Tuesday, September 6, 2011

KEMRI WELLCOME TRUST INTERNS IN KILIFI AND NAIROBI (14)




INTERNS (8 September 2011)
INT014
Assessing whether a Plasmodium falciparum tyrosine kinase-like protein kinase (PfTKL2) expressed
on the surface of infected red blood cells is a target of natural immunity to malaria
City: KILIFI
Supervisor: Abdirahman Abdi & Pete Bull
Background
Development of an effective malaria vaccine remains a global public health priority. Children who grow
up in stable malaria transmission areas acquire antibody-mediated disease protective immunity (Marsh
1992) but the critical targets of this immunity remain unknown. A malaria vaccine that can elicit a response
similar to that acquired after repeated natural infections could save millions of lives especially of children
under 5 years of age. Development of such a vaccine requires identification of the parasite molecules
responsible for inducing these protective responses. The P. falciparum genome encodes approximately
5300 proteins, many of which could be targets of the observed disease protective immune response.
Identification of potential targets of this immunity is closely linked to efforts to develop malaria vaccines.
However, only a small fraction of these potential targets have been evaluated as vaccine candidates
(http://who.int/vaccine_research/links/Rainbow/en/index.html). So far efforts have been directed to two
main class of proteins: (1) surface proteins of the liver (sporozoite) and blood (merozoite) invasive stages
and those secreted during the invasion process, (2) proteins exported to the surface of infected red blood
cell (iRBC). A conserved P. falciparum tyrosine kinase-like kinase, PfTKL2 (PF11_0220) was recently shown
to be exported to the surface of the iRBC (Singh, Mukherjee et al. 2009). We will express recombinant
fragments of PF11_0220 in Escherichia coli and assess whether this protein is a target of natural immunity
and hence a vaccine candidate.
QUESTION TO BE ADDRESSED BY INTERN
Overall objective: To determine whether PfTKL2, an exported P. falciparum protein kinase is a target of
naturally acquired antibodies.
Specific Objectives:
• Clone and express fragments derived from the sequence encoding PfTKL2 as soluble recombinant
proteins in E. coli.
• Assess whether these fragments are targets of naturally acquired antibodies using archived
plasma samples collected from well-established cohorts for immuno-epidemiological studies.
• Determine whether the magnitude of the antibody response against PfTKL2 fragment correlates
with clinical protection against malaria.
SKILLS TO BE ACQUIRED BY INTERN
Molecular and biochemical techniques such cloning and in vitro expression of recombinant proteins, protein
purifications, western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and statistic skills necessary for
the data analysis
TRAINING BACKGROUND OF REQUIRED INTERN
Basic degree in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Zoology
REFERENCES
Marsh, K. (1992). "Malaria--a neglected disease?" Parasitology 104 Suppl: S53-69.
Singh, M., P. Mukherjee, et al. (2009). "Proteome analysis of Plasmodium falciparum extracellular
secretory antigens at asexual blood stages reveals a cohort of proteins with possible roles in immune
modulation and signaling." Mol Cell Proteomics 8(9): 2102-2118.
To apply, please follow the link below:
http://careers.kemri-wellcome.org/frontpage


