1 jobs in Essential
Job Description
Research Assistant
Essential is a new bioscience organisation creating breakthrough solutions to tackle malnutrition and transform food systems. We are leveraging advances in fermentation to convert agricultural byproducts into affordable, accessible, and climate-resilient proteins that can be integrated into products to prevent and treat malnutrition. Our goal is to catalyse a new model of climate-resilient protein production in Sub-Saharan Africa and build a bioscience R&D engine in East Africa.
Essential was founded on the belief that advances in the sciences hold potential to transform the most important global problems. We are a passionate and fast-paced team focused on generating breakthrough solutions to tackle malnutrition. We are audacious in our vision, ambitious in our thinking, and rigorous and humble in our approach. We have a presence in Nairobi and Addis Ababa.
We are seeking a highly motivated
Research Assistant
to support our R&D activities focused on fungal process development, media formulation, and process optimization. The successful candidate will assist with lab-scale and pilot-scale experiments, perform analytical assays, and ensure accurate data documentation under the guidance and supervision of our Scientists.
Key Responsibilities
- Support lab-scale and pilot-scale fermentation experiments, including setup, monitoring, and sampling.
- Maintain microbial cultures (stock cultures, inocula, and working strains) in compliance with biosafety and quality standards.
- Prepare culture media, feedstocks, and reagents according to established protocols and SOPs.
- Perform analytical assays (e.g., biomass, protein, sugars, pH, metabolites) to evaluate fermentation performance.
- Operate and maintain fermentation equipment, including bioreactors, shakers, and analytical instruments.
- Collect, organize, and record experimental data in laboratory notebooks and digital databases.
- Assist in troubleshooting fermentation runs and contribute to continuous improvement of R&D processes.
- Follow strict laboratory safety, hygiene, and quality-control protocols.
- Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and cross-functional teams to support research milestones.
Experience & Skills:
- BSc in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Food Science, or related field
- 1-2 years of experience in microbiology and fermentation
- Attention to detail and meticulous record keeping is required
- Experience analyzing fermentation experiments is a plus
- Able to work a flexible schedule as needed
- Hands-on experience with microbial culture techniques (aseptic inoculation, streaking, cryopreservation).
- Experience operating and monitoring autoclaves for media and equipment sterilization.
- Conversant with lab math (dilutions, media preparation, unit conversions).
- Basic analytical skills (pH meter, spectrophotometry, protein/glucose assays).
- Familiarity with fermentation systems (shake flasks, benchtop bioreactors, anaerobic chambers).
- Ability to use Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or digital platforms.
- Experience working with Google Drive and G Suite Applications
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
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