Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) – Kenya – 2024

Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) – Kenya – 2024

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• Position: Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)
• Company: Turkana Basin Institute
• Location: Kenya: Nairobi Support Office & Turkana Basin Institute Turkwel and Ileret Campuses
• Type of Job: Full-time
• Reporting to: Country Director, Turkana Basin Institute
• Application Deadline: December 15, 2024

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Introduction

Are you a visionary leader with a profound passion for advancing scientific frontiers in human evolution and paleo-sciences? Do you have the expertise to drive strategic initiatives that bridge fundamental research with pressing global challenges such as sustainability, climate change, health, and livelihoods in Africa? If so, the Turkana Basin Institute (TBI) invites you to take on a transformative role as our Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) in Kenya.

As the CSO, you will be at the forefront of pioneering research that delves into the very origins of humanity. You will lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team dedicated to uncovering the mysteries of human evolution, while also exploring the interconnectedness of our past with present and future challenges. Your leadership will not only shape TBI’s scientific direction but also influence the global discourse on evolutionary science and its relevance to contemporary issues.

This role offers a rare opportunity to collaborate with leading scientists, institutions, and stakeholders worldwide. You will engage directly with a diverse group of visiting scientists, fellows, principal investigators, and graduate students, fostering an environment of innovation and discovery. By joining TBI, you become part of a legacy committed to excellence in research and a catalyst for new scientific paradigms.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Science Leadership and Strategic Development

• Lead the development of a comprehensive programmes strategy in consultation with TBI’s leadership in Kenya and Stony Brook University, proactively identifying and pursuing opportunities in priority areas for TBI’s scientific mission.
• Create and implement best practices, including vision, strategy, policies, processes, and procedures to support scientists and scholars utilizing TBI’s campuses, facilities, and resources.
• Engage with scientists on scientific and technological advances, overseeing research and analysis across TBI’s core disciplines and new areas of scholarship as they develop.
• Support regular communication around science at TBI with key partners and stakeholders.

2. Partnerships, Collaboration, and Project Oversight

• Lead and develop both existing and new partnerships, projects, and grants by building beneficial relationships with TBI’s scientific partners and stakeholders.
• Support and engage with the Country Director and Kenyan leadership to diversify science support and funding, identifying new areas for research funding and resource mobilization.
• Actively build networks with scientists and scholars at all levels in Kenya, regionally, and internationally, identifying new partners or collaborations.
• Steward and deepen existing relationships with science teams, projects, and key national partners, including the National Museums of Kenya (NMK).
• Represent TBI in scientific forums locally and internationally, including institutional partnerships, conferences, and scientific meetings.
• Oversee stewardship and collections management in liaison with collections staff and NMK, implementing best practices around collections management, databasing, and access protocols.

3. Science Team Leadership and Management

• Lead the core science team in providing support, guidance, and implementation of key science parameters for all TBI scientists and scholars in Kenya and regionally.
• Actively supervise and ensure the implementation of programs, activities, planning, and performance around research and research support.
• Build and engage in collaborations with TBI stakeholders to ensure science and research are supported across the organization.
• Provide day-to-day scientific management and leadership for the core team in compliance, collections management, and field research to ensure productivity, staff training, development, and performance reviews.
• Serve as a technical advisor and liaison to the team and executive leadership, building networks to improve TBI’s scientific performance.
• Provide regular support, team-building, and motivation through training and discussions of science and discoveries for research teams.
• Support the Country Director in compiling and communicating around science to the TBI Kenya Board, national stakeholders including NACOSTI and NMK, and international partners.
• Work closely with the leadership team to develop and implement standards and policies on risk management related to research across TBI’s science activities and partnerships.

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Qualifications and Skills

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Doctoral-level degree (Ph.D. or equivalent) in relevant scientific areas including paleontology, human evolution, geosciences, or evolutionary biology.
• Experience working directly in research, research management, and public or private sector research, including managing grants and projects with international donors.
• Robust track record of research and scientific scholarship, including authoring and co-authoring publications, serving as a reviewer, and grant writing.
• Clear knowledge of scientific program development and implementation, training, and field-based research experience.
• Experience in leading, managing, and supervising complex teams, conducting fieldwork in remote areas, and working directly with students and scientists.
• Ability to work with a range of cultures in a multicultural setting and across time zones.
• Experience in training and building capacity for researchers and students, especially in the African region.
• Proven ability to work with a senior leadership team and manage communications, budgets, and performance with mobile, distributed teams and partners.
• Experience in building relationships in the sciences, including with international and regional partners, and a broad range of stakeholders.
• Knowledge of scientific methods, relevant statistics, and analytical and computational skills.
• Understanding and sensitivity to developing research and science in remote settings, especially in collaboration with local communities and national partners.

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Company Culture and Values

Embracing Excellence and Innovation at TBI

The Turkana Basin Institute is a world-renowned research institution dedicated to the study of human origins, paleo-sciences, and the evolutionary history of the Turkana Basin region in Kenya. We are committed to advancing scientific knowledge through collaborative research, education, and the dissemination of findings to both the scientific community and the public.

At TBI, we value innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Our work environment fosters a culture of inclusivity, professional growth, and mutual respect. We believe in the power of science to transform societies and are dedicated to supporting research that addresses critical questions about human history and its implications for the future.

Community Engagement and Sustainability

Understanding the importance of community in our work, TBI actively engages with local populations in the Turkana Basin region. We are committed to sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the communities we serve. By integrating local knowledge and fostering educational opportunities, we aim to create a symbiotic relationship that enhances our research and supports regional development.

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Apply Now for Chief Scientific Officer (CSO)

Are you ready to lead groundbreaking research and make a lasting impact on the scientific community? Apply now to join the Turkana Basin Institute as our Chief Scientific Officer.

Application Instructions:

Interested and qualified candidates should send their application along with a copy of their CV to info@echelonhc.com before December 15, 2024.

All applications must be sent through the above email address. Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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Compliance Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all backgrounds. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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