Summary

Announcement Number: Nairobi-2023-001

Position Title: Public Health Specialist (Laboratory Advisor) - MRU

Opening Period: 02/16/2023 – 03/03/2023

The U.S. Mission in Nairobi is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Public Health Specialist (Laboratory Advisor) MRU.

Description

Duties:

• Conducts, manages, and guides multi-disciplinary scientific research activities that support medical disease research; disease surveillance; and regulated clinical trials for vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic platforms. 
• Advises on and attracts intra-governmental and extramural funds to support research activities that require writing competitive grants and partnering with corporate and non-profit entities.
• Oversees and advises on research laboratory operations for projects sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense / Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) / USAMRD-A.
• Serves as a liaison for U.S. government personnel and host nation partners, contractors, and government representatives.

Education

MD, DVM, and/or PhD (or equivalent) in a medically related science is required

LANGUAGE:

• Level IV (Fluent) Speaking/Reading/Writing of English is required. (This may be tested)
• Level III (Good working knowledge) Speaking/Reading/Writing of Swahili is required.

 

More Details on Experience

• At least 5 years of programmatic leadership in a medical research-oriented laboratory with cutting edge activities in molecular biology, immunology, parasitology, or similarly related field.  Work will be compliant with all Kenyan laws related to research, Department of Defense Medical Research Regulations, and standard operating procedures or policies prescribed by the agency.
• Incumbent will have full independence to plan/adjust daily workload as he/she determines suitable for executions of tasks mandated. Can change existing practices only in consultation with the Director.
• Cannot make commitments on behalf of the organization unless approved by, or in coordination with, the Director, responsible Contracting Officer, or responsible Grants Officer related to the commitment.
• Liaise with external organizations and international scientists for purposes of research collaborations.  All contact must be made known to the Director

Job Knowledge:

• Must have served as a primary investigator on at least 5 major projects related to previously mentioned disciplines.
• Must be able to demonstrate proven ability to attract funding from government, non-profit, and corporate medical research and development entities. 
• Must be able show experience in guiding graduate students and postdoctoral trainees.

More Details on Skills

• Must have Knowledge of how to use laboratory instruments (e.g., conventional, and real time PCR, immunoassays, flow cytometry, use of fluorescent microscope, etc.). 
• Must be able to aggregate and analyze laboratory data to include basic statistical analyses appropriate to the collected data.
• Must be able to prioritize and manage activities from start to completion, regardless of time.
• Must be able to manage funds related to laboratory activities and medical research. 
• Must be able to function as a team leader, coordinating multiple projects as well as provide detailed insight into activities and job assignments.

Terms And Conditions

All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.  

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. 

Interested candidates must submit their application to the following for consideration: https://erajobs.state.gov/dos-ra/ken/vacancysearch/searchVacancies.hms

Applications to be submitted by 3rd March 2023.