Junior Laboratory Associate

About the role

The Junior Laboratory Associate will support Food For Education’s food safety testing program across Kenya. You will work in an ISO 17025:2017 accredited laboratory, performing microbiological and chemical analyses on food, water and surface samples.

Key responsibilities

• Collect, register, label, store and dispose of samples from centralized and decentralized sites.
• Conduct microbiological testing, including enumeration and detection of food‑borne pathogens, and perform routine chemical analyses.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, test reports and assist in SOP development.
• Operate, clean, calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment; monitor inventory of reagents, consumables and PPE.
• Participate in proficiency testing, internal audits, inter‑laboratory comparisons and continuous improvement activities.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Science or a related field.
• At least 2 years of hands‑on experience in an ISO 17025:2017 testing laboratory.
• Familiarity with microbial analysis techniques in food and beverage contexts.
• Strong documentation, organizational and safety‑protocol adherence.

Required skills

• ISO 17025:2017 compliance
• Microbial analysis techniques
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Laboratory data management systems
• Equipment calibration and maintenance