Early Post Doctoral Researcher (Virutubisho Trial)

To provide expertise and oversight in multiple micronutrient research within the maternal and child nutrition research group at KWTRP Kilifi/Coast. We are looking for an experienced laboratory researcher with working knowledge of micronutrient analysis to guide the micronutrient body of work within the VIRUTUBISHO Trial. The VIRUTUBISHO trial is a community based clinical trial of multiple micronutrient supplementation to women of reproductive age (non-pregnant & pregnant) in Kilifi county. The post holder needs to be experienced in managing laboratory-based research projects in an international setting and be highly self-sufficient to manage complex clinical trial research work. The post is mentally demanding, involving attention to detail and timescales, and strong engagement with stakeholders.

Reports to:

• Principal Investigator of the Viturubisho Trial

Budget Responsibility:

• Budget planning, oversight, monitoring and reporting responsibilities**.**

Key Responsibilities:

• To oversee the laboratory objectives of the VIRUTUBISHO trial including liaising with the scientific leadership, data management and trial monitoring to ensure effective implementation of the laboratory aspects of the study.
• To oversee collection of samples and associated data according to the study protocol including haematology, biochemistry, micronutrients, inflammation, microbiome, metabolomics, proteomics, and nutrigenetics studies among others.
• To identify biomarkers and assays to quantify micronutrients and other markers or biological profiles of interest related to micronutrient status in biological samples
• To support harmonization of laboratory procedures for VIRUTUBISHO trial with MINDR trial (Bangladesh).
• To work with internal and external labs conducting analysis of samples from the VIRUTUBISHO trial
• To conduct pharmacokinetics analysis by developing population pharmacokinetic models that will be fitted to data arising from each micronutrient using nonlinear mixed effects modelling
• To develop and maintain a high-level communication with international micronutrient experts and review literature on micronutrients and supplementation among women of reproductive age including identifying reference ranges
• To provide scientific mentorship for students within the VIRUTUBISHO trial.
• To participate in manuscript preparation, grant development, among other scientific roles

Qualifications:

• PhD degree in laboratory sciences or Computational Biology/Bioinformatics or related field.
• Upto 4 years post doctoral experience in research laboratory.
• Prior experience in large data processing and analysis and/or experience in statistics / machine learning is required
• A track record of previous publications in bioinformatics analysis of large-scale biological data (e.g. omics, clinical data)
• Significant skills in leadership, organization, prioritisation, problem solving and decision making
• Ability to network, communicate, resolving disputes and maintain good working relationships within a multi-cultural environment.