Summary: Research Associate I - Molecular Biology (IITA), Nairobi, Kenya

Job Details

  • Company: International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
  • Location: Kenya

Job Description

Research Associate I - Molecular Biology (IITA), Nairobi, Kenya

Organization

International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)

Country

Kenya

City

Nairobi

Office

ILRI Nairobi

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to

recruit a Research Associate on behalf of International Institute

of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to support construct development and

molecular characterization of gene-edited and RNA interference

(RNAi) transgenic plants, including date palm and sugarcane.

ILRI is an international organisation working for better lives

and better planet through livestock. ILRI's mission emphasises the

interconnections between people, animals, and the environment

aiming to improve the lives of more than 300 million people in low

and middle-income countries through livestock science that supports

equitable and resilient livestock systems, ultimately contributing

to food systems transformation with climate and environmental

benefits. This mission is delivered through two core strategic

objectives: co-designing and deploying sustainable, science-based

livestock solutions, and leveraging science to inform and influence

policy and investment decisions.

ILRI is a member of CGIAR, a global research alliance that works

to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and

is the only CGIAR center dedicated to addressing multiple

development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions.

ILRI hosts the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture

(IITA) in Nairobi. IITA ( www.iita.org) with its headquarters in

Ibadan, Nigeria, works with partners throughout Africa and beyond

to reduce producer and consumer risks, enhance crop quality and

productivity, and generate wealth from agriculture.

About the position

The position focuses on construct development and performing

genomic DNA extractions, PCR, Southern blotting, qRT-PCR

sequencing, mutation detection, and maintaining bacterial cultures.

The successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary

team of scientists and contribute to ongoing research in plant

genome editing and trait enhancement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop genome editing and RNAi constructs.
  • Perform genomic DNA extraction from various transgenic and gene

edited events of date palm, sugarcane or any other crops for

molecular analysis.

  • Conduct PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and qRT-PCR

(quantitative Real-Time PCR) to assess gene expression and mutation

verification.

  • Perform mutation detection assays, including T7 endonuclease

and band-shift analysis.

  • Carry out Southern blot analysis for gene copy number

determination and transgene integration.

  • Sequence analysis for detection and validation of gene edits

using techniques such as Sanger or next-generation sequencing.

  • Maintain and propagate bacterial cultures for plasmid DNA

preparations.

  • Contribute to the maintenance of gene-edited plant lines in the

lab and greenhouse.

  • Ensure accurate data collection, analysis, and record-keeping

for experimental results.

  • Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and manuscripts

related to the research findings.

  • Collaborate with other team members and provide technical

support in molecular techniques.

  • Perform any other duty assigned

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree or diploma in molecular biology

Biotechnology, Genetics, or a related field.

  • Relevant professional certification.

Two years relevant experience with degree or four years'

relevant experience with diploma. Experience with

in

silico

gene cloning tools such as Benchling and SnapGene

  • Hands-on experience with molecular techniques such as DNA

extraction, PCR, qRT-PCR, and sequencing.

  • Familiarity with Southern blotting and mutation detection

assays is a plus.

  • Ability to maintain detailed lab records and follow protocols

with precision.

  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for working in

a collaborative research environment.

Terms of Appointment

This position is at job level

HG10

and is open

to Kenyan Nationals only. The appointment is on

(1 year, 9

months)

One year nine-month contract

renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of

funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package

which includes pension, medical and other insurances.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit

A

CV

and

a cover letter

outlining their interest in the position and the value the will

bring to the role, addressed to the Head of People and

Culture.

The names and contact details (telephone and email) of

three referees

who are familiar with the

applicant's professional qualifications and work experience.

Applications should be submitted through the

ILRI

Recruitment Portal

by clicking on

""

on

or before

2nd October 2026

. The position title and

reference number

REF: RA-MB/IITA-09/2026

in the

subject line of the cover letter.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI.

Due to the volume of applications

only shortlisted

candidates

will be contacted.

Tags

biotechnology

genetic resources

life sciences

molecular biology

research and development

Skills

Genome Editing

Data Analysis

Communication skills

Time Management

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