3 Jobs At ILRI
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Nairobi, Kenya
Job summary
Job Vacancies at International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
About this role
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Research Associate I – Yam
Laboratory Technician - Yam and Bambara Groundnut
Research Associate I – Molecular Biology (IITA)
Research Associate I – Yam
Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: Diploma
Experience: 2 years
Location: Nairobi
Job Field: Agriculture / Agro-Allied
Key Responsibilities
Prepare plant culture media needed for yam transformation and tissue culture work.
Support the maintenance and multiplication of yam accessions.
Assist with Agrobacterium-mediated transformation procedures for yam.
Work on the regeneration of DNA-free events in yam.
Assist with potting and acclimatization of transgenic plants in the glasshouse, including regular watering.
Maintain, multiply and routinely subculture yam cultures maintained in vitro.
Collect, process and compile research data for progress reporting.
Keep accurate records of consumables, glassware and laboratory equipment used in the plant tissue culture and transformation laboratory.
Carry out other duties assigned by the supervisor.
Requirements
Diploma in Agriculture or a related field.
At least 2 years of relevant work experience.
Basic proficiency in MS Office applications, including Word and Excel, or comparable software.
Practical experience in plant tissue culture.
Knowledge of workplace health and safety procedures and good laboratory practices.
Good written and verbal communication skills.
Laboratory Technician – Yam and Bambara Groundnut
Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: Diploma
Experience: 2 years
Location: Nairobi
Job Field: Agriculture / Agro-Allied, Science
Key Responsibilities
Prepare plant tissue culture media for yam and Bambara groundnut transformation and regeneration activities.
Carry out seed sterilization, explant preparation and culture initiation according to established laboratory procedures.
Maintain, multiply and regularly subculture in vitro yam and Bambara groundnut cultures.
Support plant regeneration and transformation activities, as well as potting and maintaining regenerated plants in the greenhouse.
Requirements
Diploma in Agriculture.
At least 2 years of relevant work experience.
Basic knowledge of MS Office applications such as Word and Excel or other relevant software.
Experience working with Bambara groundnut tissue culture.
Understanding of workplace health and safety requirements and good working practices.
Good oral and written communication abilities.
Research Associate I – Molecular Biology (IITA)
Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: BA/BSc/HND, Diploma, Professional Certificate
Experience: 2 years
Location: Nairobi
Job Field: Research and Development
About the Position
The role involves supporting molecular biology research through construct development and a range of genomic analysis techniques. The successful candidate will work as part of a multidisciplinary scientific team contributing to research involving plant genome editing and improvement of crop traits.
Key Responsibilities
Develop constructs for genome editing and RNA interference (RNAi) applications.
Extract genomic DNA from transgenic and gene-edited materials of date palm, sugarcane and other crops for molecular investigations.
Conduct PCR and quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR) for gene expression analysis and confirmation of mutations.
Perform mutation screening procedures such as T7 endonuclease and band-shift assays.
Conduct Southern blotting to determine gene copy numbers and assess transgene integration.
Carry out sequencing and analyse results to identify and confirm gene edits using Sanger sequencing or next-generation sequencing.
Maintain and propagate bacterial cultures required for plasmid DNA preparation.
Support the maintenance of gene-edited plant lines in laboratory and greenhouse environments.
Accurately collect, analyse and document experimental data.
Assist with preparation of research reports, presentations and manuscripts based on study findings.
Work collaboratively with other researchers and provide technical assistance in molecular biology procedures.
Perform other duties assigned by the supervisor.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Genetics or a related discipline.
Relevant professional certification.
With a degree, at least 2 years of relevant experience; with a diploma, at least 4 years of relevant experience.
Experience using in silico gene cloning tools such as Benchling and SnapGene.
Practical experience with molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, qRT-PCR and sequencing.
Familiarity with Southern blotting and mutation detection methods is an added advantage.
Ability to maintain comprehensive laboratory records and follow established protocols accurately.
Strong organisational and time-management skills.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration within a research environment.