Research Associate – Analytical Chemist

Responsibilities 

• Support research fellows and other researchers through training and supervision.
• Work as part of a team conducting capacity building and research with scientists from universities and National Agricultural Research Institutes from Eastern and Central Africa, and beyond. Specific responsibilities are in the area of analytical chemistry;
• Conduct research and implement laboratory operations at a logistical level (including help in development of standard operating procedures, managing consumables stocks and procurement, drafting risk assessments and obtaining permits) under the supervision of the nutritional analysis-mycotoxin project leader and in consultation with other team members;
• Ensure observation of good laboratory practice including drafting risk assessments and surveillance of laboratory users’ activity;
• Operate a subset of the platform’s laboratory equipment, including several of the following: ELISA, fluorometer, UPLC, AAS, UV-VIS, NIR, GCMS, LCMS;
• Prepare laboratory chemical reagents and media;
• Carry out routine tasks such as sample testing, contribute to the development of laboratory protocols within the nutritional analysis-mycotoxins platform, conduct data analysis and interpretation;
• Conduct induction and periodical training of lab members and other partners.
• Perform any other related duties as may be assigned

Requirements

• MSc in analytical chemistry or equivalent and at least two years relevant working experience;
• Expertise in analytical chemistry and diagnostics, including: extraction procedures, standards preparation, data analysis and interpretation, equipment operations, troubleshooting, routine equipment maintenance;
• Experience with experimental design and sampling procedures;
• Experience in developing and following detailed SOPs
• Experience working in a laboratory setting;
• Knowledge of Quality Assurance and control procedures;
• Ability to communicate effectively, work independently and work productively in a multidisciplinary, multicultural team;
• Ability to adapt new technology and methods to enhance program effectiveness.
• Strong English language skills, both written and spoken.
• Knowledge of MS Office; and statistical analyses and database usage