Junior Laboratory Associate
AI summary
Food For Education is hiring a Junior Laboratory Associate in Nairobi to support food safety testing and laboratory operations. The role involves sample collection and handling, microbiological and chemical testing, documentation, equipment management, and quality-control activities, ideally within an ISO 17025:2017 environment.
- Practical laboratory role focused on food, water, and surface sample testing
- Experience in a testing laboratory, preferably under ISO 17025:2017, is valued
- Involves sample collection from sites across Kenya, not only lab-based work
- Strong emphasis on documentation, accuracy, and quality-control procedures
AI job guide
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AI salary guide
Not enough public dataNot enough public salary data is available for this exact role. Before applying, prepare to ask about gross pay, benefits, contract length, probation period, transport and any allowances.
Can you qualify for this role?
- UnclearRelated work experienceThe text mentions experience, but the exact level should be confirmed at source.
- RequiredEducation or certification mentioned in the postThe captured text mentions education, a diploma, certificate, or licence.
- PreferredPractical evidence in cleaning, internship, entregadorThe tags and summary point to skills connected with this role.
- RequiredAvailability to work in NairobiThe vacancy is associated with this location.
Documents to prepare
- Likely requiredUpdated CV
- Role specificCover letter or short employer message
- OptionalProfessional references
- Role specificAcademic or professional certificates
- VerifyID or passport only after verifying the employer
Application tips for this job
- Place your strongest Junior Laboratory Associate evidence in the first half of your CV.
- In your cover letter or employer message, connect your experience to Food For Education and the role in Nairobi.
- Add concrete examples related to cleaning, internship, entregador, ideally with measurable outcomes or clear responsibilities.
- Follow the instructions from JobOpenings.co.ke; avoid sending documents to unofficial contacts or copied links.
- Confirm the deadline, interview location and employer contact before sharing personal documents.
- Prepare a polite question about pay, benefits and contract terms for later interview stages.
Source and safety check
- JobOpenings.co.ke
- Original source link available
- Application method is clear
- Deadline not specified
- No major risk signal was detected in the captured text.
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Interview preparation
- What experience makes you a strong fit for this Junior Laboratory Associate role in cleaning, internship?
- How have you handled responsibilities similar to those in this job post?
- Are you available to work in Nairobi under the listed contract or schedule?
- Prepare examples with clear responsibilities, tools used and measurable outcomes.
- Review the source and research Food For Education before the interview.
Ask what the first priorities will be in the role and how success will be measured.
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Original source description
Food For
Education
is seeking a Junior Laboratory Associate to support food safety testing and laboratory operations. The successful candidate will be involved in the collection and handling of food, water and surface samples, microbiological testing, basic chemical analysis, laboratory documentation, equipment management and quality-control activities.
This role is suitable for a detail-oriented laboratory professional with practical
Food For
is a not-for-profit organization that works with vulnerable children in Kenya's public school system. The organization focuses on improving children's lives and school performance through school feeding programmes.
According to the vacancy information, Food For
was founded in 2012 and provides subsidized school meals to children in public schools. The laboratory function therefore supports an important part of food safety and quality assurance within the organization's operations.
Role Overview
The Junior Laboratory Associate will support the delivery of food safety testing services involving food, water and food-contact surfaces. The position combines practical laboratory work with sample management, documentation, equipment maintenance, inventory control and quality-management activities.
The successful candidate should be comfortable working with laboratory procedures and maintaining accurate records. Attention to detail is particularly important because laboratory testing requires consistent handling, accurate results and proper documentation.
The role may also involve sample collection from centralized and decentralized sites across Kenya, making flexibility and the ability to work outside a laboratory environment important.
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Customize your CV to highlight relevant skills for this specific role at
Food For
before submitting.
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Quick Info
Type
Job
Company
Food For
Nairobi
Rolling Basis
Open until filled
Experience
Deadline: Not Specified
working in a testing laboratory, particularly one operating under ISO 17025:2017 standards. The position requires someone who can follow established laboratory procedures accurately while maintaining high standards of safety, documentation and quality.
The Junior Laboratory Associate will contribute to ensuring that laboratory testing is reliable, properly documented and conducted according to approved methods and internal requirements.
About Food For
working in an ISO 17025:2017 testing laboratory.
Familiarity with microbiological analysis techniques.
or knowledge of microbial analysis in food and beverage contexts is desirable.
Strong documentation skills.
Good organizational abilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
Basic knowledge of laboratory data systems.
Ability to follow established laboratory procedures accurately.
Strong attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Skills That Will Help You Succeed
Beyond the academic qualifications, candidates should demonstrate qualities that are important in a laboratory environment.
These include:
Attention to Detail: Laboratory testing requires careful sample handling, accurate measurements, proper labelling and reliable record keeping.
Documentation Skills: The ability to maintain clear and accurate records is important for laboratory quality management.
Organization: The role involves handling samples, equipment, reagents, documentation and other laboratory activities, making good organization essential.
Technical Ability: Candidates should be comfortable working with laboratory equipment and following established testing methods.
Quality Awareness: Understanding the importance of quality standards and consistent procedures will be valuable in this position.
Computer Skills: Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel and laboratory data systems will support effective record keeping and reporting.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is particularly suitable for Microbiology, Food Science and related science graduates who have already gained practical laboratory experience.
Candidates who have worked in food-testing, microbiology or other ISO 17025:2017 laboratory environments should ensure their CV clearly demonstrates this experience.
