The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Post-doctoral Scientist to be responsible for execution of the molecular aspects of the dairy genomics and health genetics aspects of the program and oversee activities within the reproductive technology platform and execute molecular aspects within the reproductive technologies programme under the Joint Center for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH). The position holder will provide day-to-day supervision of the Research Associate.
ILRI works with partners worldwide to enhance the roles that livestock play in food security and poverty alleviation, principally in Africa and Asia. The outcomes of these research partnerships help people in developing countries keep their farm animals’ alive and productive, increase and sustain their livestock and farm productivity, find profitable markets for their animal products, and reduce the risk of livestock-related diseases. www.ilri.org
ILRI is a not-for-profit institution with a staff of about 700 and in 2016, an operating budget of about USD 83 million. A member of the CGIAR Consortium working for a food-secure future, ILRI has its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, a principal campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and offices in other countries in East, West and Southern Africa and in South, Southeast and East Asia. www.cgiar.org
Responsibilities:
- Reproductive technology platform
- Maintain the functioning of the platform by liaising with different departments and supervising laboratory staff
- Maintain accurate, complete and up-to-date records of all research activities
- Establish a transgenic cow model with resistance to African Trypanasomiasis
- Carry out related research activities under CRP Livestock & Fish and other projects
- Carry out capacity building activities, including master/Ph.D students and training program with BecA
- Maintain existing partnerships and explore new partnerships
- Participate in resource mobilization
- Both lead and participate in publication of scientific results
- Participate in public awareness exercises
- CTLGH Programme 3 – Precision breeding through novel reproductive and germplasm technologies to achieve step changes in livestock productivity
- Liaise with partners on project plans and budgets
- Establish the platform for chicken primordial germ cells culture (PGC) and conservation of African indigenous chicken species
- Establish a platform for genome modification in both cattle and chicken
- Apply genome modification to demonstrate ‘proof of concept’ by introduction of priority traits into smallholder poultry
- Apply genome modification to validate putative candidate variants linked to desired traits and to demonstrate ‘proof of concept’ by introduction of priority traits into cattle
Requirements:
- PhD in Animal Genetics and molecular biology, obtained not more than 3 years ago
- Experience in embryo manipulation, in vitro fertilization, cell culture and transfection of cells, CRISPR/Cas9 system
- Strong organisational skills and demonstrated ability to deliver successful project outcomes (both independently and as part of a team), prioritizing and organizing own work as required
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop good working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders
- Excellent communication skills (written and oral), with demonstrated ability to communicate complex information to a range of audiences in a clear and inspiring manner
Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya
Position level: Post-doctoral level.
Duration: The position is on a 2 years fixed term contract.
Benefits: ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes medical insurance, life insurance and allowances for: education, housing, home leave, and annual holiday entitlement of 30 days + public holidays.
Applications:
Applicants should send a cover letter and CV explaining their interest in the position, what they can bring to the role and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development through our through our recruitment portal http://ilri.simplicant.com/ on or before 14 August 2016. The position title and reference number: PDS/07/2016 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the online application.
We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.
To find out more about ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org
To find out more about working at ILRI visit our website at http://www.ilri.org/ilricrowd/
ILRI is an equal opportunity employer.
