Research Assistant

5 days ago

Nairobi, Nairobi Area, Kenya Essential Full time 1,200,000 - 3,600,000 per year

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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