(RFP300144) RESEARCH ASSOCIATE – LABORATORY SERVICES, KENYA
Enhance team field operations and coordination in laboratory services.
Overview
Enhance team field operations and coordination in laboratory services.
You have:
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Biology, Agronomy, or related field.
- Master of Science (M.Sc.) in any of the above is an added advantage.
- Experience in soil spectroscopy equipment and methods.
- Knowledge of field sampling techniques and data collection methods.
- Knowledge in writing soil analysis recommendation reports.
- Familiarity with project management; prior experience with management of specific projects is an asset.
- Strong organizational and detail-oriented skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with online collaboration tools (Microsoft Teams).
- Knowledge of records management.
Job Description
THE ORGANIZATION
The Alliance of Bioversity International (www.bioversityinternational.org) and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) (www.ciat.cgiar.org) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.
With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis.
The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.
About The Position
The Research Associate – Laboratory Services position is responsible for enhancing team field operations and coordination, ensuring an organized and efficient work environment. The individual will work closely with project leaders and project scientists to manage both office and field activities for ongoing projects in Kenya. This role includes overseeing soil analysis through spectroscopy, as well as the analysis of plants, fertilizer, and manure. Additionally, the Research Associate will be responsible for scheduling maintenance for all laboratory equipment, ensuring that all tools and instruments are in optimal working condition to support research activities.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Ensuring the lab and all lab equipment are in working status including availability of required re-agents.
- Coordinating and or receiving, documenting and processing of samples delivered to the lab.
- Conducting and overseeing soil and plant analyses following established/appropriate lab procedures and protocols.
- Keeping records of samples, re-agents and analyses data.
- Maintaining cleanliness and organization of laboratory spaces and ensuring compliance with laboratory safety protocols and regulations and ethical standards.
- Developing protocols, supporting establishment and management of field trials and demonstrations of the MFL within CGIAR Scaling for Impact Accelerator.
- Undertaking field data and sample collection related to the field/demonstration trials
Participating in other field activities such as field days, farmer mobilization, capacity building or any others assigned by the supervisor.
Requirements
Required Education Qualifications and Experience
- Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Soil Science, or Environmental Science, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Biology, Agronomy or related field.
- Master of Science (M.Sc.) in any of the above is an added advantage
- Experience in soil spectroscopy equipment and methods
- Knowledge of field sampling techniques and data collection methods
- Knowledge in writing soil analysis recommendation reports.
- Familiarity with project management, prior experience with the management of specific projects would be considered an asset.
- Strong organizational and detail-oriented skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with online collaboration tools (Microsoft Teams; Teams).
- Knowledge of records management
Terms Of Employment
This is a nationally recruited position based in Nairobi, Kenya. The initial contract will be for one
year subject to a probation period of three months and is renewable depending on performance
and availability of resources.
This position is graded at BG6 level, with a minimum basic salary of KES 168,838.00 in a scale of
BG01 to BG14 (BG14 being the highest level according to the Alliance job classification framework
policy). We offer a competitive salary and excellent benefits including but not limited to
insurance, retirement plan, staff training and development, paid time off and flexible working
arrangements.
The Alliance Bioversity-CIAT offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits. We are an equal opportunity employer, and strive for
gender, diversity and inclusion in our staff, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, or any other characteristic.
Applications
Applicants are invited to visit https://www.bioversityinternational.org/jobs/ to get full details of the position and to submit their applications. Applications MUST include reference number REF: RFP300144- RESEARCH ASSOCIATE – LABORATORY SERVICES, KENYA as the position applied for. Application and CV should be saved as one document using the candidate’s last name and first name for ease of sorting.
Note: The Alliance does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). The Alliance also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
Applications Closing Date: 1st January 2025
Please note that email applications will not be considered.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe your experience with soil spectroscopy and how it has contributed to your previous roles? | The interviewer is looking for specific examples of relevant technical expertise and practical application. | Discuss your hands-on experience with soil spectroscopy, detailing how you applied it in research or fieldwork. |
| How do you ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols? | This assesses your knowledge and commitment to safety in a lab environment. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a successful project you managed and the challenges you faced during it? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you keep your laboratory organized and efficiently manage sample processing? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of how you worked as part of a team in a research project? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |