Overall Purpose of the Job
Handling the following research activities:
- Virus isolation, Arboviruses Surveillance.
- Molecular identification of DNA pathogens from ticks.
- ISFVs colony maintenance in the insectary.
- Conduct ISFV superinfection experiments.
Specific Duties
- Cell culture maintenance and virus isolation in C6/36 (from Aedes albopictus), Sua 5b (from
- Anopheles gambiae) and Vero cells from monkey kidney.
Tissue culture both in vivo and in vitro
- Superinfection (re-infecting mosquitoes that are already infected with ISFVs)
- Micro-injection (genetics to deliver genetic material, such as DNA or RNA, into cells or organisms)
- Mosquito rearing in the insectary.
- RNA and DNA extraction from target samples (Ticks and Mosquitoes) and quantification by
- nanodrop.
- Mosquito and tick sample collection from the field sites – Identification of target arthropods
- (mosquito)
Molecular Screening by PCR
- Introduction of already cultured Anopheles flavivirus and Wesselsbron virus into Microsporidia
- MB-positive and -negative Sua S1 cell lines individually in different flasks.
- Support tick-borne pathogen screening and potentially culture
Fieldwork:
- Support Fieldwork and PREPARE4VBD activities as requested.
Requirements/Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Microbiology or a relevant area.
- At least 2 years of work experience in a research laboratory.
- Laboratory safety courses.
- Experience in mosquito homogenization and virus isolation.
- Experience in molecular testing of viruses.
- Experience in molecular detection of pathogens through PCR.
- Experience in Microsporidia isolation through cell culture.
- Experience working with the team to meet project objectives.
Other Desirable Attributes
- Support and lead manuscript preparation as appropriate.
- Maintain oversight on necessary project supplies.
- Ability to make decisions within the area of work. Consults the supervisor.
Reporting
- This position reports to the Head of the Molecular Biology and Biosystematics Unit
Method of Application
Applications will be accepted up to 18th July 2023.Interested applicants should submit: (a) a confidential cover letter; (b) detailed CV with names and addresses of 3 referees, including e-mail addresses; and (c) a statement illustrating suitability against the listed qualifications/competencies/abilities, and skills.
Candidates are required to apply online through: http://recruit.icipe.org or by Email: [email protected]
