Lab Trainee – Six-Month Food Safety Training

About the role

This six‑month Lab Trainee program is designed to build foundational competencies in food safety testing. You will work hands‑on in a microbiology laboratory, gaining exposure to both microbiological and selected physico‑chemical analyses while supporting daily lab operations.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare samples, perform inoculation, plating, incubation and colony counting under supervision.
• Conduct hygiene and environmental swabbing following zone 1/2/3 protocols.
• Execute physico‑chemical tests such as moisture determination, aflatoxin screening, water quality checks and visual quality assessments.
• Record test results accurately in lab logbooks and reporting templates.
• Draft preliminary Certificates of Analysis for review.
• Assist during audits, supplier inspections and corrective‑action processes.
• Maintain laboratory hygiene, safety procedures and proper equipment usage.
• Participate in an improvement project during the final month of training.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Safety, Microbiology, Food Science or a closely related field.
• At least one year of current employment with Food For Education.
• Demonstrated discipline, strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs.
• Basic computer literacy (Excel, Word, email).
• Interest in food safety and quality assurance; prior exposure to kitchen audits or QA processes is a plus.

Required skills

• Microbiology techniques (aseptic technique, media preparation, colony counting, pathogen detection).
• Aflatoxin screening.
• Moisture determination.
• Water quality testing.
• Visual food quality assessment.
• Laboratory documentation and Certificate of Analysis drafting.
• Excel and Word proficiency.

What we offer

• Structured six‑month training with bi‑weekly mentorship.
• Hands‑on experience in microbiology and physico‑chemical testing.
• Opportunity to transition to an independent lab role after completion.