INT015
Molecular characterization of Adenovirus in Kilifi and the role of the different serotypes in respiratory
illness
City: KILIFI
Supervisor: Clayton Onyango
BACKGROUND
Adenoviruses cause a broad spectrum of clinical disease and are responsible for approximately 7 to 8%
of reported childhood viral respiratory infections worldwide. Other than respiratory tract infections,
adenoviruses are also associated with pharyngoconjuctival fever, conjunctivitis, hemorrhagic cystitis and
gastroenteritis in humans. Most adenoviral infections are self limiting, but some have been associated with
severe and in some cases fatal outcomes in both immunocompromised and healthy individuals. Up to
adenovirus serotypes have been identified and these are classified into 7 species. Serotypes 1-7 have
been associated mainly with respiratory illnesses, while serotypes 40 and 41 have been associated with
gastroenteritis. There is little information on the epidemiology of adenovirus species and serotypes
prevalent in sub Saharan Africa. It is therefore important to identify the different adenoviruses in
nasopharyngeal swabs collected from pneumonia admissions (at Kilifi district hospital) as well as those
collected at the community level (house hold study) with the aim of establishing their role in respiratory
illnesses. Recently, innovative molecular techniques have been modified to rapidly identify the different
serotypes with a better precision than the traditional methods of neutralization assays. By targeting
adenovirus hexon gene, up-to 51 serotypes can be identified and these include those viruses involved in
respiratory illnesses.
QUESTION TO BE ADDRESSED BY INTERN
• What are the dominant adenovirus serotypes in Kilifi?
• What role does a particular serotype play in a subsequent infection of the same host?
Skills to be acquired by intern
• PCR primer design
• RT-PCR of viral substrates
• Gene sequencing and sequence analysis
TRAINING BACKGROUND OF REQUIRED INTERN
BSc Biomedical sciences
Advantages include basic knowledge in:
DNA/RNA extraction techniques,
Polymerase chain reaction and
DNA sequencing
To apply, please follow the link below:
http://careers.kemri-wellcome.org/frontpage

INT016
Developing a Socio-economic Index for Kilifi Health Demographic Surveillance System
City: KILIFI
Supervisor: Evasius Bauni & Jane Chuma
BACKGROUND
Socio-economic status (SES) has long been a predictive variable in studies on population health status and
access to health care services. How to ensure both the poor and the rich benefit from health interventions
remains a major concern in health and development debates. The KEMRI-Welcome Trust has had a Health
Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) for the last 10 years. The KHDSS is an important resource for
researchers within the programme. Quite often many researchers have expressed interest in having a
socioeconomic index that categorises households in the KHDSS into various socio-economic groups. Until
recently (January 2011), complete data on socio-economic variables were not available from the KHDSS.
A socio-economic index will enable researchers to explore the relationship between socio-economic status
and various health outcomes. The overall aim of this project is to develop a socio-economic index that can
clearly distinguish households within the Kilifi HDSS.
QUESTION TO BE ADDRESSED BY INTERN
• The intern will be expected to conduct a scientific literature review on the range of variables used
to measure socio-economic status in developing countries
• Define and model a socio-economic index that clearly distinguishes households within the Kilifi
HDSS
• Compare the performance of the socio-economic index developed with others identified in the
literature, especially those used in Kenya.
SKILLS TO BE ACQUIRED BY INTERN
• Scientific literature review
• Data cleaning and management with support from Norbert Kihuha and George Oando.
• Data analysis
• Writing skills
TRAINING BACKGROUND OF REQUIRED INTERN
A Bachelors Degree in Economics and Statistics, Economics and Mathematics, or Economics
To apply, please follow the link below:
http://careers.kemri-wellcome.org/frontpage

INT018
A comparison of 2 methods used in estimating the mid-point in measuring the Mid Upper Arm
Circumference; Its implication to accuracy
City: KILIFI
Supervisor: Martha Mwangome & James Berkley
BACKGROUND
It is common practice for health workers in a busy rural health clinic to identify and use simplified nonvalidated
procedures in measuring anthropometry among children. These summarized but informal
procedures which are largely borrowed from the long formal procedure, are normally aimed at shortening
the measuring processes and also at omitting steps perceived to be “irrelevant”. Regularly, health workers
measure the weight of a fully/half dressed children contrary to the instructions or measure the length of
children with one leg pressing onto the leg board and not two legs as instructed or using “eyeballing” to
estimate the mid- point of the upper arm in taking MUAC instead of using the tape measure/string as
instructed.
There is currently little information on how these informal procedures affect the accuracy of the outcome
measure and eventually their effect on their interpretation.
QUESTION TO BE ADDRESSED BY INTERN
Are there significant differences in the estimation of MUAC using the formal compared to informal
procedure of estimating the midpoint?
SKILLS TO BE ACQUIRED BY INTERN
Study design, Research methods, statistical analysis and fundamentals in nutritional assessment


