The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Laboratory Technician - Yam and Bambara groundnut on behalf of The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to support plant biotechnology and crop improvement research through the preparation, establishment, maintenance, and regeneration of in vitro cultures of yam and Bambara groundnut. The role is responsible for conducting plant tissue culture activities, including media preparation, explant sterilization, culture initiation and multiplication, and supporting transformation, regeneration, greenhouse acclimatization, and maintenance of regenerated plants in accordance with established laboratory protocols and quality standards.
ILRI is an international organisation working for better lives and better planet through livestock. ILRI’s mission emphasises the interconnections between people, animals, and the environment, aiming to improve the lives of more than 300 million people in low- and middle-income countries through livestock science that supports equitable and resilient livestock systems, ultimately contributing to food systems transformation with climate and environmental benefits. This mission is delivered through two core strategic objectives: co-designing and deploying sustainable, science-based livestock solutions, and leveraging science to inform and influence policy and investment decisions.
ILRI is a member of the CGIAR, a global research alliance that works to transform food, land and water systems in a climate crisis and is the only CGIAR centre dedicated to addressing multiple development challenges through sustainable livestock solutions.
IITA is a non-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across sub-Saharan Africa, IITA improves livelihoods, enhances food and nutrition security, increases employment, and preserves natural resource integrity. For more information, please visit https://www.iita.org/about/
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare plant tissue culture media required for Yam and Bambara groundnut transformation and regeneration experiments.
- Perform seed sterilization, explant preparation, and culture initiation following established protocols.
- Maintain, multiply, and regularly subculture in vitro Yam and Bambara groundnut cultures.
- Support regeneration, transformation, potting, and maintenance of regenerated plants in the greenhouse.
Requirements
The ideal candidate should hold:
- Diploma in the Agriculture with 2 years of relevant work experience
- Basic knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel) or other software
- Experience in Bambara ground nut tissue culture
- Understanding of health and safety in the workplace and good working practices
- Good oral and written communication skills
Terms of Appointment
This position is at job level HG9 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals.
The position is a 10 Month fixed term contract. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes pension, medical and other insurances.
How to apply: Applicants should send a cover letter and CV expressing their interest in the position, what they can bring to the job and the names and addresses (including telephone and email) of three referees who are knowledgeable about the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience to the Head of People and Culture through our recruitment portal by clicking on "Apply Now" on or before 30 September 2026. The position title and reference number REF: IITA/09/2026 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.
We thank all applicants for their interest in working for ILRI. Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
ILRI does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing or training). ILRI also does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.
To find out more about ILRI, visit our websites at http://www.ilri.org/
ILRI is an equal-opportunity employer.