KMFRI Senior Research Scientist Job-Physical Oceanography

Senior Research Scientist Job, Latest Kenyan Job Vacancies, 

Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI), a State Corporation under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives, State Department for Fisheries, Aquaculture and the Blue Economy was established by an Act of parliament (The Science and Technology Act Cap. 250 of the Laws of Kenya of 1979) which has since been repealed by The Science, Technology and Innovation Act No.28 of 2013.

KMFRI’s mandate is to undertake research in “marine and freshwater fisheries, aquaculture, environmental and ecological studies, and marine research including chemical and physical oceanography”, in order to provide scientific data and information for sustainable development of the Blue Economy. The Institute is also mandated to cooperate with other organizations and institutions of higher learning in training programmes and on matters of relevant research.

The Institute has Research Centers and Stations located at Mombasa, Kisumu, Naivasha, Baringo, Kegati, Sangoro, Sagana, Shimoni, Turkana, a research substation at Gazi and the Nairobi liaison office.

KMFRI is seeking to recruit self-motivated professionals who are team players to fill the following vacant positions within her approved staff establishment:

KMF/2. SENIOR RESEARCH SCIENTIST – PHYSICAL OCEANOGRAPHY (KMFRI GRADE 5) – POSITION– ONE (1) 

• Basic Salary Scale: KShs. 116,410 – KShs. 151,334 P.M.
• House Allowance: KShs. 35,000 P.M.
• Commuter Allowance: KShs. 8,000 P.M.
• Annual Leave Allowance: KShs. 10,000 P.A.
• Medical Cover & Other Allowances: As provided by KMFRI
• Terms of Service: Permanent & Pensionable 

The senior research scientist shall be deployed in any of the following research areas: Oceans and Coastal Systems & Blue Economy, Freshwater Systems or Aquaculture. 

Responsibilities

• Prioritizing research problems for implementation;
• Developing research concepts for donor support;
• Guiding research scientists in identification of research areas;
• Reviewing project proposals, scientific publications and grant applications for submission;
• Coordinating medium sized multi-disciplinary research teams;
• Budgeting for research projects and resource management;
• Writing relevant technical reports including refereed journal papers, book chapters, research notes, technical notes, conference papers and posters, dissemination flyers for stakeholder sensitization;
• Disseminating research findings in local and international fora that include seminar, workshops, congress;
• Briefing visitors including County and National government on the institution’s research activities;
• Participating in planning and executing relevant capacity building courses to improve research skills for scientists;
• Implementing relevant ISO standards in their departments;
• Training, supervising and mentoring scientists, technologists, and students;
• Implementing institute’s and national aquatic research policies;
• Identifying innovations and technologies for up-scaling;
• Assist in providing scientific advisory services on behalf of the Institute;
• Responding to calls for proposals for consultancies (e.g. on development projects, status of environment) upon request;
• Developing Policy briefs;
• Organizing monthly internal seminars;
• Participating in conferences, field days, and workshop;
• Participating in joint research (both locally and internationally) through combined development of research proposals and publications; and
• Soliciting for grants to organize scientific workshops (local, regional, international).

Qualifications

• At least six (6) years of relevant experience, three (3) of which must have been as a Research Scientist or a comparable position in the public or private sector;
• Experience in operating oceanographic instruments such as Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP), Conductivity Temperature Depth (CTD) meters, marine robots and towed or self-powered underwater vehicles, hydro-acoustics equipment, current meters etc;
• Experience in the development of regional ocean models is essential. Prior modelling experience with Regional Oceans Modeling System (ROMS) will be an advantage;
• Experience in the analysis of satellite and tide-gauge sea level observations;
• Excellent data analysis and data visualization skills. Good technic al skill in Linux shell scripting/ Python/ MATLAB/ RDI and Nortek software or similar packages is essential;
• Experience in conducting surveys in vessels at sea;
• BSc in Environmental Science, Aquatic Sciences and Physical Sciences;
• Master’s in Physical Sciences/Oceanography from a recognized university OR Masters in Environmental Science with advanced training in Physical Oceanography;
• Published a minimum of five (3) peer reviewed publications in ISI-indexed journals, with at least two (2) first authorship as a Research Scientist, KMFRI Grade 6, or a comparable position;
• Good understanding in sea level and climate change studies, studying the properties of currents, waves, tides and ocean circulation, plus the temperature and salinity of oceans;
• Demonstrated professional competence as reflected in completed research and results;
• Supervisory course lasting not less than two (2) weeks from a recognized institution;
• Proficiency in computer applications; and
• Fulfills the requirements of the Chapter Six of the Constitution.

Key competencies and skills

• Strong communication and reporting skills;
• Strong analytical and numerical skills;
• Strong organization and interpersonal skill;
• Mentoring, coaching and leadership skills;
• Conflict management; and
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize and multi-task.

How to Apply

 Interested and qualified candidates MUST complete the KMFRI Job Application Form, attach their testimonials, certificates, copy of their National Identification Card (ID) and Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Submit their applications both in HARD and SOFT COPY, and envelopes containing the documents should clearly be marked with the position applied for and sent to the address below not later than Tuesday, 10th October 2021.

The Director General,
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute,
P. O. Box 81651 – 80100,
Silos Road, English Point, Mkomani,
Mombasa, KENYA
Email: recruitment@kmfri.go.ke

Note

• Shortlisted candidates in compliance with the Chapter Six of the Constitution will be required to present originals of the following documents during the interviews:
• Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations
• Clearance/Compliance Certificate from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)
• Tax Compliance Certificate from Kenya Revenue Authority
• Clearance from Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)
• Clearance from recognized Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)
•  Only SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES will be contacted and shall be required to produce originals of their National Identity Card, academic and professional certificates and clearance certificates during the interviews.
•  Any canvassing will lead to AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION.

KMFRI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITY, WOMEN, YOUTH AND THOSE FROM MARGINALIZED AREAS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.