TRAINING BACKGROUND OF REQUIRED INTERN
BSc Food, Nutrition and dietetics
BSc Nursing
To apply, please follow the link below:
http://careers.kemri-wellcome.org/frontpage

INT019
Understanding the factors that enhance and constrain the effective delivery and uptake of ANC and
MCH services in Kilifi District
City: KILIFI
Supervisor: Caroline Jones & Bryn Kemp
AIM
To investigate the factors that influence the use of ANC and MCH services by women in Kilifi District and to
understand the challenges and facilitating factors that affect health care provider practices and impact on
the quality of services they provide.
BACKGROUND
Kenya has identified the need to improve birth outcomes as a public health priority. Based on current
estimates, deaths during the first 28 days of life exceed the entire Millennium Develop Goal target for
childhood mortality (MDG4). Whilst prematurity and fetal growth restriction are two of the key
determinants of newborn survival, their relative prevalence in the majority of Kenya and sub-Saharan
Africa remains unknown and data reporting the causes of stillbirth and perinatal death are limited.
However, at least 60% of the 4 million neonatal deaths each year are associated with low birth weight
(LBW). Causes of LBW include intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), preterm delivery and
genetic/chromosomal abnormalities. The contribution of risk factors such as malaria, maternal
undernutrition, HIV and anaemia to abnormal fetal growth, and how the latter relates to infant growth
patterns in sSA is not known. A greater understanding of how these risk factors interact with fetal growth is
required to guide interventions targeted at reducing the burden of perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Recently, Kilifi District hospital (KDH) became one of the sites for INTERGROWTH-21st, an international
study which uses ultrasound to date pregnancies and assess fetal growth accurately. By measuring
neonatal/infant growth accurately and collecting data on the health status of the pregnant women, the
study will provide the first comprehensive description of the impact of maternal under-nutrition, malaria,
HIV and anaemia upon birthweight and pregnancy outcomes in Kenya and other parts of the world. A
unique feature of the study as it is being implemented in Kilifi is an assessment of how the introduction of
ultrasound technology for routine antenatal care (ANC) will affect care pathways for patients within KDH.
This socio-behavioral component of the Intergrowth study is concerned with investigating the factors that
influence the use of ANC and maternal and child health services (MCH) and the impact of the introduction
of ultrasound scans on the perceptions and behaviours of women attending these services. It is also
concerned with the perceptions and practices of the providers of care and identification of factors that
enhance and/or constrain the delivery of quality services and may impact on the implementation of
ultrasound scanning under routine ANC conditions. Data for this component of the study is being collected
through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods such as observations (structured and unstructured),
in-depth interviews (with providers and pregnant women) and group discussions.
This internship will utilize part of the qualitative data already collected and will take part in additional
qualitative data collection activities to provide information on the factors that influence the use of ANC and
MCH services by women in Kilifi District and to understand the challenges and facilitating factors that
affect health care provider practices and impact on the quality of services they provide. The intern will
also conduct a literature review of relevant studies and undertake qualitative data analysis. The intern will
be supported by a senior social scientist (Dr Caroline Jones), and the PI of the broader study (Dr Bryn
Kemp).
SKILLS TO BE ACQUIRED BY THE INTERN
• Reviewing the literature;
• An understanding of the concepts and methods used in qualitative research
• Qualitative data collection; analysis & interpretation
• Scientific writing and presentation skills.
TRAINING BACKGROUND OF REQUIRED INTERN
• Social science training
• Experience in in-depth interviews and FGDs
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent communication skills and good team player
• Giriama speaker
To apply, please follow the link below:
http://careers.kemri-wellcome.org/frontpage

