Research Associate – Molecular Biology

About the role

The International Potato Center (CIP), a not-for-profit international agricultural research organization, is seeking a Research Associate in molecular biology to join its Biotech team in Nairobi, Kenya. The position reports to the Associate Scientist-Molecular Biologist.

Key responsibilities

• Optimize protoplast isolation and regeneration protocols for efficient production of genome-edited potato plants.
• Develop and validate gene constructs.
• Produce transient expression vectors containing CAS9 and gRNA, perform ribonucleoprotein (RNP) transfection and virus-induced genome editing (VIGE) to obtain foreign-DNA-free edited events.
• Molecularly characterize transgenic and genome-edited events by PCR, RT-qPCR, Southern blot, sequencing and bioinformatics.
• Carry out phenotyping by artificially infecting plants with local pathogen strains in the biosafety glasshouse.
• Cope with heavy intermittent workloads that may extend beyond office hours and into weekends, and perform any other duties assigned.

Required profile

• Masters's degree in agricultural biotechnology, biology, biochemistry or plant pathology.
• At least four years' experience in a similar role.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili.
• Strong communication and networking skills, and the ability to work in a multidisciplinary, multi-cultural environment.

Required skills

• Strong skills in molecular biology.
• Excellent knowledge of genome editing, genetic transformation and plant tissue culture, preferably with roots, tubers or banana crops.