Laboratory Assistant

Overview

Assist in laboratory tasks for plant tissue culture.

You have:

• University degree preferably in Biochemistry or Microbiology, Science, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or other related field.
• Minimum 2 years of work experience in relevant field.
• Working knowledge (level C) in Arabic and limited knowledge (level B) in English.
• National of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Organizational Setting

The project “UTF/SAU/051/SAU Strengthening MoEWA’s Capacity to Implement the Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development Programme” is the project that has been approved within the framework of FAO-Saudi Technical Cooperation Programme (2019-2025). The project will provide technical and advisory assistance to the MoEWA in implementing its flagship Sustainable Rural Agricultural Development programme that has recently been approved within the context of the National Transformation Programme of the Saudi Vision 2030. The project expected results will be achieved through implementation of nine project components: 1) Development of coffee arabica production, processing and marketing; 2) Development of beekeeping and honey production; 3) Development of rose production and trade; 4) Development of sub-tropical fruits production, processing and marketing; 5) Strengthening capacity of small-scale fishermen and fish farmers; 6) Strengthening capacity of small-scale livestock herders; 7) Development of rain-fed cereals production; 8) Enhancing value addition from smallholdings and rural activities; and 9) Strengthening MoEWA’s capacity in sustainable management of rangelands, forests and natural resources to support rural livelihoods. An overall plan and budget are developed and approved, including activities and outputs that are expected to be accomplished under each component. For achieving the objectives of the coffee and rose component, several activities that involves good crop production and protection technologies and good management practices among coffee, rose and jasmine farmers to grow healthy crops. To achieve this, demo farms were established at Taif, Al Baha, Asir and Jazan in Coffee, Rose and Jasmine, respectively. It was also envisaged to undertake a situation analysis and comprehensive sector review for the Coffee, Roses and Jasmine production and industry and products (oil and water and others) quality control measures, in the KSA and assesses comparative advantages of Coffee and Roses production in the selected areas of Saudi Arabia. We have already initiated a baseline survey mission to achieve the goal. Hence, for the better management of these demo farms and monitoring the baseline survey, a day-to-day management support is highly essential.

Reporting Lines

The Laboratory Assistant will report to the Technical Adviser under the overall guidance of the Chief Technical Adviser in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Technical Focus

The laboratory Assistant will be working on the in vitro propagation of Arabica coffee Coffee arabica and other crops. It will be receiving over 100 coffee plant samples per week in two batches. Over 2500 leaf discs will be prepared aseptically and transferred to the culture vessels on a weekly basis. We are seeking a fast learner with strong attention to detail and good hand eye coordination.

Tasks and responsibilities

The following specific functions are to be executed by the incumbent:

• Receiving and recording plant samples • Cleaning, sterilization and storage of the plant materials • Assistance with preparation of materials • Aseptic Inoculation of cultures in the lamina flow hood • Sub-culture of plantlets at various stages of growth and development • General laboratory maintenance • Cleaning glassware • Keeping of records • Acclimatization of plantlets • Organization and disposal of plant specimens.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements

• University degree preferably in Biochemistry or Microbiology, Science, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or other related field . • Minimum 2 years of work experience in relevant field • Working knowledge (level C) in Arabic and limited knowledge (level B) in English. • National of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

FAO Core Competencies

• Results Focus • Teamwork • Communication • Building Effective Relationships • Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills

• Knowledge and experience in Science. • Demonstrated communication skills, including the ability to convey and present sensitive issues/positions. • Analytical skills and ability to write clear and concise reports is considered a strong asset.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• FAO does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted
• Please note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• For additional employment opportunities visit the FAO employment website: http://www.fao.org/employment/home/en/
• Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: fao.org