Background information about the job or company (e.g., role context, company overview)

The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates to be considered for the position of Technician in Food, Nutrition and Livelihood Security within the Faculty of Life Sciences and Natural Resources at LUANAR.

Responsibilities or duties

The successful candidate will provide technical support for teaching, laboratory practicals, research, consultancy, community outreach, and equipment management in the Food, Nutrition and Livelihood Security Programme. The position requires an individual with strong laboratory, food processing, nutrition assessment, and community engagement skills who is committed to promoting high-quality practical training and research excellence.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Applicants should possess:

• A Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nutrition and Food Science PLUS a Diploma in Food, Nutrition & Livelihood Security or a closely related field from accredited university with at least a Credit.
• Competence in nutritional status assessment, dietary assessment, food processing and preservation, food product development, food and nutrient analysis, and food security and livelihood assessment.
• Ability to operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory, food processing, and anthropometric equipment.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, and teamwork skills with a high level of integrity and attention to detail.

Experience needed

A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in a technical, laboratory, academic, or research support role preferably in a university, research institution, or related organization.

Practical experience in supporting laboratory teaching, student practical training, and community outreach programmes.

Experience in conducting experiments, managing laboratory records, quality assurance, and data management.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

The successful candidate will be engaged on an initial two-year contract before they can be considered for permanent appointment based on satisfactory performance. Remuneration will be in line with LUANAR Staff Regulations and Conditions of Service (2023).

LUANAR is an equal opportunity employer hence females are encouraged to apply.

• Assist academic staff in preparing and delivering laboratory and community practical sessions.
• Develop work plans, standard operating procedures, practical materials, and teaching resources.
• Demonstrate the safe and correct use of laboratory, food processing, and anthropometric equipment.
• Facilitate and assess students during laboratory, field, industrial attachment, and community practical activities.
• Liaise with communities, industries, health institutions, and other stakeholders to support outreach and experimental learning.
• Contribute to curriculum development, review, and delivery of short courses and technical trainings.
• Support the design and implementation of research and consultancy projects.
• Prepare research materials, samples, equipment, and laboratory procedures.
• Assist with nutrition assessments, dietary surveys, food analysis, food product development, and livelihood assessments.
• Participate in data collection, statistical analysis, database management, and report writing.
• Maintain accurate research records and support student research projects.
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, clean, and troubleshoot laboratory, food processing, and anthropometric equipment.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and report faults promptly.
• Maintain inventories of laboratory equipment, chemicals, ingredients, consumables, and supplies.
• Ensure proper storage, handling, and disposal of laboratory materials.
• Initiate procurement requests and assist in budgeting for laboratory and outreach activities.
• Implement and monitor quality control procedures for laboratory and practical activities.
• Ensure compliance with institutional, ethical, and professional standards.
• Conduct routine laboratory safety inspections and promote occupational health and food safety practices.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting of technical activities and experimental records.
• Participate in departmental committees, workshops, and professional development activities.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to enhance student learning and industry engagement.
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity in all assigned duties.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Head of Department or authorized University officials.

• Strong laboratory skills
• Food processing skills
• Nutrition assessment skills
• Community engagement skills
• Ability to operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory, food processing, and anthropometric equipment.
• Experience in conducting experiments, managing laboratory records, quality assurance, and data management.
• Knowledge of statistical and data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, or similar) will be an added advantage.
• Excellent communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Organizational skills
• Teamwork skills
• High level of integrity
• Attention to detail

• A Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Nutrition and Food Science PLUS a Diploma in Food, Nutrition & Livelihood Security or a closely related field from accredited university with at least a Credit.