Title: Junior Laboratory Associate
Reporting to: Laboratory Associate
Location: Nairobi, with some travel across Kenya
About Food 4 Education
Food for Education (F4E) is an African-led, women-led social enterprise that uses technology, smart operations and logistics to provide low-cost, high-quality meals that improve nutrition and education outcomes for primary school children in Kenya.
We are growing quickly. Our mission is to scale models that prioritise efficient supply chain management and sustainable sourcing, so we can continue lowering the cost of school lunches. We have delivered over 100,000,000 meals since 2012 and are expanding to reach our goal of serving at least 1,000,000 public primary school students in Kenya every day by 2027.
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.