Job Overview

The Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Laboratory Technician – Food Science and Technology.

The successful candidate will provide technical support for teaching, research, and practical activities within the Food Science and Technology discipline. The role involves supporting laboratory experiments, maintaining equipment, ensuring food quality and safety standards, managing laboratory resources, and assisting academic staff and students during practical sessions.

Key Responsibilities

Academic and Research Support

• Assist academic staff in preparing and conducting food science laboratory practical sessions.
• Support students during experiments, demonstrations, and practical learning activities.
• Assist in research projects involving food processing, food chemistry, food analysis, and related areas.
• Support data collection, analysis, and preparation of technical reports.
• Guide students and researchers on the proper use of laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Support workshops, training sessions, and research activities.
• Maintain adequate stocks of laboratory materials, chemicals, reagents, and equipment.
• Prepare requests for laboratory supplies and maintain accurate usage records.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Operate food science laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Ensure laboratory instruments are properly handled, maintained, and used according to operating procedures.
• Maintain equipment records and report technical faults promptly.

Quality Control and Laboratory Safety

• Conduct laboratory tests and analyses related to food science and technology.
• Assist in sample collection, preparation, and analysis.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and research data.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, laboratory quality, and institutional standards.
• Conduct safety checks and promote proper laboratory practices.
• Support quality assurance procedures during practical and research activities.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Manage laboratory inventory and resource records.
• Support laboratory scheduling and preparation for practical sessions.
• Collaborate with academic staff, students, and relevant stakeholders.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Head of Department.

Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• A Bachelor's degree in Food Science and Technology or Food Chemistry from a recognized university with at least a Credit.
• A Master's degree in the relevant field will be an added advantage.

Additional Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A minimum of three (3) years' relevant experience in a technical support role within a recognized university, research institution, food laboratory, or related environment.
• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot food science laboratory equipment.
• Experience conducting laboratory tests, experiments, and quality control procedures.
• Experience handling research data and statistical analysis tools.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and quality standards.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills when working with students and academic staff.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• High levels of integrity and professionalism.

Terms and Conditions

Successful candidates will be appointed on an initial two-year contract, with eligibility for permanent appointment based on satisfactory performance.

Remuneration will be in accordance with the LUANAR Staff Regulations and Conditions of Service (2023) applicable to fixed-term contract staff.

• Assist academic staff in preparing and conducting food science laboratory practical sessions.
• Support students during experiments, demonstrations, and practical learning activities.
• Assist in research projects involving food processing, food chemistry, food analysis, and related areas.
• Support data collection, analysis, and preparation of technical reports.
• Guide students and researchers on the proper use of laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Support workshops, training sessions, and research activities.
• Maintain adequate stocks of laboratory materials, chemicals, reagents, and equipment.
• Prepare requests for laboratory supplies and maintain accurate usage records.
• Operate food science laboratory equipment and analytical instruments.
• Perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Ensure laboratory instruments are properly handled, maintained, and used according to operating procedures.
• Maintain equipment records and report technical faults promptly.
• Conduct laboratory tests and analyses related to food science and technology.
• Assist in sample collection, preparation, and analysis.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and research data.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, laboratory quality, and institutional standards.
• Conduct safety checks and promote proper laboratory practices.
• Support quality assurance procedures during practical and research activities.
• Manage laboratory inventory and resource records.
• Support laboratory scheduling and preparation for practical sessions.
• Collaborate with academic staff, students, and relevant stakeholders.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Head of Department.

• Ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot food science laboratory equipment.
• Experience conducting laboratory tests, experiments, and quality control procedures.
• Experience handling research data and statistical analysis tools.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and quality standards.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills when working with students and academic staff.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• High levels of integrity and professionalism.

• A Bachelor's degree in Food Science and Technology or Food Chemistry from a recognized university with at least a Credit.
• A Master's degree in the relevant field will be an added advantage.
• A minimum of three (3) years' relevant experience in a technical support role within a recognized university, research institution, food laboratory, or related environment.