The Role
Supports food safety testing through sample collection, microbiological and routine chemical analysis of food, water, and surfaces. Maintains laboratory records, test reports, SOPs, equipment, inventory, and quality documentation. Performs calibration, housekeeping, proficiency testing, audits, and continuous improvement activities while following GLP and ISO 17025:2017 standards. The role requires travel across Kenya and collaboration with laboratory teams.
Summary Generated by Built In
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
● Laboratory Testing & Analysis
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.
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.
- 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.
- Operate, clean, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment.
- Monitor and manage inventory of reagents, consumables, PPE, and glassware.
- Flag low stock and coordinate timely replenishment.
- Adhere to safety protocols and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP).
- Ensure compliance with ISO 17025:2017 quality standards.
- Maintain a clean and organized laboratory environment.
- 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Food Science, or a related field
- 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
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Word
- Basic laboratory data systems experience
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The Company
What We Do
Food4Education (F4E) is a Kenyan nonprofit working to eradicate childhood hunger and improve educational outcomes through scalable school-feeding programs across Kenya and beyond. It provides nutritious, affordable, locally sourced meals to students at public schools, using centralized kitchens, technology-driven meal distribution, and community engagement. By purchasing from small farms, the organization also creates stable markets and fair prices for local producers.
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