Research Associate (Laboratory) Job in Western Kenya

WASH Benefits ProjectPosition: Research Associate - Laboratory
Deadline to Apply: 27th March 2015
Start Date: Flexible, June 2015 at the latest
Location: Western Kenya
Eligibility: This position is open to all applicants
About Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA): Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to discovering and promoting effective solutions to global poverty problems.
In close partnership with decision makers - the policymakers, practitioners, investors, and donors working with the poor around the world - we design and evaluate potential solutions to poverty problems using randomized evaluations, the most rigorous evaluation method available.
We also mobilize and support these decision makers to use these solutions to build better programs and policies at scale.
The Research Associate-Laboratory, under the general supervision of the Senior Research Associate - Parasitology and within the limits of Innovations for Poverty Action-Kenya policies and procedures coordinates the facilitation of Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) Benefits activities and functions within IPAK.
Below is a list of some of the general duties and responsibilities of the Research Associate, to be carried out as needed according to the determination of the SRA - Parasitology in close coordination with the Implementation and Research Managers.
Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) seeks a qualified applicant for the position of Laboratory Research Associate for the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Benefits Project.
Currently in the midst of a five-year study, WASH Benefits is collecting rigorous evidence on the health impacts of improved water, sanitation and hygiene practices, alongside improved nutrition in rural Kenya.
Low-cost technologies and behavior change communications strategies are being implemented to promote drinking water treatment, good sanitation practices, handwashing with soap and improved nutrition.
One of the objectives of the WASH Benefits project is to assess the impact of these interventions on child parasite infections.
A second objective is to evaluate how improved water, sanitation, and hygiene affects child exposure to fecal contamination in the household environment.
This position is located in Kakamega or Bungoma and is supervised by the Senior Research Associate – Parasitology.
Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will work closely with senior project management and staff to perform a variety of tasks including, but not limited to:

Develop and supervise implementation of sample collection and processing systems described below to ensure of the highest quality data, including; development/modification of lab standard operating procedures (SOP), process documentation, tracking systems, and monitoring of staff performance

Supervise laboratory technicians and field staff involved in Laboratory and environmental sampling activities, including holding regular meetings and coordinating trainings

Oversee sample collection, processing, and microbial analysis of samples from drinking water sources, household stored water, child hands, and child toys for quantitative enumeration of fecal indicator bacteria using membrane filtration.

Oversee sample collection, processing, aliquoting, and sample flow of child stool and blood samples to measure biomarkers of parasite infections among young children (e.g. microscopy of stool for soil-transmitted helminth infections, aliquoting of stool)

Liaise with collaborators at the Kenya Medical Research Institute in analyzing project stool samples by ELISA and qPCR to detect soil transmitted helminth infections and protozoan infections, and analysis of blood spots by Luminex for other enteric pathogen infections.

Coordinate and oversee logistical planning for sample collection, processing, flow, and data entry by tracking enrollment, specimen collection, and follow-up targets; working with supervisors to determine when corrective action is needed in order to ensure that activities are consistent with approved SOPs and project objectives

Lead the design and participate in the coding of survey instruments to be used during field sample collection

Assist with data management, data cleaning, and analysis of all lab and field sample collection data

Provide projections, and basic oversight of financial accounting related to lab activities.

Participate HR oversight process and provide recommendations to senior management on all aspects of HR for parasite and environmental sampling components of the study

Overall responsibility for inventory and procurement coordination for all lab and field parasite and environmental sample collection activities

Closely coordinate with Data Management, Data Collection, Logistics and Procurement personnelDesired Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor's or Master’s Degree in a relevant field such as Laboratory, biology, environmental health, public Health, or other related field

Laboratory experience, preferably in the context of a field lab in a low-income country

Experience with culture based bacterial assays a plus

Experience processing blood and stool samples a plus

Experience with soil transmitted helminthes or Kato Katz analysis a plus

Experience with qPCR and/or running ELISA assays a plus

Experience with Open Data Kit, Survey CTO, CS Pro and STATA a plus

Experience shipping and tracking samples

Excellent management and organizational skills along with strong quantitative skills

Excellent management, organizational, critical thinking and interpersonal skills

Flexible, self-motivating, able to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and team player

Strong written and oral communication skills and complete fluency in English is required. Kiswahili proficiency is preferred.

Experience working in a low-income country (particularly sub-Saharan Africa)

Familiarity with randomized controlled trialsWe are looking for a commitment period of 1 year for this position with the possibility to extend.
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter and detailed CV including daytime phone number, email address, and 3 professional references.
Your CV should include your scores or grades and other measures of academic achievement, and details about any relevant work experience.
Applications must be submitted by email to jobs-kenya@poverty-action.org, please ensure that the subject line reads: “RESEARCH ASSOCIATE-LABORATORY REF NO: REF NO: WASH B-2015-02-01.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email for an interview.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Closing Date: 31st April 2015