Title: Junior Laboratory Associate
Reporting to: Laboratory Associate
Location: Ruiru, with some travel across Kenya
About Food 4 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
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.