Research Scientist - Turkana County (Kakuma/Kalobeyei)

Job Title: Molecular and Genomic Research Scientist

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Scientist to lead molecular laboratory workflows and computational analyses in the context of infectious disease surveillance, vector ecology, and climate-health interactions. The successful candidate will integrate genomic, epidemiological, entomological, environmental, and climate datasets to inform public health decisions and support project partners, county governments, and humanitarian stakeholders. This role requires hands-on expertise in molecular biology, high-throughput sequencing, bioinformatics, and reproducible computational pipelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, optimize, and implement molecular laboratory protocols for pathogen, vector, host, and environmental sample processing.
• Coordinate laboratory workflows including nucleic acid extraction, PCR assays, sequencing library preparation, quality assurance, and sample tracking.
• Perform comprehensive bioinformatics analyses of high-throughput sequencing datasets including quality control, genome assembly, alignment, variant detection, phylogenetic analysis, transcriptomics, metagenomics, and population genomics.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain reproducible computational pipelines using Python, Linux shell scripting, and workflow management systems.
• Integrate genomic, epidemiological, entomological, environmental, and climate datasets to investigate disease transmission dynamics and climate-health interactions.
• Perform advanced statistical analyses and develop informative visualizations, dashboards, and scientific figures for reports, publications, and stakeholder engagement.
• Manage research databases and ensure data quality, integrity, reproducibility, and compliance with institutional and national data governance policies.
• Interpret genomic findings and translate complex scientific results into actionable recommendations for project partners, county governments, and humanitarian stakeholders.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, conference presentations, technical reports, and grant applications.
• Provide mentorship and technical training in molecular laboratory methods, bioinformatics, and scientific programming to project staff and students.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful implementation of laboratory and computational research activities.
• Maintain laboratory documentation, bioinformatics workflows, analytical reports, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, biosecurity, ethical guidelines, and the Kenya Data Protection Act (2019).
• Perform any other research-related duties assigned by the Principal Investigator or Project Supervisor.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Genomics, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Computational Biology, or a related biological science. (Mandatory)

Experience

• At least 2–3 years of research experience in molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, or related disciplines. (Mandatory)
• Demonstrated experience in molecular laboratory techniques including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, quantitative PCR, gel electrophoresis, library preparation, and DNA/RNA quality assessment. (Mandatory)
• Hands-on experience working with High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS) platforms such as Illumina, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, PacBio, etc. (Mandatory)

Technical Skills

• Strong bioinformatics skills for processing and analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) datasets, including quality control, genome assembly, read mapping, variant calling, transcriptomics, metagenomics, or phylogenomic analyses. (Mandatory)
• Proficiency in Linux/Unix environments and shell scripting. (Mandatory)
• Strong programming skills in Python for genomic data analysis, workflow automation, and statistical computing. (Mandatory)
• Experience using bioinformatics tools such as BWA, Bowtie2, Minimap2, SAMtools, BCFtools, GATK, BEDTools, FastQC, MultiQC, Kraken2, SPAdes, IQ-TREE, Nextflow, Snakemake, or equivalent tools. (Mandatory)
• Experience in statistical analysis and data visualization using Python (Matplotlib, Plotly, Seaborn), R (ggplot2), or equivalent analytical platforms. (Mandatory)

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent scientific writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proven team player with the ability to collaborate and mentor others.

Additional Information

This position requires adherence to biosafety, biosecurity, ethical guidelines, and compliance with the Kenya Data Protection Act (2019). The role will be based in a research setting with opportunities for fieldwork and stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to data integrity, reproducibility, and the responsible use of genomic and environmental data.