The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research Associate II - Stem cell biology, organoids, and biobanking to establish and maintain iPSC and organoid platforms for indigenous chicken and fish genetic resources.
ILRI is an international organisation working for better lives and better planet through livestock. ILRI’s mission emphasises the interconnections between people, animals, and the environment, aiming to improve the lives of more than 300 million people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that supports equitable and resilient livestock systems, ultimately contributing to food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. This mission is delivered through two core strategic objectives: co-designing and deploying sustainable, science-based livestock solutions, and leveraging science to inform and influence policy and investment decisions.
ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and is the only CGIAR centre dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide logistical support for field activities, including sampling and processing
- Support laboratory operations and the establishment of primary cell line cultures
- Maintain and monitor stem cell cultures and biobanked cell lines to ensure quality and viability
- Perform organoid differentiation in line with established protocols
- Conduct biobanking activities, including cryopreservation and sample storage
- Conduct molecular biology analyses and support cellular characterization processes
- Maintain accurate data records and support data management and Digital Sequence Information (DSI) processes
- Ensure compliance with project documentation requirements, laboratory biosafety standards, and quality assurance protocols
- Support capacity building initiatives and collaborate effectively with WorldFish and NARS project partners
- Support stakeholder engagement activities, including training sessions and outreach initiatives
- Implement and promote adherence to biosafety and ethical research protocols
- Contribution to manuscripts and publications drafting
- Perform any other related duties as may be required
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in molecular biology, biotechnology, animal science, cell biology, genetics, biomedical sciences, veterinary sciences, aquatic biology or related disciplines
- Two years of relevant experience with a degree or four years of relevant experience with a diploma
- Strong laboratory experience in molecular biology and biotechnology workflows
- Experience in sterile tissue culture techniques
- Knowledge of molecular biology methods (PCR, nucleic acid extraction, gel electrophoresis)
- Experience handling biological samples and laboratory equipment
- Ability to maintain detailed laboratory records
- Good understanding of biosafety and laboratory quality systems
- Experience with stem cell culture or organoid systems
- Experience in cryopreservation and biobanking
- Familiarity with livestock or aquatic genetic resources
- Knowledge of genomics or sequencing workflows
- Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS)
- Familiarity with ABS, DSI, or biodiversity governance frameworks
Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya
Terms of Appointment
This position is at job level HG11 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals. The position is on a 1 (one) Year contract. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes pension, medical, and other insurances.
How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Head of People and Culture through our recruitment portal by clicking on "Apply Now" on or before 11 June 2026. The position title and reference number REF: LGNFR/5/2026 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.
We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/