Analytical Laboratory Technologist 

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.

DESCRIPTION 

We are seeking an Analytical Laboratory Technologist with laboratory skills to support RICA’s teaching, applied research, and extension programs. The ideal candidate should have a background in Biology, Chemistry, and soil laboratory analysis with experience in operating a range of analytical equipment used in an agricultural research laboratory.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Responsible for sampling and testing samples (ingredients and finished products) to ensure correct composition and to identify any quality control issues that need to be corrected.
• Providing accurate and timely analytical results in support of RICA’s teaching, research and extension program.
• Provide expertise in operation of all analytical laboratory equipment.
• Provide accurate data and prepare reports for laboratory management.
• Align all data correction and recording in line with the targeted RICA laboratories’ accreditation/or designation program.
• Provide knowledge of analytical methods used for soil, plant, food products, water and livestock feed.
• Follow all RICA’s policies and procedure to ensure the integrity of laboratory test results and reports.
• Fulfill other responsibilities and duties as assigned for the benefit of the performance of RICA laboratories.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Fluent speaker of English.
• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Chemistry, biochemistry, soil science, food science, with minimum of five years’ experience working in an analytical laboratory.
• Experience in data collection and interpretation, as well as the storage and retrieval of samples in a laboratory setting.
• Demonstrated experience in operation of key laboratory instrumentation, including but not limited to Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry, UV/VIS spectrophotometry, elemental analyzer, ion meters, Fiber and Fat analyzers, among others.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing ISO/IEC 17025 especially its new version of 2017 for laboratory accreditation and or designation.
• Good understanding of analysis techniques, good laboratory and management practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, but also to work effectively in
• Team leadership with stress tolerance.
• Computer skills including Microsoft Office applications, particularly word and Excel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, soil science, food science, agriculture.
• Three years working experience in an analytical laboratory.