ILRI Vacancy: Technical Laboratory Assistant (Closing date: 19 August 2024)

ILRI Vacancy: Technical Laboratory Assistant (Closing date: 19 August 2024)

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Technical Laboratory Assistant to conduct chemical, physical, and biological analyses of soil and manure, as well as feed sample analysis. The role also includes providing field support for feed, soil, and manure collection, focusing on low-emissions livestock systems.

ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe, and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South, and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern, and West Africa.

Key Responsibilities:

• Extraction & filtration of soil, manure, and plant samples for photometric nutrient analysis
• Preparation of soil, manure, and plant samples for elemental analysis (C/N analyser)
• Running photometric nutrient assays for extractable phosphate, nitrate, and ammonium
• Preparation and analysis of soil, manure, and plant samples for total phosphorus (dry digestion, extraction, colorimetric analysis)
• Preparation of animal feed for dry matter, ash, and fiber analysis
• Collection of feed, manure, and soil samples from the field
• Supporting animal trials at Mazingira and Kapiti
• Summarizing all lab data in a clear and concise manner, performing regular data quality checks, and giving feedback to the supervising lab technicians
• Assisting Mazingira’s lab technicians with other sample preparations and analyses to ensure timely analysis
• Performing any other related duties as may be required

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Science, Environmental Studies, Agriculture, Chemistry, or a relevant field
• One year of relevant experience with a degree or three years of relevant experience with a diploma
• A general understanding of livestock systems, with a basic knowledge of soil, manure, and animal management for sustainable livestock systems

Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya

Terms of Appointment:

This position is at job level HG 10 and is only open to Kenyan nationals. The position is a 2-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical, and other insurances.

How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job, and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Director, People and Organizational Development through our portal ilri.simplicant.com on or before 19 August 2024. The position title and reference number REF:SLS/1491/2024 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.