1,910 Research Fellow jobs in Kenya

• Design, execute, and manage complex research projects in areas such as genetic engineering, molecular biology, or bioprocessing.
• Conduct in-depth literature reviews to identify research gaps and opportunities.
• Develop and validate novel experimental protocols and methodologies.
• Analyze and interpret experimental data using advanced statistical techniques and bioinformatics tools.
• Prepare high-quality scientific manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at national and international conferences.
• Secure external funding through grant writing and proposal development.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including chemists, engineers, and clinicians, to advance research goals.
• Mentor and supervise postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and research assistants.
• Ensure compliance with all laboratory safety regulations and ethical guidelines.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the research department.

• Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of post-doctoral research experience in an academic or industrial research setting.
• A strong publication record in reputable scientific journals.
• Proven experience in securing research grants and managing research budgets.
• Expertise in a specific area of biotechnology, such as CRISPR technology, synthetic biology, protein engineering, or stem cell research.
• Proficiency in a range of laboratory techniques, including PCR, DNA sequencing, western blotting, cell culture, and microscopy.
• Experience with data analysis software and bioinformatics tools.
• Excellent leadership, project management, and mentorship skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts clearly.
• A demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Design and execute computational and experimental studies in genomics.
• Analyze large-scale genomic and transcriptomic data using state-of-the-art bioinformatics tools and pipelines.
• Develop and implement novel computational methods for genetic variation detection, functional annotation, and pathway analysis.
• Interpret research findings and contribute to manuscript preparation for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with principal investigators and other researchers on project planning and execution.
• Present research progress and findings at virtual lab meetings and scientific conferences.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments, data, and analyses.
• Mentor junior researchers and students as needed.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and related fields.
• Ensure data integrity, reproducibility, and adherence to ethical research standards.
• Manage research projects and timelines effectively in a remote environment.
• Contribute to grant writing and funding applications.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges in data analysis and experimental design.

• Ph.D. in Genomics, Bioinformatics, Computational Biology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, or a closely related field from a reputable institution.
• Proven track record of research excellence, evidenced by peer-reviewed publications.
• Extensive experience with high-throughput sequencing data analysis (e.g., WGS, WES, RNA-Seq).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in bioinformatics (e.g., Python, R, Perl).
• Familiarity with bioinformatics software packages and databases (e.g., GATK, Ensembl, UCSC Genome Browser).
• Strong understanding of statistical principles and their application in biological data analysis.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly articulate complex scientific concepts.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage priorities, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git) is desirable.
• Must be self-motivated and possess a strong work ethic.

Background:
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) invites applications for the internationally recruited position of
Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Biotechnological Innovations for Red Palm Weevil Control.
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa's most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food-secure future. Please visit for more information on IITA.

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), as part of the
Consortium for Red Palm Weevil Control (C4RPWC)
- a global, multi-institutional program led by ICARDA- is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to innovative, science-driven solutions against the Red Palm Weevil (RPW). RPW
(Rhynchophorus ferrugineus)
, one of the most destructive invasive pests worldwide, poses a grave threat to date, coconut, and oil palm cultivation. Since the 1980s, it has caused catastrophic economic losses, degraded ecosystems, and undermined the livelihoods of farming communities across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. With its rapidspread into Sub-Saharan Africa and its adaptability to multiple palm species, RPW jeopardizes food security, biodiversity, and industries valued at over $20-30 billion globally.

This postdoctoral position offers an opportunity to advance cutting-edge biotechnological innovations, such as RNA interference (RNAi) and gene editing, that will contribute to scalable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solutions to protect palms, rural livelihoods, and ecosystems.

