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Food4Education
Title: Junior Laboratory Associate
Reporting to: Laboratory Associate
Location: Nairobi, with some travel across Kenya
About Food for Education
Hungry kids can’t learn or grow.
Food4Education is an award-winning, locally rooted, and African-led solution to end classroom hunger. Building on more than a decade of learning by doing, we’re powering a new school feeding industry and sharing our blueprint to scale sustainable, nutritious, and affordable school feeding programs across Africa.
Today, we serve 600,000 kids DAILY in Kenya. But every day, we deliver more than a meal – improving nutrition and education outcomes for children while also creating jobs and opportunities for whole communities.
We are an experienced and trusted non-profit partner that operates with the excellence of a global business, reinvesting the value we create into local economies.
To learn more, please visit www.food4education.org
Our Values
At Food for Education, our values are guiding principles that provide us with purpose and direction and set the tone for our interactions with all stakeholders:
Build with excellence and curiosity - We’re not afraid to try new things and iterate as much as we can to find the best and most efficient way to get results;
Be the change you seek - We acknowledge that continuous improvement is a shared responsibility;
We do what we say; and say what we do - We embrace an ownership mentality;
Ask why; and commit - Share openly and question respectfully and commit fully. When we understand the why, we are able to work with a purpose.
Role Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Junior Laboratory Associate to support the delivery of high-quality food safety testing services. This role will focus on microbiological and basic chemical analysis of food, water, and food contact surfaces to ensure compliance with internal and regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced laboratory setting and contribute to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Sample Collection & Handling
Collect samples (food, water, surface swabs) from centralized and decentralized sites across Kenya.
Receive, register, label, store, and dispose of samples in line with approved procedures.
Laboratory Testing & Analysis
Conduct microbiological testing, including enumeration and detection of foodborne pathogens.
Perform routine chemical analyses as required.
Ensure accuracy, repeatability, and compliance with established methods.
Documentation & Quality Management
Maintain accurate, up-to-date laboratory records and test reports.
Support the development, review, and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Work Instructions.
Participate in proficiency testing, internal audits, and inter-laboratory comparisons.
Equipment & Inventory Management
Operate, clean, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment.
Monitor and manage inventory of reagents, consumables, PPE, and glassware.
Flag low stock and coordinate timely replenishment.
Compliance & Housekeeping
Adhere to safety protocols and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
Ensure compliance with ISO 17025:2017 quality standards.
Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment.
Team Contribution
Participate in self-inspections and continuous improvement initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned by the line manager.
Desired Candidate Profile
Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, Food Science or related course.
At least 2 years of hands-on experience in an ISO 17025:2017 testing laboratory.
Familiarity with microbial analysis techniques, especially in food and beverage contexts.
Strong documentation and organizational skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word) and basic laboratory data systems.
We are an equal opportunity employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, colour, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.
Career Growth and Development
We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You will have weekly check-ins with your manager, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You will have the opportunity to shape a growing organisation and build a rewarding, long-term career.
We aim to contact all our applicants, but due to the high volume of applications only shortlisted candidates are contacted. If you do not hear from us within two weeks your application might not be successful on this occasion. This does not mean you will not be considered for future roles so please keep an eye on our job board and apply for positions that match your skills and experience.
