Job Openings at One Acre Fund

About the Role

• We are looking for a Microbiology Coordinator to help us build and run our brand-new food testing lab. You will make sure our food is safe for customers and help our farmers by ensuring their products meet high-quality standards. You will report to the Laboratory Specialist and lead a small team of 1 to 2 people.

Responsibilities

Pathogen Detection & Analytical Excellence

• Find Dangerous Microorganisms and Pathogens: utilising Microbiological methods, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) platforms to detect microorganisms like Salmonella and Listeria.
• Check Food Freshness: Test for yeast, mold, and other signs to see how long food stays fresh.
• Verify Methods: Make sure our testing methods follow technical standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 and we get the testing results right every time. You are expected to be a real expert in microbiological testing methods and practice.

Factory Hygiene & Cleaning Checks

• Surface Swabs: Wipe down factory floors and machines to prove they are truly clean and sterile.
• Air & Water Testing: Test the air in packaging rooms and the water used to wash food to make sure no germs are hiding there.

Laboratory Care & Safety

• Prepare Testing Materials: Mix and sterilize the "media" (germ food) used for tests and make sure it works correctly.
• Machine Maintenance: Look after lab equipment like incubators and autoclaves to keep them working perfectly.
• Keep it Sterile: Follow strict "clean" rules to make sure no one gets sick in the lab and samples don't get mixed up.

Traceability & Chain of Custody

• Track Everything: Keep a clear list of every sample from the moment it arrives until it is disposed
• Report Problems: If a test shows a problem, note this down immediately and tell the manager.

Career Growth and Development

• We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You'll have weekly check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months, and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You'll have the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term career.

Qualifications

• 3+ years working in a microbiology lab (Food Industry is best).
• A Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology or Food Science.
• You know how to use PCR/ELISA machines and how to grow and test germs safely.
• You understand how to keep a lab safe and how to clean lab tools properly.
• You can manage 1–2 staff members and plan the daily work
• You can explain science in simple words and write good reports.
• You are great at following a plan and keeping track of details.

End Date 16th August 2026

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About the Role

• As a Soko Lab technician, you will be responsible for the end-to-end integrity of our samples from aseptic collection on the factory floor to high-tech preparation and rigorous laboratory maintenance.This role is the backbone of our quality assurance process, bridging the gap between our production lines (Macadamia, Avocado Oil, and Dried Fruits) and the analytical lab. You'll report to the Laboratory Specialist.

Responsibilities

Field & Production Sampling Operations

• Aseptic Collection: Execute daily sampling plans across multiple production lines, ensuring zero external contamination.
• Environmental Swabbing: Systematically monitor ‘high-care’ zones to support microbiology sanitation verification.
• Statistical Representation: Ensure small-volume samples accurately represent bulk volumes from farmers and factories.

Sample Management & Processing

• LIMS Administration: Formally track samples within the Laboratory Information Management System to maintain a Chain of Custody.
• Technical Preparation: Perform cryogenic grinding, solvent extraction, and serial dilutions to prepare samples for final analysis.

Laboratory Sterility & Maintenance

• Sanitation: Manage the "Clean-To-Dirty" glassware flow and operate autoclaves to ensure 100% tool sterility.
• Reagent Formulation: Prepare culture media and chemical reagents (pH/concentration sensitive) for PCR or ELISA testing.
• Safety & Waste: Oversee hazardous waste disposal in compliance with NEMA and OSHA standards.

Inventory & Asset Support

• Stock Governance: Monitor consumable "burn rates" and trigger reorders to prevent downtime.
• Safety Warden: Maintain chemical storage organization, functional eye-wash stations, and team PPE compliance.

Career Growth and Development

• We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You'll have weekly check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months, and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You'll have the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term career.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a laboratory environment (Food Manufacturing preferred).
• Proven skill in aseptic sampling, grinding, dilution, and solvent extraction.
• Familiarity with LIMS and digital data management.
• Strong understanding of laboratory safety protocols, waste management, and hygiene standards.
• Excellent work planning and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Capable of making routine decisions and representing the team to stakeholders with minimal supervision.
• High attention to detail in reporting and non-conformance tracking.
• Ability to explain complex technical findings in simple terms.

End Date 16th August 2026

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About the Role

• The role involves providing support to Data Coordinators in tool coding in CommCare, Case ID management, management of CommCare users, inventory tracking, and supporting the Field team in troubleshooting data collection tool related issues. Additionally, this position entails managing back-check officers and overseeing the back-check rollout and reporting.

Responsibilities

Inventory and Asset Management

• Conduct the day-to-day management of the existing inventory management systems (including updating  inventory/ asset trackers, indemnity forms, etc.), with oversight from senior staffers
• Procure  'low value' items, with supervision from senior staffer

Enumerator/ Data Collector Management

• On-board and train back-checkers, with oversight from senior staffers
• Manage the back-checker hiring process, as per established procedures (i.e.  guidelines set by HR and/or  senior staffer) and with a  high level of oversight
• Oversee back-check activities and provide feedback as needed

CommCare Management

• Install CommCare on new tablets for the various MEL streams and surveys.
• Assist Data Coordinators and the MEL Field during training of enumerators.
• Own the coding of back checks and data checks for at least one of the MEL streams. 

Knowledge Management.

• Own the process of updating the Knowledge Management Guide/Map.
• Manage our Knowledge Management Shared Folder

Career Growth and Development

• We have a strong culture of constant learning and we invest in developing our people. You’ll have weekly check-ins with your manager, access to mentorship and training programs, and regular feedback on your performance. We hold career reviews every six months, and set aside time to discuss your aspirations and career goals. You’ll have the opportunity to shape a growing organization and build a rewarding long-term career.

Qualifications

• Data collection experience will be an added advantage
• Tech Savvy
• Intermediate proficiency in CommCare
• Competent in Microsoft Suite (e.g. Word and Excel)
• Can produce well-structured written notes and summary reports
• Can develop simple trackers and dashboards

End Date 19th August 2026