CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a Research Technician-ICRISAT to be based in Nairobi
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources.
About our organization:
ICRISAT is a non-profit, non-political organization that conducts agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa with a wide array of partners throughout the world. Covering 6.5 million square kilometers of land in 55 countries, the semi- arid or dryland tropics has over 2 billion people and 644 million of these are the poorest of the poor. ICRISAT and its partners help empower these disadvantaged populations to overcome poverty, hunger and a degraded environment through better agricultural production systems. ICRISAT is headquartered at Patancheru near Hyderabad, India, with two regional hubs and eight country offices in sub-Saharan Africa. ICRISAT envisions a prosperous, food-secure and resilient dryland tropics. Its mission is to reduce poverty, hunger, malnutrition and environmental degradation in the dryland tropics. ICRISAT conducts research on its mandate crops of chickpea, pigeonpea, groundnut, sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet in the arid and semi-arid tropics. The Institute focuses its work on the drylands and in protecting the environment. Tropical dryland areas are usually seen as resource-poor and perennially beset by shocks such as drought, thereby trapping dryland communities in poverty and hunger and making them dependent on external aid. We invite you to learn more about ICRISAT and World Agroforestry by accessing our web sites www.icrisat.org and http://worldagroforestry.org ICRISAT is looking for a: Research Technician Overview The role involves designing and conducting laboratory and field experiments, analyzing data, and communicating findings through reports and presentations. It includes fieldwork, collaborative research with academic and industry partners, preliminary genetic data analysis, mentoring trainees, contributing to new research ideas, and ensuring effective planning, maintenance, and responsible use of laboratory resources.
Duties and responsibilities
- Devise and conduct laboratory, greenhouse and field experiments
- Process samples, and analyze data
- Communicate results to the responsible scientists through reports and presentations
- Collaborate with industry/academia in developing new techniques, practices or designing new research experiments.
- Present ongoing works and findings to colleagues within ICRISAT as well as in academic conferences.
- Carry out the necessary field component of research projects
- Teach and demonstrate relevant procedures to students and other trainees attached to the laboratory including other members of staff.
- Work in multidisciplinary teams across different local universities and research institutions
- Maintain a lab management information system, seamlessly keeping track of inventory, equipment and standards of operation.
- Ensure proper and responsible utilization of laboratory supplies and equipment by the laboratory team.
Requirements
- A Master’s degree in biological sciences
- At least 1 year of experience in a rigorous molecular biology lab environment
- Experience in design and implementation of “omics” experiments.
- Knowledge of molecular genetics, genotyping and trait discovery
- Knowledge of quantitative genetics.
- Some experience with R or Python programming for biology
- Sound interpersonal and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as in a team setting, preferably having experience working in multi-cultural and interdisciplinary teams
- Experience in an international organization environment will be an added advantage
- Ability to prioritize and organize work efficiently and independently.
Education, knowledge and experience
- A Master’s degree in biological sciences
- At least 1 year of experience in a rigorous molecular biology lab environment
- Experience in design and implementation of “omics” experiments.
- Knowledge of molecular genetics, genotyping and trait discovery
- Knowledge of quantitative genetics.
- Some experience with R or Python programming for biology
- Sound interpersonal and problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as in a team setting, preferably having experience working in multi-cultural and interdisciplinary teams
- Experience in an international organization environment will be an added advantage
- Ability to prioritize and organize work efficiently and independently.
Terms and conditions
- This is a Locally Recruited Staff (LRS) position and a contractual role for a period of 36 months (3 years) with a 9-month probation period, renewable based on the performance funding availability and the institute’s continuing need for the position
- CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.
- The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya ICRAF Offices.