INT020
Relationship between patients’ educational level and anti-epileptic drug adherence amongst adults in
Kilifi District
City: KILIFI
Supervisor: Michael Kihara & Caroline Kathomi
BACKGROUND
Non-adherence to epilepsy medications can interfere with treatment and may adversely affect clinical
outcomes. There are a number of studies on the strategies for improving adherence to anti-epileptic drugs
(AEDs) in patients with epilepsy (PWE). Interventions of education and counselling of PWE have shown
mixed success. However, behavioural interventions such as the use of intensive reminders and
'implementation intention' interventions provided more positive effects on adherence (Ai-Aqeel & Al-
Shabhan, 2011).
Studies have however overlooked the potential confounding effects of education level of the PWE in
adherence studies. A recent study in the US showed that the main cause of non-adherence was socioeconomic
status (Modi et al., 2011) while another pointed to forgetfulness as the reason for non-adherence
(Hovinga et al., 2008). Forgetfulness is a cognitive trait and so we speculate that level of education could
be associated with adherence to AEDs.
We have drug levels of PWE in the Kilifi DSS which were collected as part of a previous study. We intend
to invite these PWE to undertake a brief cognitive test and answer questions on their education
background.
QUESTION TO BE ADDRESSED BY INTERN
• Is there a relationship between AED drug adherence and education level
• Is there a relationship between AED drug adherence and performance on cognitive test.
• What are the contributing factors of poor adherence amongst adult patients with epilepsy
SKILLS TO BE ACQUIRED BY INTERN
• Development of a cognitive impairment tool
• Administration of assessment tools
• Statistical analysis using SPSS
• How to write systematic reviews
TRAINING BACKGROUND OF REQUIRED INTERN
• Graduate in Sociology or Nursing
• Knowledge of Mijikenda (added advantage)
To apply, please follow the link below:
http://careers.kemri-wellcome.org/frontpage

INT021
Validation of immuno-adaptive genes by real-time PCR
City: KILIFI
Supervisor: Margaret Mackinnon & Martin Rono
BACKGROUND
We have identified some genes in malaria parasites that are associated with high levels of immunity. This
was done by comparing gene transcription levels in parasites taken from a high malaria transmission
(Kisumu) vs. a low transmission area (Kilifi) using whole-genome microarrays. We found some of the
parasites gene’s were consistently up-regulated in high transmission areas suggesting that these genes may
be adaptive to high levels of immunity.
QUESTION TO BE ADDRESSED BY INTERN
Using real-time PCR, transcription levels on each of these candidate adaptive genes will be performed on
samples taken from an independent sample from these populations. This will confirm whether the results
from the microarray assays are representative of what is found in the parasite populations from these high
and low transmission areas.
SKILLS TO BE ACQUIRED BY INTERN

KEMRI WELLCOME TRUST RESEARCH OFFICER JOB IN NAIROBI KENYA



KEMRI WELLCOME TRUST RESEARCH PROGRAMME
RESEARCH OFFICER - HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH
Reference Number: RO-08-11
Category: Research, Science and Biotechnology
Salary: Kshs. 105, 174
Grade: 5.4
Location: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Summary:
The position holder will be expected to plan, carry out and manage research studies in the areas of
interest, as instructed by line manager and/or in line with Programme research activities.
Reporting Lines:
The post reports to the Principal Investigator.
Job Dimensions:
• With senior scientists undertake literature review on topics of relevance to Human Resources for
Health
• With senior scientists develop approach to collect new data on topics of relevance to Human
Resources for Health
• With senior scientists develop reports and publications on topics of relevance to Human Resources
for Health
Key Responsibilities:
• Develop structured literature search approaches and carry out literature searches of major
scientific databases and grey literature if appropriate
• Identify relevant literature, archive searches and literature, abstract key findings summarise /
provide feedback on findings based on narrative review.

