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Lab Trainee at Food For Education
Food For Education
August 28, 2026
Full-time
On-site
Role Overview
The Lab Trainee will undergo a structured six-month training program focused primarily on
microbiological testing with exposure to selected physico-chemical analyses (aflatoxin,
moisture, water quality, and visual assessments). The role is designed to build foundational lab
competencies, provide hands-on experience in food safety testing, and prepare the trainee to
take on an independent lab role.
This is a work-based learning opportunity where the trainee will contribute to day-to-day lab
operations while developing technical and professional skills.
Key Responsibilities
Support in sample preparation, inoculation, plating, incubation, and colony counting under supervision.
Assist with hygiene and environmental swabbing in line with zone 1/2/3 protocols.
Participate in physico-chemical tests: moisture content, aflatoxin screening, water quality checks, and visual quality assessments.
Accurately record test results in lab logbooks, and reporting templates.
Draft preliminary Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) for review.
Observe and support during audits, supplier inspections, and corrective action processes.
Maintain lab hygiene, safety protocols, and proper use of equipment.
Participate in an improvement project during the final month of training.
Learning & Competency Areas
Over six months, the trainee will develop:
Microbiology Competencies:Aseptic technique, media preparation, microbial counts, pathogen detection, hygiene monitoring.
Physico-chemical Competencies:Moisture determination, aflatoxin screening, water quality testing, visual food quality assessments.
Operational Competencies:Documentation, CoA drafting, QA/QC principles, linking lab results to corrective actions.
Soft Skills:Lab discipline, attention to detail, teamwork, professional communication, data integrity, initiative.
Supervision & Support
Bi-weekly check-ins with the Lab Associate.
Escalation to Senior Associate;Food Safety & Quality when additional support is required.
Monthly written and practical assessments to track progress.
Eligibility (Internal Applicants Only)
Must hold a Bachelor's degree in Food Safety, Microbiology, Food Science, or a closely related field.
Current employment with Food for Education for at least 1 year.
Demonstrated discipline, attention to detail, and ability to follow SOPs.
Strong interest in food safety and quality assurance.
Basic computer literacy (Excel, Word, email communication).
Previous exposure to kitchen audits, hygiene monitoring, or QA and processes will be an advantage, but is not mandatory.
The Lab Trainee will undergo a structured six-month training program focused primarily on
microbiological testing with exposure to selected physico-chemical analyses (aflatoxin,
moisture, water quality, and visual assessments). The role is designed to build foundational lab
competencies, provide hands-on experience in food safety testing, and prepare the trainee to
take on an independent lab role.
This is a work-based learning opportunity where the trainee will contribute to day-to-day lab
operations while developing technical and professional skills.
Key Responsibilities
Support in sample preparation, inoculation, plating, incubation, and colony counting under supervision.
Assist with hygiene and environmental swabbing in line with zone 1/2/3 protocols.
Participate in physico-chemical tests: moisture content, aflatoxin screening, water quality checks, and visual quality assessments.
Accurately record test results in lab logbooks, and reporting templates.
Draft preliminary Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) for review.
Observe and support during audits, supplier inspections, and corrective action processes.
Maintain lab hygiene, safety protocols, and proper use of equipment.
Participate in an improvement project during the final month of training.
Learning & Competency Areas
Over six months, the trainee will develop:
Microbiology Competencies:Aseptic technique, media preparation, microbial counts, pathogen detection, hygiene monitoring.
Physico-chemical Competencies:Moisture determination, aflatoxin screening, water quality testing, visual food quality assessments.
Operational Competencies:Documentation, CoA drafting, QA/QC principles, linking lab results to corrective actions.
Soft Skills:Lab discipline, attention to detail, teamwork, professional communication, data integrity, initiative.
Supervision & Support
Bi-weekly check-ins with the Lab Associate.
Escalation to Senior Associate;Food Safety & Quality when additional support is required.
Monthly written and practical assessments to track progress.
Eligibility (Internal Applicants Only)
Must hold a Bachelor's degree in Food Safety, Microbiology, Food Science, or a closely related field.
Current employment with Food for Education for at least 1 year.
Demonstrated discipline, attention to detail, and ability to follow SOPs.
Strong interest in food safety and quality assurance.
Basic computer literacy (Excel, Word, email communication).
Previous exposure to kitchen audits, hygiene monitoring, or QA and processes will be an advantage, but is not mandatory.