The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research associate - III to help DRMU and Mazingira Labs deploy and configure in all Mazingira laboratories a chosen Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), namely SENAITE LIMS. SENAITE is a LIMS based on BIKA LIMS and backed by a PLONE CMS. The backend is written in Python, the frontend is written in JavaScript and HTML/CSS. Building on an existing installation, the job holder will assist with the configuration, customization, and full deployment of the openโsource SENAITE LIMS, including workflow setup, instrument metaโdata, audit trails, user roles, reporting templates, and instrument interfacing. As they perform this task, the job holder will also be expected to carry out some programming, together with some bug reporting and patch generation to the SENAITE LIMS open development team.
ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org
Key Responsibilities:
Deploy SENAITE LIMS to the various labs in Mazingira Centre, ILRI (animal nutrition lab, soil and manure lab, GHG measurement lab, etc). This includes parameterizing the LIMS so that it is able to ingest measurement results directly from the instruments. Set up the various analysis workflows for the same (sample reception, worksheet creation, batch processing, partitions & aliquots, interfaces for instruments and import routines, quality control workflows and report generation and approval). Set up instrument metadata, calibration logs, QC triggers. Create custom calculation scripts as needed using Python. Tailor security policies, defining roles (analyst, verifier, publisher, lab clerk, admin). Deploy audit/tracing setup and logging for changes In so doing, interact proactively with the staff at Mazingira (Daniel Mulat and his team) to better understand the requirements of the lab users and staff. In doing so, interact with the DRMU team and with the ICT team in order to make sure the SENAITE LIMS solution seamlessly integrates with the larger research data ecosystem at ILRI and is readily extensible to other labs at ILRI, both in its Nairobi and Addis Ababa locations. As and when needed, perform some code development in Python, Javascript, HTML and CSS, for the backend and the frontend. Both are already defined and publicly available at https://github.com/senaite/senaite.core and https://github.com/senaite/senaite.lims As and when needed, liaise with the SENAITE LIMS development team, mostly Ramon Bartl from RidingBytes, GmbH, to better understand the architecture of the SENAITE LIMS software, to report bugs and to suggest fixes to be applied onto the abovementioned repositories. Provide training for lab clerks, analysts, managers, and technical staff. Avail technical documentation and knowledge transfer.Requirements
BA/BSc in Computer Science or Computer Information Systems. A minimum of 5 years of experience in a software development or systems administration environment. Proven track record of software development in Python. Proven track record of frontend development with Javascript and CSS Proven track record of CMS deployment and/or development (e.g. Plone, Drupal, Joomla, WordPress, etc) Lab domain familiarity: QC workflows, batch handling, instrumentation A track record of LIMS implementation, preferably with SENAITE, will be a definitive advantage. A previous professional experience with PLONE CMS will be a definitive advantage. A general knowledge of lab analysis workflows will be a definitive advantage. Strong customer service orientation with good communication and interpersonal skills that establishes a good working relationship with customers, with the attitude of wanting to assist people and pass-on knowledge and experience while grasping difficulties perceived by users. Excellent interpersonal skills enabling the consultant to interact efficiently with various teams. Good logical diagnostic skills and ability to exercise good judgement in the resolution of problems Ability to prioritize in dealing with several different issues at a time. Ability to work under high pressure, meet deadlines, monitor and follow-up on pending matters under minimum supervision. Ability to communicate fluently in English, both in writing and verbally.Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya
Terms of Appointment
This position is at job level HG 12 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals. The position is a 4-month temporary contract
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 candidateโs professional qualifications and work experience to the Head of People and Culture through our recruitment portal by clicking on \"Apply Now\" on or before 1 September 2025. The position title and reference number REF: PC/ 1967/2025 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/
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