Senior Research Associate

Description About WorldFish WorldFish is an international research organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations, evidence for policy and knowledge to enable equitable and inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish and other aquatic foods for their livelihoods and nutrition. Our work in countries advances progress on multiple 2030 Sustainable Development Goals through science and innovation, with a vision of healthy people, healthy planet and shared prosperity. About the Position The FASA (Development and Scaling of Sustainable Feeds for Resilient Aquatic Food Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa) team is a multidisciplinary research and development team working to strengthen aquaculture through innovative, affordable, and sustainable fish feed solutions. The team collaborates with research institutions, academic institutions, government, private sector partners, and farming communities to develop, test, and scale locally sourced feed technologies that improve fish productivity, livelihoods, and food and nutrition security across Sub-Saharan Africa. The Senior Research Associate is responsible for leading, performing and monitoring day-to-day research operation activities in the laboratory at NRDC and field, ensuring adherence to protocols and successful implementation of routine operational tasks. The role involves engaging and collaborating with teams, stakeholders, and trainees to ensure seamless operations, knowledge sharing and effective community involvement in research activities. The Senior Research Associate oversees the timely execution of operational research tasks, maintains organized and safe workspaces, monitors inventory and equipment, and ensures quality standards in data collection, reporting, and waste management. The Senior Research Associate will be responsible to assist the Senior Scientist, Research Specialist and the Research Assistant in implementing research and development activities; compiling research data and supporting the preparation of other research related activities as may arise. Key Responsibilities Main Purpose of Job: Lead, perform, and monitor day-to-day research operations in the laboratory including feeding experimental fish, monitoring fish health and behavior and measuring water quality parameters following protocols and guidelines to ensure the successful implementation of experiments, trials or surveys. Oversee, prepare, maintain and repair materials and equipment for use in wet laboratory experiments e.g. experimental systems, water quality equipment, aeration and water circulation equipment, fish handling and sampling equipment, feeding and feed preparation materials and equipment, laboratory equipment, cleaning and maintenance materials as per the research plan to ensure smooth operations. Supervise and handle sample collection and processing to ensure samples are correctly prepared for analysis. Perform specific procedures and routine tasks related to experiments e.g. conducting growth samples, recording growth and feed intake data, collecting biological samples, ensuring accurate data collection and maintaining experimental systems and equipment to maintain research quality. Collect, record, compile, encode and proofread data related using devices such as tablets or computers, ensuring maintenance of data systems and performing basic data analysis as needed and prepare datasheets to organize and structure data for research and reporting. Data collection: Conduct and guide the collection of routine and experimental data to ensure comprehensive and accurate data capture. Assisting in the following: Scaling of FASA activities Planning and conducting conferences, workshops, field trips and other activities related to research, development and technology transfer Preparation of progress and final reports of the project. Publications of scientific papers, briefs, blogs etc. Dissemination of the project results and other publications as directed Main engagement, collaboration and communication responsibilities: Supervise the work of team members during research operations to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and according to standards. Engage and collaborate with other teams to ensure seamless and organized operations by addressing logistical needs such as machinery, inventory and material availability. Maintain communication with the supervisor or client to report any issues affecting service delivery and ensure they are addressed promptly. Engage and collaborate with stakeholders such as community members, local authorities, and government agencies to ensure their involvement in research activities and foster strong working partnerships by keeping them informed about relevant project developments. Laboratory: Prepare schedule for laboratory activities and delegate tasks to and oversee the execution of work by team members to maintain workflow efficiency and oversee the implementation of lab research demonstrations to partner organizations to showcase methods and outcomes, ensuring clarity and understanding of the research process. Main responsibilities in the delivery of timely and quality services: Oversee, maintain and monitor timely execution of activities in the workplace ensuring operations adhere to established standards and protocols. Maintain and organize workspace as required by protocols including maintaining cleanliness, orderliness and safety in the laboratory and other workspaces, preparation of commonly used solutions/materials, inventory and ordering of chemicals and supplies, and waste disposal. Maintain field and/or laboratory equipment, regularly calibrate used equipment and arrange for repair as needed. Monitor water quality and system/facility maintenance, ensuring conditions meet the necessary specifications for ongoing research and requirements. Requirements This job might be for you if you have the below skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Fish Feeds and Nutrition, Biology, Aquaculture, Fisheries, with proven experience in conducting experimental work with fish. Master’s Degree will be an added advantage. Desirable Skills/Experience Experience performing and guiding routine research tasks in field and/ or laboratory. Experience in setting up and refining research tasks based on clear guidelines. Experience working with other teams in implementing routine research tasks. Experience in collecting data using digital tools such as tablets and mobile phones. Experience of operating and maintaining machinery related to jobs. Experience in identifying fish species. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English are essential; working knowledge of one or more Zambian local languages is an advantage Key Competencies Required Core competencies Accountability: Collaborates with team members, taking responsibility for both individual and team success and seeks feedback to improve performance. Meets deadlines consistently and follows ethical guidelines. Collaboration and Communication: Conveys the information clearly and ensures the recipient understands the message. Fully engages in conversations and relevant information to support informed decision-making. Respect and Inclusion: Acknowledges team members’ contributions and collaborates effectively with diverse colleagues. Demonstrates flexibility and openness, supporting inclusive approaches that encourage full participation. Results and Impact Orientation: Proactively identifies challenges and demonstrates effective problem-solving; Consistently fulfils commitments and respects the organization’s mission and values. Adapts to new processes, emerging technologies and evolving requirements to maintain efficiency. Functional and Technical Competencies Analytical, Critical and Systems Thinking: Analyzes information from multiple sources to identify trends, draw conclusions, and provide actionable recommendations. Scientific Ethics and Integrity: Adheres to ethical guidelines in data collection, analysis, and reporting, discloses potential conflicts of interest, and ensures compliance and with open data principles to ensure transparency and accessibility. Equipment Operations: Anticipates and mitigates equipment hazards, applies preventative maintenance protocols for equipment longevity, and ensures adherence to safety procedures and guidelines by the team. Planning and Organizing: Plans and managing multiple priorities and deadlines independently, using time management tools to stay on track, and effectively balance competing tasks while adjusting as needed Problem Solving: Analyzes information to identify root causes, collaborates with colleagues to gather information, and prioritizes critical factors to propose effective solutions. Benefits This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position and WorldFish offers a competitive remuneration package including comprehensive benefits (but not limited to) insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents, employer provident fund contribution, paid leave, and others. The duration of the contract will initially be for a three-year period with possibility for extension, depending on funding and performance.

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