Duties and 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); and
• Any other duty that may be assigned to you from time to time, 

For appointment to this grade, a person must have:- 

• 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 (5) 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;
• Supervisory course lasting not less than two (2) weeks from a recognized institution;
• Project Management Course lasting not less than one (1) month from a recognized institution;
• Demonstrated professional competence as reflected in completed research and results;
• 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.