Lab Trainee

Role Overview

This six-month training position is built for a current internal employee who wants to move into laboratory work within food safety and quality assurance. You will spend your days preparing and testing food samples, carrying out microbiological analyses, and getting practical exposure to key physico-chemical checks such as aflatoxin screening, moisture content, and water quality. By the end of the program, you will have the hands-on skills and confidence to step into an independent laboratory role, with structured mentoring and regular assessments supporting your progress from day one.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for testing and perform microbiological workflows including media preparation, inoculation, plating, incubation, and enumeration of colonies under supervision.
• Carry out hygiene and environmental swabbing in accordance with zone 1, 2, and 3 protocols to support contamination control.
• Assist with physico-chemical testing such as moisture determination, aflatoxin screening, water quality checks, and visual assessment of food products.
• Record all test outcomes accurately in laboratory logbooks and data reporting templates, ensuring complete traceability.
• Draft preliminary Certificates of Analysis (CoAs) for senior review, learning how to translate raw results into clear quality documentation.
• Observe and support audit preparation, supplier inspections, and corrective action follow-ups to understand how lab data drives wider quality decisions.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organised laboratory environment by following hygiene, safety, and equipment care procedures at all times.
• Lead or actively contribute to a small improvement project during the final month of training, applying the skills you have developed to a real operational challenge.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Must be a current employee of Food for Education with at least one year of service at the time of application.
• Must hold a bachelor’s degree in food safety, microbiology, food science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated ability to follow standard operating procedures with strong discipline and meticulous attention to detail.
• Genuine interest in food safety, quality assurance, and laboratory science, with a willingness to learn through practice.
• Basic computer literacy in Microsoft Excel, Word, and email for data recording and professional communication.
• Prior exposure to kitchen audits, hygiene monitoring, or quality assurance processes is an advantage but not a prerequisite.
• Availability to commit to the full six-month structured training program, including monthly written and practical assessments.

What We Offer / Why Join

This is more than a routine lab placement — it is a deliberate development pathway. You will receive bi-weekly check-ins with a Lab Associate, direct escalation support from the Food Safety & Quality team when needed, and structured monthly assessments to track your growth. Over six months, you will build practical competencies across microbiology, physico-chemical analysis, documentation, and quality assurance, all while contributing to real lab operations. By the end of the program, you will be prepared to take on an independent laboratory role within the organisation.