The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Research Associate III to support the design, implementation, and analysis of research activities across feed and forage development, feed processing and quality assessment, and animal, poultry, and fish nutrition trials. The role will contribute to field experimentation, laboratory analysis, market and regulatory assessments, and multi-stakeholder engagement aimed at improving feed and forage systems and advancing adoption of innovative technologies in Kenya.
ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa. www.ilri.org
Key Responsibilities:
- Support planning and implementation of feed and forage production trials, including crop-residue processing and evaluation of improved feed ingredients
- Assist in preparation, processing, and laboratory analysis of feed, forage, and FDP samples (nutrient profiling, digestibility, and safety assessments)
- Contribute to the setup, management, and monitoring of animal, poultry, and fish feeding trials, ensuring accurate measurement of performance indicators
- Conduct field data collection, sampling, and initial sample preparation for quality assessment, including on-station and on-farm forage variety trials
- Compile, clean, and manage field, laboratory, survey, and trial datasets; perform basic data analysis and contribute to scientific reports and communication materials
- Support surveys and stakeholder engagements related to forage production, feed use, adoption constraints, markets, and regulatory requirements
- Assist in organizing trainings, field days, workshops, and other knowledge-sharing activities with farmers, private sector actors, and service providers
- Provide logistical, operational, and supervisory support for research activities, ensuring proper use and maintenance of field, farm, and laboratory equipment
- Perform any other related duties assigned
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in animal science, animal nutrition, feed science and technology, agricultural biotechnology, or a closely related field
- Five years relevant experience
- Certification in laboratory safety, agrochemical handling, or animal welfare is an added advantage
- Hands-on experience in agricultural research, livestock or aquaculture nutrition, feed and forage development, laboratory analysis, or related areas
- Practical involvement in field trials, laboratory assays, or on-farm research is essential
- Experience working with farmers, private-sector actors, government agencies, or development partners is desirable
- Prior exposure to data collection, data management, and basic statistical analysis is an advantage
- Strong practical skills in field experimentation, sample collection, and laboratory procedures
- Ability to manage multiple activities across farm, laboratory, and field settings
- Competence in data entry, cleaning, and use of statistical or spreadsheet software
- Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders
- Strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and commitment to maintaining high-quality records
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
- Willingness to travel frequently to field sites
Post location: The position will be based in Nairobi, Kenya
Terms of Appointment
This position is at job level HG 12 and it is only open to Kenyan nationals.
The position is a 3 years 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 27 January 2026. The position title and reference number REF: LGNFR/ 2097 /2025 should be clearly marked on the subject line of the cover letter.