Ref No. NRS/108/042015

icipe – African Insect Science for Food and Health is a world-class research centre with a mission to alleviate poverty by ensuring food security, improving health, protecting the environment and building the capacity of researchers and communities across the developing world through the application of insect sciences.

Employing more than 450 national and international staff, icipe is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya with outposts in Ethiopia and on the shores of Lake Victoria in western Kenya.

icipe has a proud reputation and history of delivering world-quality science that has made crucial contributions to African food and health policy, delivered development outcomes to rural communities and has been at the forefront of building Africa’s biological research capacity.

The Centre’s research activities span the African continent with partnerships linking research organisations not only across Africa but also the globe.

icipe wishes to recruit two suitable persons to fill the position of Technician – Tsetse Repellents in the EU-Funded Integrated Biological Control Applied Research Programme (IBCARP), Animal Health Division.

The position is tenable at the Kenya coast in the icipe Muhaka Field Site and is available to commence immediately.

This is a two-year contract, with a possibility of extension after successfully completing a six-month probation period of the first contract.

Overall purpose of the job: The overall purpose of the job is to assist the scientists in the optimisation of tsetse repellents for upscaling and rollout to infested countries.

Responsibilities:
The successful candidates will be expected to:
Assist in conducting field and laboratory experiments as prescribed by scientist(s) within icipe scientific procedures and guidelines, collecting and recording data for scientific research;
Drive scientist(s) and other staff to the field;
Assist with handling experimental animals and taking blood samples for examination;
Must maintain excellent contact/rapport with farming communities involved in R&D work and assist in their training;
Assist with tsetse trapping and entering of data in data sheets and into the computer for analysis;
Analyse data and generate reports both for internal and external use;
Make sure that experimental equipment and motor vehicles are well maintained;
Generate laboratory/field data and maintain a database of all results;
Monitor and facilitate procurement of lab supplies, and equipment inventory;
Ensure cost effective use of resources;
Assist in keeping the laboratories and stores in a clean state;
Train interns and students on attachment;
Undertake any other duties assigned by the supervisor.
Knowledge and skills required for performing the job
Experience in handling animals and working with tsetse will be preferred.
Must have a valid driving licence and proven accident free driving.
Must be computer literate.

Requirements / Qualifications
BSc/HND or certificate in animal health.
Candidates with ‘O’ levels certificate with at least three years of working experience in a busy research laboratory with extensive field work related to vector biology and control may be considered.
Other Desirable Attributes
Works independently with minimal supervision.
Maintains frequent contact with scientists and other technical staff for exchange of information.
A team player with ability to maintain harmonious working relationship in a multi-racial environment.
Reporting: This position reports to the Principal Investigator.

The selected candidate should be available to start as soon as possible.

How to Apply
All applications must arrive via email on or before 22nd April 2015.

Please quote the job reference number NRS/108/042015 on the email subject line.

Interested applicants should submit:
(a) a confidential cover letter,
(b) detailed CV with names and addresses of 3 referees (including e-mail addresses, fax numbers) and a complete publications list, and

(c) a statement of research experience, interests and career goals, to:
tsetsetechnician@icipe.org

A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate.

Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.

icipe is an Equal Opportunity Employer