Research Assistant II NGO Job ICIPE

NGO Jobs, ICIPE Jobs.

icipe seeks to recruit a Research Assistant II under the Behavioural and Chemical Ecology Unit. The position is tenable in Nairobi at the icipe Duduville campus. This is a two-year contract, renewable subject to continued position needs, funding for the position, and performance of the staff member. This is a nationally recruited position. A competitive compensation package will be offered to the right candidate. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Overall Purpose of the Job

The Research Assistant will provide technical and analytical support for research investigating the effects of temperature on mosquito biological parameters and metabolite profiles within the Behavioural and Chemical Ecology Unit (BCEU). Key responsibilities include rearing and maintaining mosquito colonies under controlled thermal regimes, conducting life history and metabolomics experiments, and preparing samples for downstream analyses. The assistant will ensure accurate data collection, processing, and organisation of biological and metabolomic datasets, while maintaining laboratory equipment and temperature-controlled facilities. This role is central to generating high-quality data on temperature-driven changes in mosquito physiology and metabolism and will directly contribute to achieving the project’s research objectives.

Specific duties

The successful candidate is expected to:

• Rear and maintain mosquito colonies under controlled temperature regimes by preparing larval and adult diets and by monitoring development, survival, fecundity and environmental parameters.
• Prepare materials and reagents, set up temperature-based life history assays, calibrate incubators and environmental chambers, and conduct experiments for biological trait and metabolite sampling.
• Record developmental time, mortality and reproductive output accurately, perform data entry with routine quality checks, and prepare biological and metabolomic datasets for downstream analysis.
• Prepare, label, store and track mosquito and metabolite samples, clean and sterilise laboratory equipment and workspaces, and report equipment faults or maintenance needs.
• Follow laboratory safety and ethical guidelines for insect rearing and sample handling, maintain compliance and experiment records, and participate in safety training and inspections.
• Work closely with the Principal Investigator during temperature experiments, provide logistical support for laboratory activities, and support the smooth daily operation of the research unit.

Requirements/ qualifications

• Diploma in Biological Sciences or a related field from a recognized university.
• At least 6 months of practical experience in a biological or laboratory setting.
• Practical experience in rearing and handling mosquitoes or other insects under laboratory conditions.
• Knowledge of insect life history measurements, including development time, survival, and fecundity.
• Basic understanding of temperature-controlled experiments and environmental chamber operation.
• Experience in biological sample handling, storage, and preparation for metabolite analysis.
• Ability to record experimental data accurately, manage spreadsheets, and perform basic data quality checks.

Reporting

This position reports to the Research Scientist.

How to Apply

Click here to apply