Assistant Director, Laboratory Services (Organic Chemistry), KMFRI Grade 4

Reference: KMF/EX/ADVT/AD-LAB/8

Job description

Overseeing implementation of policies, strategies and regulations for laboratory programs to achieve organizational objectives;

Managing plans for maintaining and calibrating equipment, managing consumables and reagents, and ensuring efficient and cost-effective laboratory operations;

Supervising senior staff in the department to ensure their qualification and training meet requirements for GLP and ISO/IEC 17025;

Reviewing technical documentation, protocols, and reports, including policies and procedures for recording and storing experimental data;

Implementing policies and procedures for managing reagents, consumables, samples, and specimens to ensure accuracy, reliability, and safety;

Implementing policies and procedures to monitor and improve the accuracy, reliability, and repeatability/reproducibility of test results and data;

Ensuring all laboratory activities adhere to the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) system, particularly ISO/IEC 17025, and GLP standards where applicable;

Leading internal audits to verify the effective implementation and maintenance of the laboratory management system (LMS);

Establishing and implementing corrective actions to address discrepancies and prevent future issues, contributing to the continuous improvement of the QMS;

Overseeing all analytical work and analysis, ensuring it adheres to set standards and turnaround times (TAT); and

Establishing and maintaining robust systems for documenting all activities, including experimental data, protocols, and reports.

Person specification

For appointment to this grade, an officer must have:

Cumulative period of twelve (12) years' relevant work experience, three (3) of which should have been at the grade of Principal Laboratory Analyst or in an equivalent or comparable position;

Bachelor's Degree in any of the following disciplines: Applied Biology, Food Technology, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or equivalent, from a recognized institution;

Master's degree in any of the following: Applied Biology, Food Technology, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or equivalent, from a recognized institution;

Membership to a professional body/association where applicable and in good standing;

Certificate in Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks, or equivalent, from a recognized institution;

Proficiency in computer applications;

Demonstrated results in work performance; and

Experience in organic chemistry will be an added advantage.

Key competencies and skills

Analytical skills;

Computer proficiency;

Strong communication and reporting skills;

Strong managerial skills and ability to lead teams;

Mentoring, coaching and leadership skills; and

Interpersonal and negotiation skills.

Remuneration and benefits

Basic salary scale: KShs. 148,634 – KShs. 193,225 P.M.

House allowance: KShs. 50,000 P.M.

Commuter allowance: KShs. 17,000 P.M.

Annual leave allowance: KShs. 20,000 P.A.

Medical cover and other allowances: As provided by KMFRI

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Minimum qualifications

BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA

How to apply

The detailed job descriptions, person specifications and other requirements are accessible on KMFRI's official recruitment portal (https://careers.kmfri.go.ke/). Interested and qualified applicants are requested to submit their applications online through the recruitment portal. Applications should be received on or before 30 November 2026, 23:59 hrs (EAT).

Notes

Successful candidates, in compliance with Chapter Six of the Constitution, will be required to present originals of the following documents:

Certificate of Good Conduct from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations

Clearance/Compliance Certificate from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB)

Tax Compliance Certificate from the Kenya Revenue Authority

Clearance from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC)

Clearance from a recognized Credit Reference Bureau (CRB)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and shall be required to produce originals of their National Identity Card, academic and professional certificates during the interviews.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an oral and practical interview.

Any canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.

Hard copy applications will not be accepted.

KMFRI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity. Persons living with disability, women, youth and those from marginalized areas are encouraged to apply.

Interested and qualified? Go to Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI) on careers.kmfri.go.ke to apply

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