International Potato Center
Research Assistant (Food Analysis)
Ref.: 2015/003/NRS/SSA
The International Potato Center (CIP)
is seeking a Research Assistant to provide technical support in the areas of
analytical chemistry and food microbiology in sweetpotato roots and leaves and
their processed products.
The candidate must also have an eye
for detail, an ability to work on their own initiative, excellent
organizational and communication skills and a positive attitude.
The Center: CIP is a not-for-profit international agricultural research organization with a global mandate to conduct research on potatoes, sweetpotatoes, Andean root and tuber crops, and sustainable management of natural resources.
The Position: The
Research Assistant will be based in Nairobi, Kenya at the CIP Regional office.
The position will be part of CIP’s new food science team operating in the
Biosciences eastern and southern Africa (BecA) ILRI Hub and will report to the
CIP Food Scientist.
The successful candidate will have: A
Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Technology or Biological
Sciences with at least 1 year work experience in analytical chemistry or food
microbiology.
Responsibilities will include, but not limited to:
- Assist in collection of samples, undertaking
swabs, media preparation, sample preparation, plating, plate reading and
waste disposal.
- To carry out microbiological testing of
production samples and raw materials in accordance with site testing
regimes / sampling plans in a timely manner
- Pathogen analysis using primarily traditional
and other various pathogen detection methods.
- Accurately documenting, recording and
reviewing data using computer software systems.
- To carry out environmental microbiological
testing and validations
- To assist with follow up and close out of all
adverse / out of specification results
- To assist our partners in the reporting and
trending of testing results to the technical team, production and
customers as required.
- To participate in providing support in the
site procedure audits
- Work with the Food Scientists and Research
Associate to ensure implementation, maintenance and improvements in the
laboratory quality system procedures, testing methods and records
- Assist with basic analytical chemistry
analysis such as operation of HPLC, UV-VIS, NIRS, GCMS, LCMS;
- Maintenance and daily verification of
laboratory instrumentation.
- Ensure observation of good laboratory practice
including drafting risk assessments and surveillance of laboratory users’
activity;
Conditions: This
is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position based at CIP’s Nairobi
Office.
The position is on a 2 years fixed
term contract and may be renewed subject to availability of funding.
Applications: Applicants should apply through CIP’s Job Opportunities website (http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/), including a cover letter summarizing their relevance to this position, a full C.V. and the names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience.
Screening will begin on 30 June
2015 and will continue until the position is filled. Only shortlisted
candidates will be contacted.
Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site athttp://www.cipotato.org.
CIP is an equal opportunity employer.
Qualified women are particularly
encouraged to apply
