INTERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK RESEARCH INSTITUTE
CONSULTATIVE GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH
TERNATIONAL LIVESTOCK RESEARCH INSTITUTE
ANNOUNCEMENT OF POSITIONS – IMMUNOLOGISTS (2)
General. The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) helps reduce poverty, hunger and
environmental degradation by enhancing animal agriculture in developing countries, working in partnership
with organisations in these countries. ILRI’s headquarters are in Nairobi, Kenya, with a second principal
campus in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. We employ more than 700 staff from about 40 countries, who work in
partnerships and alliances with hundreds of organizations in developed and developing countries, including
some of the finest universities and research institutions in the world. Over the next year, ILRI will be
completing the refurbishment and re-equipping of its bioscience laboratories at its Nairobi campus. This
facility includes capacity in immunology, molecular biology, genomics and functional genomics, with small
and large animal facilities and a level-3 pathogen containment laboratory.
ILRI seeks to appoint two immunologists to its program in vaccines and diagnostics research on pathogens
affecting livestock of the poor in developing countries.. The successful candidates will strengthen the
program’s intellectual capacity in the immunology of livestock species and in infection biology.
Position 1. Cellular immunologist – East Coast fever (ECF)
This is a senior scientist position within the ECF research program. The successful applicant will be
expected to undertake the following activities:
1. To develop a research program in cellular immunology directed towards a better understanding of the
immune response to Theileria parva, the causative agent of ECF. Specific areas of research will initially be
aimed at:
 an improved understanding of the inductive requirements for cytotoxic T cells, ultimately leading to the
development of vaccine formulations and delivery systems to elicit cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses
to antigens of T. parva.
 an improved understanding of the bovine immune response to the Infection and Treatment Method
(ITM) of vaccination against ECF using live sporozoites.
2. To supervise and lead a research team including graduate students, technicians and visiting scientists.
3. To develop collaborative research projects with Advanced Research Institutes and National Research
Institutes in the developing and developed world.
4. To help to develop a resource mobilization program to support cellular immunology research using
traditional and novel funding agencies
Suitable candidates will have:
 A PhD in a relevant discipline, such as immunology or infectious disease biology
 At least five years’ post-PhD experience predominantly in cellular immunology, ideally in cytotoxic T
lymphocyte biology, in the public or private sector.
 A tangible record of research success, such as intellectual property and/or publications in international
journals
 A demonstrated ability to secure funding for research projects
Position 2. Immunologist – Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP)
This is a scientist-level position participating in vaccine development and diagnostics research for CBPP.
The CBPP team’s ultimate objective is to obtain the necessary tools to control or eradicate CBPP in subSaharan Africa. The successful applicant will be expected to undertake the following activities:
1. To identify protective and immunopathological responses to Mycoplasma m. mycoides SC, the pathogen
responsible for CBPP. The candidate will be expected to integrate with the current research team and
develop a research program to improve our understanding of the immunology and pathogenesis of CBPP.
2. To help the team in designing an improved diagnostic test for CBPP
3. To contribute to resource mobilization to carry out the above activities and to the establishment of the
necessary collaborations with other research teams to obtain the stated goals.
Suitable candidates will have:
 A PhD in immunology and/or biology of infections
 At least two years’ post-doctoral research experience in immunology, preferably with skills in molecular
biology. Experience in veterinary immunology not essential, but will be an advantage
 A tangible record of research success, such as publications in international journals
 Familiarity with proposal writing and rated ability to secure funding for research projects
Both positions will be located at the ILRI campus in Nairobi, Kenya.
Terms of appointment. The initial appointments will be for three years with the possibility of renewal.
ILRI provides an international salary payable in US Dollars with employer-paid medical, life and disability
insurances, and retirement benefits. Generous allowances toward relocation, housing, home leave travel,
dependents’ education, and annual leave are also provided.
Applications: Applicants should send a cover letter expressing their interest, detailed CV, names and
contact details (Telephone, E-mail) of three professional referees to the Human Resources Office, e-mail:
recruit-ilri@cgiar.org by 30th September 2008. The title and reference number of the position for which
the application is made should be clearly marked on the application.
To find more about ILRI and details about the positions, visit our Website at http://www.ilri.org
ILRI is an equal opportunity employer and is keen to further diversify its staff in terms of both gender and nationality.
Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.