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY JOBS IN KITUI CAMPUS


KITUI CAMPUS
COUNSELLOR 
Grade 11
Applicants for this position must be holders of a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology. They should in
addition:
• Have Counselling experience at University or College spanning at least three (3) years.
• Be mature and at least thirty five (35) years of age.
• Demonstrate ability to work well in a team.
• Show evidence of ongoing Counsellor supervision.
• Show evidence of professional accreditation.
• Show evidence as a Counsellor trainer.
• Be computer literate.
Evidence of experience in working with people with substance use problems will be an added professional
advantage.
The applicant should have genuine interest in working with and helping students with general psychological
problems.
Terms of Service:
The terms of service for the teaching posts of Lecturers and above include membership to a Pension
Scheme, a generous Medical Scheme, a House Allowance and a Commuting Allowance. Other posts will be
based on a two (2) years Renewable Performance Contract and Gratuity will be given at the end of the
Contract.
The application letter should give full details of Educational and Professional Qualification, Work
Experience, Present Post and Salary, applicant's telephone number and E-mail address; copies of
certificates and testimonials should also be enclosed giving the names and addresses of three (3) Referees
who are up-to-date with the applicant's competence and area of specialization. Applicants should request
their Referees to write immediately and directly to the undersigned.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)
Kenyatta University
P. O. BOX 43844 – 00100
NAIROBI.
The deadline for applications and letters from the referees is not later than 7th Sept 2011.
PHYSICS TECHNICIAN
Grade A/B
Applicants must be holders of KCE Division III or KCSE mean Grade C-(minus) and above. They must also
have professional qualification of an Ordinary Diploma in Electrical and Electronics from a recognized
institution.
In addition, the applicants must:
• Have at least three (3) years relevant working experience in a busy teaching or research
laboratory.
• Be computer literate.
Terms of Service:
The terms of service for the teaching posts of Lecturers and above include membership to a Pension
Scheme, a generous Medical Scheme, a House Allowance and a Commuting Allowance. Other posts will be
based on a two (2) years Renewable Performance Contract and Gratuity will be given at the end of the
Contract.
The application letter should give full details of Educational and Professional Qualification, Work
Experience, Present Post and Salary, applicant's telephone number and E-mail address; copies of
certificates and testimonials should also be enclosed giving the names and addresses of three (3) Referees
who are up-to-date with the applicant's competence and area of specialization. Applicants should request
their Referees to write immediately and directly to the undersigned.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)
Kenyatta University
P. O. BOX 43844 – 00100
NAIROBI.
The deadline for applications and letters from the referees is not later than 7th Sept 2011.
ESTATES DEPARTMENT (MAINTENANCE and PROJECTS)
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER 
Grade 12
Applicants must be holders of a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent
qualification from a recognized institution. In addition the applicant must:
• Have at least three (3) years post registration work experience in a consulting or construction firm.
• Be a registered Electrical Engineer with the Board of Engineers of Kenya and a member of a
recognized professional body.
Terms of Service:
The terms of service for the teaching posts of Lecturers and above include membership to a Pension
Scheme, a generous Medical Scheme, a House Allowance and a Commuting Allowance. Other posts will be
based on a two (2) years Renewable Performance Contract and Gratuity will be given at the end of the
Contract.
The application letter should give full details of Educational and Professional Qualification, Work
Experience, Present Post and Salary, applicant's telephone number and E-mail address; copies of
certificates and testimonials should also be enclosed giving the names and addresses of three (3) Referees
who are up-to-date with the applicant's competence and area of specialization. Applicants should request
their Referees to write immediately and directly to the undersigned.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)
Kenyatta University
P. O. BOX 43844 – 00100
NAIROBI.
The deadline for applications and letters from the referees is not later than 7th Sept 2011.
SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES
TEACHING ASSISTANT
Applicants should have an Under-graduate Degree in Early Childhood studies from a recognized
university.
Evidence of having registered for a Masters Degree course will be an added advantage.
Terms of Service:
The terms of service for the teaching posts of Lecturers and above include membership to a Pension
Scheme, a generous Medical Scheme, a House Allowance and a Commuting Allowance. Other posts will be
based on a two (2) years Renewable Performance Contract and Gratuity will be given at the end of the
Contract.
The application letter should give full details of Educational and Professional Qualification, Work
Experience, Present Post and Salary, applicant's telephone number and E-mail address; copies of
certificates and testimonials should also be enclosed giving the names and addresses of three (3) Referees
who are up-to-date with the applicant's competence and area of specialization. Applicants should request
their Referees to write immediately and directly to the undersigned.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)
Kenyatta University
P. O. BOX 43844 – 00100
NAIROBI.
The deadline for applications and letters from the referees is not later than 7th Sept 2011.
SCHOOL OF PURE AND APPLIED SCIENCES
JUNIOR TECHNICIAN 
Grade III/IV
Applicants must be holders of KCE Division IV/KCSE Mean Grade D+ and above. They must have minimum

