Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will work closely with senior project management and staff to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:
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
Keep senior management (managers, directors and PIs) appraised of all key developments related to parasitology and environmental sampling and analysis activities, including provision of written reports
Supervise laboratory technicians and field staff involved in parasitology 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, aliquoting, 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 helminth infections, aliquoting of stool)
Liaise with collaborators at the Kenya Medical Research Institute in analyzing project stool samples by ELISA and qPCR to detect soil transmitted helminth infections and protozoan infections, and analysis of blood spots by Luminex 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
Desired Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as parasitology, 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
We are looking for a commitment period of 1 year for this position with the possibility to extend.
To Apply: Please send a cover letter and detailed CV including daytime phone number, email address, and 3 professional references.
Your CV should include your scores or grades and other measures of academic achievement, and details about any relevant work experience.
Applications must be submitted by email to jobs-kenya@poverty-action.org, please ensure that the subject line reads: “SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE-PARASITOLOGY REF NO: REF NO: WASH B-2015-02-03.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email for an interview.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.