Jobs & Fellowships

Postdoctoral Researcher in Vaccinology

October 24, 2017
Reference Number:  PDR-10-2017
Category:  Research, Science and Biotechnology
Grade:  9.0
Location:  Kilifi
Country:  Kenya
JOB PURPOSE:
The aim of this post will be to develop novel vaccine design and development platforms for use against human and animal disease indications. The post holder will design and construct novel vaccines and evaluate these in appropriate model systems in the UK and Kenya. The project will also involve comparative studies on variations in immune responses, both type of cells and responses, between livestock in the UK and in East Africa countries. This will be achieved by identifying new reagents to characterise immune function in a range of different breeds of animals. Specifically, immune cell subsets. These studies will support more ambitious future plans to develop correlates of protection induced by existing and novel vaccines in livestock.

REPORTS TO:
Principal Investigator

JOB DIMENSIONS:

The Post holder will be based at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kilifi, with frequent travel to collaborating institutes in the UK (Pirbright Institute and Jenner Institute)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design, formulate and evaluate vaccines
  • Perform immunological assessments from vaccine studies
  • Work with partner organizations and collaborators (including the Pirbright Institute and Jenner Institute) to transfer technology and data when required.
  • Mentor and supervise junior academic staff and technical staff as appropriate
  • Presenting data and plans at meetings
  • And any other duties that may be assigned from time to time

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • A PhD in a biological subject relating to laboratory bioscience.
  • A BSc with 2:1 or above in biological subject.
  • Experience in veterinary immunology
  • Experience in molecular biology (e.g. cloning)
  • Documented interest and track record in vaccine research

DESIRABLE:

  • Familiarity with next generation sequencing methods (e.g. Illumina) sample processing and sequence data analysis

COMPETENCIES:

  • Analytical skills, ability to think of new ideas/ outside the box and a well-developed capacity for follow through
  • Attentive to detail with the ability to take and follow instructions and to work with minimal supervision
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to work in team and in a multi-cultural environment
  • Aptitude for supervising junior staff and supporting capacity building initiatives

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

  • Based at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kenya, with frequent travel to The Pirbright Institute and Jenner Institute in the UK.
  • Be available to work out of hours if necessary.
  • Exposure to materials considered infectious and/or biohazards.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

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*Please note that this position is open to East African Nationals only

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