When preparing your CV, highlight relevant laboratory techniques, microbiological testing experience, sample handling, laboratory documentation, quality-management systems and
with laboratory equipment.
Candidates should also clearly indicate their
with ISO 17025:2017, if applicable, because this is specifically mentioned among the requirements.
How to Prepare Your CV
A targeted CV can help demonstrate your suitability for this position.
Your CV should clearly show:
Your Bachelor’s Degree and field of study.
At least two years of relevant laboratory experience.
working in an ISO 17025:2017 environment.
Microbiological testing experience.
Food and beverage testing experience, where applicable.
Sample collection and handling experience.
Laboratory equipment experience.
Laboratory documentation and reporting.
with SOPs and Work Instructions.
Quality-control and laboratory audit exposure.
Microsoft Excel and Word skills.
Laboratory information or data-system experience.
Avoid listing laboratory skills without demonstrating how you have used them. Where possible, describe practical
At least 2 years
Category: Science / Laboratory
Posted: August 26, 2026
Applicants should carefully review the vacancy
Strong communication skills
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Application & Safety Advice
Key tips for applying to
Food For
Key Responsibilities
- 1. Sample Collection and Handling
- The Junior Laboratory Associate will support the collection and management of samples required for laboratory testing.
- Key duties include:
- Collecting food samples from designated sites.
- Collecting water samples for laboratory analysis.
- Collecting surface swab samples from food-contact areas.
- Receiving samples submitted to the laboratory.
- Registering samples correctly upon receipt.
- Labelling samples according to approved procedures.
- Ensuring samples are appropriately stored before testing.
- Handling and disposing of samples in accordance with established procedures.
- Maintaining accurate records throughout the sample-handling process.
- Proper sample handling is important because errors during collection, identification, storage or processing can affect the reliability of laboratory results.
- 2. Laboratory Testing and Analysis
- The successful candidate will participate in routine laboratory testing and analysis.
Responsibilities
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Job Type: Full Time
include:
Conducting microbiological testing of food and related samples.
Supporting the enumeration of microorganisms.
Assisting with the detection of foodborne pathogens.
Performing routine chemical analyses where required.
Following established laboratory testing methods.
Ensuring testing activities are carried out consistently.
Maintaining accuracy and repeatability of test results.
Recording laboratory results correctly.
Reporting any issues or irregularities identified during testing.
The role requires careful adherence to approved procedures and laboratory methods.
3. Laboratory Documentation
Accurate documentation will form an important part of the position.
The Junior Laboratory Associate will:
Maintain accurate laboratory records.
Keep test reports updated.
Document laboratory activities and results.
Support the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Assist with the review and implementation of SOPs and Work Instructions.
Ensure laboratory documentation is properly maintained.
Support the preparation of information required for quality-management activities.
Good documentation helps ensure laboratory activities can be properly reviewed and verified when required.
4. Quality Management
The position will support laboratory quality-management processes, including activities associated with ISO 17025:2017.
may include:
Participating in proficiency testing.
Supporting internal laboratory audits.
Taking part in inter-laboratory comparisons.
Participating in self-inspections.
Following approved quality procedures.
Identifying areas where laboratory processes can be improved.
Supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
Maintaining compliance with established laboratory requirements.
Candidates should therefore understand the importance of quality systems and consistent laboratory procedures.
5. Laboratory Equipment Management
The Junior Laboratory Associate will also assist with the proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
This includes:
Operating laboratory equipment according to approved procedures.
Cleaning laboratory equipment after use.
Supporting equipment calibration activities.
Maintaining equipment appropriately.
Reporting equipment problems when identified.
Ensuring equipment is used safely and correctly.
Supporting the availability of functional equipment for laboratory testing.
Proper equipment management helps maintain the reliability and consistency of laboratory testing.
6. Inventory and Laboratory Supplies
The successful candidate will help monitor laboratory supplies and consumables.
Duties include:
Monitoring stocks of laboratory reagents.
Tracking consumables and glassware.
Monitoring PPE supplies.
Identifying low-stock items.
Flagging inventory
include:
Following laboratory safety procedures.
Adhering to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
Using appropriate personal protective equipment.
Maintaining a clean laboratory environment.
Keeping work areas organized.
Handling laboratory materials responsibly.
Following approved procedures for sample and laboratory waste disposal.
Supporting compliance with applicable quality and safety requirements.
Qualifications and
and achievements from your previous laboratory roles.
Method of Application
- Interested and qualified? Go to https://food4education1.careers.hibob.com/jobs?utm_source=MyJobMag to apply
- Position: Junior Laboratory Associate
- Qualification: Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, Food Science or related field
Requirements
- for replenishment.
- Supporting proper storage of laboratory supplies.
- Helping maintain an organized laboratory inventory.
- Good inventory management helps prevent interruptions to laboratory activities.
- 7. Laboratory Safety and Housekeeping
- The Junior Laboratory Associate will be expected to maintain high standards of laboratory safety and cleanliness.
- Applicants for the Junior Laboratory Associate position should meet the following
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology, Food Science or a related course.
- At least 2 years of hands-on
- and ensure that their CV demonstrates the required academic qualifications and laboratory experience.
- Important: Never pay money to obtain a job, interview, recruitment opportunity or application.
- For more job description visit: jobopenings.co.ke
- Read full description
- Bachelor's degree in relevant field
- 3+ years