oversee defined procedures to log bar coded samples and link data, and
to manage retrieval and re-entry processes.
vi. Supervises implementation of field and laboratory SOPs and guidelines.
vii. Responsible for training and certifying students or new laboratory
personnel in research protocols.
viii. Offering basic trainings on good laboratory practices and facility
emergency response plans; Plan and perform user inductions and regular
update trainings.
ix. Implementation of statutory regulatory namely quality management
audits, laboratory inspections and work process audits.
x. Produce maintenance plans for the repository with appropriate auditable
Quality Systems incorporated that comply with international regulatory
standards.
xi. Advice the Centre Scientific Committees on study protocol related issues
to guide and inform decision making on the adherence to laboratory
professional ethics.
xii. Contribute to writing manuscripts and grant proposals.
b)Person Specification
For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:-
i. At least four(4) years relevant work experience in human immunology
research;
ii. Master’s degree (or higher degree) in any of the following fields;-
Biomedical Sciences, Health Sciences, Medical laboratory sciences or any
relevant Basic Sciences or equivalent qualifications from a recognized
Institution.
iii. Published at least four (4) articles in refereed journals with at least two
(2) article as the first or lead author;
iv. Supervisory Course not lasting less than two (2) weeks from a recognized
institution; OR demonstrated mentoring students.
v. Proficiency in computer application; including computational
immunology software such as FlowJo, Omics, R.
vi. Demonstrated work performance and results;
c)Key Skills and Competencies
i. Planning and supervisory skills
ii. Analytical and writing skills
iii. Communication and reporting skills
iv. Interpersonal skills
v. Team player

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLlgye8BKq4&t=36s