121 Research Assistant jobs in Kenya

• Assist in the design and implementation of research studies.
• Conduct literature reviews to gather and synthesize relevant academic information.
• Collect, clean, and organize research data using various digital tools and platforms.
• Perform statistical analysis of quantitative data using software such as SPSS, R, or Python.
• Analyze qualitative data through methods like thematic analysis or content analysis.
• Assist in the preparation of research reports, presentations, and academic publications.
• Maintain accurate and organized research records and documentation.
• Collaborate with research team members via online communication channels.
• Participate in regular virtual team meetings and research discussions.
• Contribute to the development of research methodologies and data collection instruments.
• Identify potential challenges in data collection or analysis and propose solutions.
• Ensure adherence to ethical guidelines and data privacy protocols throughout the research process.
• Support senior researchers in various project-related tasks as assigned.
• Develop a deeper understanding of specific research areas through dedicated study.

• Currently enrolled in a Master's or PhD program in a relevant field such as Economics, Sociology, Statistics, Public Health, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• Strong academic record with a demonstrated interest in research.
• Proficiency in at least one statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata, Python libraries like Pandas/NumPy).
• Familiarity with qualitative data analysis methods and software (e.g., NVivo) is a plus.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a remote environment.
• High level of organization and attention to detail.
• Proactive and eager to learn new research techniques and tools.
• Access to a reliable internet connection and a suitable remote workspace.
• Previous research experience, though not mandatory, is highly desirable.

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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• Assist senior researchers in conducting academic and applied research projects.
• Perform comprehensive literature reviews and synthesize research findings.
• Collect and organize research data using various methodologies.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis using statistical software.
• Contribute to the drafting of research papers, reports, and presentations.
• Assist in the preparation of research proposals and grant applications.
• Maintain accurate and organized research records and documentation.
• Participate in research team meetings and contribute to discussions.
• Adhere to research ethics and protocols.
• Manage research tasks and deadlines in a remote work setting.

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a Master's or PhD degree in a relevant field (e.g., Social Sciences, Sciences, Engineering, Business).
• Strong academic record and demonstrated interest in research.
• Proficiency in research methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative.
• Experience with data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, NVivo) is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a remote team.
• Proactive attitude and eagerness to learn.
• Familiarity with academic writing standards.
• Access to a reliable internet connection and a suitable remote work environment.

• Assist in the design and execution of agricultural experiments, both in virtual simulations and field data collection coordination.
• Collect, organize, and analyze scientific data using statistical software and other research tools.
• Conduct literature reviews to support research projects and stay abreast of the latest scientific findings.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and research papers under the guidance of senior staff.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures, observations, and results.
• Collaborate with team members on research projects, sharing insights and contributing to problem-solving.
• Assist in the development and testing of new agricultural techniques, crop varieties, and farming methods.
• Manage and maintain research databases and information systems.
• Ensure adherence to scientific protocols and ethical research standards.
• Participate in virtual team meetings and contribute to research discussions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Agronomy, Plant Science, Agriculture, Biology, or a related field.
• A strong academic record and a demonstrated interest in agricultural research.
• Basic understanding of experimental design and data analysis principles.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel for data management.
• Familiarity with statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS) is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Meticulous attention to detail and ability to follow complex instructions.
• Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working independently in a remote environment.
• Enthusiasm for learning and contributing to agricultural advancements.

• Assist in collecting, organizing, and analyzing research data.
• Conduct literature reviews and synthesize information from academic sources.
• Support the development of research methodologies and experimental designs.
• Prepare research reports, presentations, and manuscripts for publication.
• Utilize statistical software and data analysis tools.
• Contribute to the maintenance and organization of research databases.
• Collaborate with researchers on various project tasks and objectives.
• Attend virtual research meetings and contribute to discussions.
• Ensure adherence to research ethics and protocols.
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications.
• Perform background research on specific topics as directed.
• Help in troubleshooting and resolving data-related issues.

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Master's or Ph.D. program in a relevant field (e.g., Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Social Sciences).
• Strong academic record and demonstrated interest in research.
• Proficiency in at least one statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, Python for data analysis).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a remote setting.
• Familiarity with academic research methodologies and data analysis techniques.
• Eagerness to learn and contribute to research projects.
• Basic understanding of research ethics and data integrity.
• Access to a reliable internet connection and a suitable remote working environment.