KENYATTA UNIVERSITY JOBS IN NAIROBI AND MOMBASA CAMPUSES


Kenyatta University wishes to recruit qualified and dedicated applicants to fill the following vacant
positions:
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
DATA ENTRY CLERK 
Grade III/IV
Applicants must be holders of KCE Division IV or KCSE Mean Grade D+ (Plus) and above. They must have
a Certificate in Information Technology or related field from a reputable institution.
In addition, the applicant must have at least three (3) years relevant working experience as Data Entry
Clerk in an Academic or Research Institution.
Terms of Service:
The terms of service for the teaching posts of Lecturers and above include membership to a Pension
Scheme, a generous Medical Scheme, a House Allowance and a Commuting Allowance. Other posts will be
based on a two (2) years Renewable Performance Contract and Gratuity will be given at the end of the
Contract.
The application letter should give full details of Educational and Professional Qualification, Work
Experience, Present Post and Salary, applicant's telephone number and E-mail address; copies of
certificates and testimonials should also be enclosed giving the names and addresses of three (3) Referees
who are up-to-date with the applicant's competence and area of specialization. Applicants should request
their Referees to write immediately and directly to the undersigned.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)
Kenyatta University
P. O. BOX 43844 – 00100
NAIROBI.
The deadline for applications and letters from the referees is not later than 7th Sept 2011.
REGISTRY CLERK
Grade III/IV
Applicants should be holders of KCE Division IV or Mean Grade of D+ (plus) and a Certificate in Records
Management or related field from a reputable institution. In addition, they should have at least three (3)
years relevant work experience as Registry Clerk in an Academic or Research Institution.
Terms of Service:
The terms of service for the teaching posts of Lecturers and above include membership to a Pension
Scheme, a generous Medical Scheme, a House Allowance and a Commuting Allowance. Other posts will be
based on a two (2) years Renewable Performance Contract and Gratuity will be given at the end of the
Contract.
The application letter should give full details of Educational and Professional Qualification, Work
Experience, Present Post and Salary, applicant's telephone number and E-mail address; copies of
certificates and testimonials should also be enclosed giving the names and addresses of three (3) Referees
who are up-to-date with the applicant's competence and area of specialization. Applicants should request
their Referees to write immediately and directly to the undersigned.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)
Kenyatta University
P. O. BOX 43844 – 00100
NAIROBI.
The deadline for applications and letters from the referees is not later than 7th Sept 2011.
SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM MANAGEMENT (Main and Mombasa Campuses)
LECTURER
Applicants must be holders of PhD Degree from a recognized university or have successfully defended a
PhD thesis in Tourism Management, Tourism Planning and Development, Travel Administration. Applicants
will be expected to teach at least three (3) subjects in the following specializations:
• Destination Marketing
• Travel Agency and Tour Operations
• Strategic Tourism and Travel Management
• Sustainable Tourism Planning and Development
• Meetings and Events Management
In addition, the applicant should:
• Have a full-time university teaching experience as a Tutorial Fellow or as an Assistant Lecturer for
at least three (3) years.
Terms of Service:
The terms of service for the teaching posts of Lecturers and above include membership to a Pension
Scheme, a generous Medical Scheme, a House Allowance and a Commuting Allowance. Other posts will be
based on a two (2) years Renewable Performance Contract and Gratuity will be given at the end of the
Contract.
The application letter should give full details of Educational and Professional Qualification, Work
Experience, Present Post and Salary, applicant's telephone number and E-mail address; copies of
certificates and testimonials should also be enclosed giving the names and addresses of three (3) Referees
who are up-to-date with the applicant's competence and area of specialization. Applicants should request
their Referees to write immediately and directly to the undersigned.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration)
Kenyatta University
P. O. BOX 43844 – 00100
NAIROBI.