Position Responsibilities
The
Post-Doctoral Fellow
will be responsible for developing and executing biotechnological strategies, including RNAi and gene editing for controlling RPW, working closely with internal research teams, external partners, and stakeholders within the C4RPWC program. The successful candidate will report to the Lead of the Biotechnology Program at IITA. The tasks will include:

• Design, conduct, and optimize laboratory and field experiments on RNA interference (RNAi)-based pest control strategies, including both direct applications (e.g., dsRNA nanoparticles, injections) and plant-expressed dsRNA systems
• Develop a transformation and gene editing system for date palm, African palm, and sugarcane
• Generate gene-edited events with enhanced resistance against RPW infestations
• Develop and validate molecular and genomic tools for monitoring efficacy, insect resistance, and environmental safety
• Collect, analyse, and interpret molecular, genetic, and ecological data related to RPW control interventions
• Conduct bioinformatic analyses of RPW genomes, transcriptomes, and gene targets relevant to RNAi and gene editing
• Collaborate with international, multi-disciplinary teams across C4RPWC partner institutions
• Provide technical guidance and training to graduate students, technicians, and national program partners in molecular entomology and biotechnology
• Contribute to building local capacity for biotechnology-based pest management in partner countries
• Support the coordination and monitoring of IITA's contributions to the RPW control program
• Prepare high-quality research outputs, including peer-reviewed publications and technical briefs
• Prepare progress reports, presentations, and knowledge-sharing materials for donors, partners, and stakeholders
• Engage in outreach and science communication to demonstrate program impact on livelihoods, ecosystems, and sustainable pest management
• Explore novel delivery platforms for biotechnological control agents with emphasis on scalability and field applicability
• Coordinate the regulatory compliance and stewardship for the project
• Support the development of grant proposals to secure funding for further research in gene editing and manage research projects effectively
• Actively participate in monthly meetings, annual reviews, and planning meetings and contribute to strategic research planning
• Host visitors, donors, and collaborators, providing lab tours and discussing the project's progress
• Adhere to institutional policies and perform additional tasks as required

Requirements
Educational Qualifications
The candidate should have a Ph.D. in Plant Biotechnology, Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related field with a focus on gene editing technologies. Experience in plant molecular biology, plant engineering, or plant biotechnology, with demonstrated experience in gene editing and RNAi.

Core Competencies

• Research Excellence:
• Deep understanding of RNAi and gene editing and their application in crop improvement
• Proficiency in molecular techniques, including vector design, cloning, PCR, and sequencing
• Strong experience in plant tissue culture and genetic transformation
• Excellent data analysis and bioinformatics skills
• Innovation: Ability to develop novel approaches to genetic engineering and problem-solving
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and external partners
• Communication: Skilled in disseminating research outcomes to scientific audiences
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage the project
• Writing Skills: Proven track record of publication in peer-reviewed journals

Benefits
General information:
The contract will be for an initial period of two years. IITA offers an internationally competitive remuneration package paid in US Dollars.

Applications:
Applications must include a cover letter which should address how the candidate's background/experience relates to the specific duties of the position applied for, curriculum vitae, and names and addresses of three professional referees (which must include either the Head of the applicant's current or previous organization or applicant's direct Supervisor/Superior at his/her present or former place of work). The application should be addressed to the Director, People and Culture. Please complete our online application form using this link:

Closing Date:
10th October 2025

IITA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse workforce, particularly welcoming applications from women.
While all applications will be acknowledged, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
.

• Design, conduct, and optimize experiments in biotechnology, molecular biology, or related fields.
• Develop and validate new experimental protocols and methodologies.
• Analyze and interpret complex biological data using bioinformatics tools and statistical methods.
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory notebooks and research records.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Present research findings at internal meetings and external scientific conferences.
• Collaborate with other researchers and scientists within the organization and externally.
• Stay updated with the latest scientific literature, trends, and technologies in biotechnology.
• Manage and maintain research equipment and ensure proper laboratory safety procedures are followed.
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and research funding applications.
• Contribute to the development of intellectual property, including patents.
• Troubleshoot experimental challenges and propose innovative solutions.
• Perform literature reviews and synthesize information to support research direction.
• Train and mentor junior researchers or technicians if required.
• Ensure all research activities adhere to ethical guidelines and regulatory standards.

• Ph.D. in Biotechnology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
• Proven track record of research accomplishments, evidenced by publications in reputable scientific journals.
• Extensive hands-on experience with relevant laboratory techniques (e.g., PCR, Western blotting, cell culture, gene editing).
• Proficiency in data analysis software and bioinformatics tools.
• Strong understanding of experimental design and statistical analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts clearly.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet research deadlines in a remote setting.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• A passion for scientific inquiry and a commitment to advancing biotechnology.
• Experience with grant writing is a plus.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a virtual team environment.