Analytical Laboratory Technician

The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) is hiring an Analytical Laboratory Technician in Kigali, Rwanda, for a 4-month position. The role involves supporting research and extension programs through laboratory analysis, requiring skills in Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Soil sciences. Responsibilities include sample preparation, testing, maintaining inventory, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Candidates need a relevant Bachelor's degree and at least five years of laboratory experience.
JOB DETAILS: The Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) is a unique and innovative English language undergraduate institution dedicated to preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders of Rwanda and East Africa. Students at RICA engage in curricular and co-curricular learning opportunities emphasizing Conservation Agriculture and One Health principles, oral and written communication, leadership, and entrepreneurship. In an experiential learning environment, students develop the knowledge and experience necessary for a wide range of careers in agriculture. Students at RICA experience the six Enterprises including Dairy, Poultry and Swine, Food Processing, Row and Forage Crops, Vegetable and Fruit Crops, Irrigation and Mechanization. The curriculum is designed to incorporate threads of Innovation, Conservation, One Health Systems Thinking, and Entrepreneurship. Communication, One Health Systems Thinking, and Entrepreneurship are woven throughout the curriculum. All RICA graduates will be innovative problem solvers able to operate farms and ranches, start agribusinesses, assume management roles in cooperatives, NGOs, and other agricultural enterprises, serve their communities as extension agents and technical and policy experts, or assume positions of agricultural leadership in Rwanda. POSITION: Analytical Laboratory Technician DURATION : 4 Months NUMBER OF POSITIONS: 2 Position Overview We are seeking an Analytical Laboratory Technician with laboratory skills to support RICA’s applied research and extension programs through laboratory analysis. The ideal candidate will have a background in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Soil sciences and Soil laboratory analysis with high skills in operating the range of analytical equipment used in agricultural research laboratories. RESPONSIBILITIES • Responsible for sample preparation and testing (ingredients and finished products); • Maintain an organized inventory of samples and consumables, ensuring they are easily retrievable for testing and analysis. • Work closely with laboratory analysts, scientists, and other personnel to ensure samples are processed and analyzed in a timely manner. • Provide accurate and timely analytical results. • Provide expertise in operation of analytical laboratory equipment. • Prepare reports for laboratory management. • Follow all RICA's policies and procedure to ensure the integrity of laboratory test report. • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, including Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and other industry-specific standards. • Fulfill other responsibilities and duties as assigned for the benefit of the performance of RICA laboratories. QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Soil Science, or Crop Science • Demonstrated knowledge of operating key laboratory instrumentation, including but not limited to Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, UV/VIS spectrophotometry, elemental analyzer, ion meters, Fiber and Fat analyzers, among others. • Minimum of five years’ experience working in an analytical laboratory. • Good understanding of analysis techniques, good laboratory and management practices. • Demonstrated ability to work independently. • Computer skills including Microsoft Office applications, particularly word and Excel. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: • Fluency in speaking and writing English. • Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a multidisciplinary environment. • Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts • Strong organizational skills with ability to manage time and workload prioritization Job Experience: No Requirements Work Hours: 8 Experience in Months: Level of Education: Bachelor Degree