Laboratory Analyst - 2 Posts at Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS)

Job Specifications

Duties and responsibilities: - 

• Conduct chemical analysis on agricultural inputs, soil fertility evaluation, irrigation water suitability for support of farmers to assure improved productivity and food security;
• Conduct pesticide residues and contaminants analysis in agricultural produce for compliance to food safety standards and national, regional international market requirements;
• Conduct microbiological analysis on food and environmental samples for compliance to food safety requirements;
• Undertake accurate detection and identification of regulated and non-regulated quarantine pests to support phytosanitary and seed regulations;
• Undertake Tissue culture cleanup and micro-propagation of plants and germplasm maintenance;
• Undertake Genetically Modified Organisms testing for detection, identification and quantification of events in support of the Biosafety act of 2009 and its regulations;
• Participate in identification of risks related to laboratory activities to minimize, leverage and identify potential challenges before they occur;
• Receive samples and maintain LIMS database;
• Verify and validate the correctness of test results by counter checking raw data and forwarding for approval;
• Perform tests on proficiency testing, inter-laboratory and intra-laboratory samples comparisons organized in the division.as a quality assurance and control measure to ensure validity of results;
• Maintains stock level for chemicals, reagents, glassware and equipment and other consumables by; developing specifications, evaluation and inspection to ensure seamless provision of laboratory services;
• Implements the quality management system based on ISO/IEC 17025 to attain process efficiency, continual improvement and facilitate trade;
• Performs scheduled in-house maintenance, calibration, intermediate checks and monitoring on assigned equipment to maintain accuracy of measurements;
• Implements and provides input in review of the laboratory quality systems;
• Participates in approved supervised pesticide residue field trials programs;
• Collates data on the performance of the laboratory through quarterly and annual reports to monitor compliance to Customer service charter;
• Participates in development and review of laboratory Protocols and Standard Operating;
• Procedures for suitability and relevance in line with international standard requirements;
• Prepares and submits individual performance reports highlighting compliance to set targets;
• Implementation of method validation plans for various analytical procedures;
• Sampling of agro-inputs, agricultural produce and products and environmental samples for quality and safety analysis and plant material for pest infestation and disease infection analysis;
• Conduct national surveillance, sampling and monitoring programs for plant pests, seeds and other regulated articles for phytosanitary and seed certification purposes;
• Support Pest Risk Analysis activities to advice on pest status and update pest listing the country;
• Support laboratory research activities towards strengthening phytosanitary and seed regulation;
• Carry out food safety audits to check compliance to set market requirements;
• Preparation of analytical reference standards solutions, reagents for the various laboratory methods;
• Diagnose, troubleshoots and conducts preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment to assure accuracy of measurements;
• Participate in stakeholder training, awareness and technological advice on food safety, plant health, quality of agro-inputs, soil and irrigation water quality for enhanced agricultural productivity;
• Support research and development programs of the Service.

Persons Specification 

For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have: -

• Bachelor of Science Degree in any of the following; Agriculture, Horticulture, Seed Technology, Botany, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Applied Microbiology, Applied Biology, Applied Biological Science,
• Applied Biological Technology and Plant Nutritionist from a university recognized in Kenya; and
• Meets the provisions of the Chapter Six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya.

Skills

• Computer applications proficiency. Knowledge in statistical packages will be an added advantage; 
• Good analytical skills; 
• Data handling skills; 
• Problem solving skills 
• Good communication skills; and 
• Report writing and presentation skills. 

Competencies

• Ability to work well under pressure; 
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work; 
• Ability to work independently and in a team; 
• Excellent and the ability to make decisions independently. 
• Knowledge in laboratory instrumentation and/or electronics and computer engineering; 
• Knowledge in international standards on good laboratory practice; and 
• Knowledge of Laboratory Quality Management System;