Deadline: Ongoing
Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is currently seeking applications from the eligible applicants for the post of Research Associate-Laboratory in Kakamega and Bungoma, Kenya.
The Research Associate-Laboratory, under the general supervision of the Senior Research Associate – Parasitological and within the limits of Innovations for Poverty Action-Kenya policies and procedures coordinates the facilitation of Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Benefits activities and functions within IPAK.
IPA is a research and policy non-profit that discovers and promotes effective solutions to global poverty problems.
Key Jobs Responsibilities
The Research Associate-Laboratory will perform the following functions-
- Develop and supervise implementation of sample collection and processing systems described below to ensure of the highest quality data, including; development/modification of lab standard operating procedures (SOP), process documentation, tracking systems, and monitoring of staff performance.
- Supervise laboratory technicians and field staff involved in Laboratory and environmental sampling activities, including holding regular meetings and coordinating trainings.
- Oversee sample collection, processing, and microbial analysis of samples from drinking water sources, household stored water, child hands, and child toys for quantitative enumeration of fecal indicator bacteria using membrane filtration.
- Oversee sample collection, processing, liquating, and sample flow of child stool and blood samples to measure biomarkers of parasite infections among young children (e.g. microscopy of stool for soil-transmitted helminthes infections, liquating of stool).
- Liaise with collaborators at the Kenya Medical Research Institute in analyzing project stool samples by ELISA and qPCR to detect soil transmitted helminthes infections and protozoan infections, and analysis of blood spots by Luminas for other enteric pathogen infections.
- Coordinate and oversee logistical planning for sample collection, processing, flow, and data entry by tracking enrollment, specimen collection, and follow-up targets; working with supervisors to determine when corrective action is needed in order to ensure that activities are consistent with approved SOPs and project objectives.
- Lead the design and participate in the coding of survey instruments to be used during field sample collection.
- Assist with data management, data cleaning, and analysis of all lab and field sample collection data.
- Provide projections, and basic oversight of financial accounting related to lab activities.
- Participate HR oversight process and provide recommendations to senior management on all aspects of HR for parasite and environmental sampling components of the study.
- Overall responsibility for inventory and procurement coordination for all lab and field parasite and environmental sample collection activities.
- Closely coordinate with Data Management, Data Collection, Logistics and Procurement personnel.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have-
- Bachelors or Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as Laboratory, biology, environmental health, public Health, or other related field.
- Laboratory experience, preferably in the context of a field lab in a low-income country.
- Experience with culture based bacterial assays a plus.
- Experience processing blood and stool samples a plus.
- Experience with soil transmitted helminthes or Kato Katz analysis a plus.
- Experience with qPCR and/or running ELISA assays a plus.
- Experience with Open Data Kit, Survey CTO, CS Pro and STATA a plus.
- Experience shipping and tracking samples.
- Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills.
- Excellent management, organizational, critical thinking and interpersonal skills.
- Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and team player.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and complete fluency in English is required. Kiswahili proficiency is preferred.
- Experience working in a low-income country (particularly sub-Saharan Africa).
- Familiarity with randomized controlled trials.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit their applications with statement of purpose (cover letter), CV and reference through online process.
For more information, please visit IPA.
