R&D Technical Assistant

Summit Recruitment & Search Africa

Our client, a leading international company specializing in post-harvest solutions for the floriculture industry, is seeking to recruit an R&D Technical Assistant to join their Research and Development team.

The successful candidate will support the planning, execution, monitoring and reporting of cut flower trials to evaluate flower quality, vase life and post-harvest performance. The role requires a detail-oriented, analytical and hands-on professional with strong technical, data management and reporting skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up, monitor and evaluate cut flower trials in the Vase Life Room and Controlled Atmosphere facilities, ensuring compliance with established research protocols.

• Conduct routine trial observations, collect accurate data and maintain photographic records to support research findings.

• Create and manage experiments using PlantScout, analyse trial data and prepare clear, accurate technical reports.

• Coordinate trial requests and testing schedules with Technical Consultants, maintaining an updated planner for ongoing and upcoming trials.

• Organise the collection of flower samples from farms and other designated locations, ensuring all materials and equipment are available for trials.

• Monitor laboratory equipment, including nitrogen and oxygen gauges and cooling systems, reporting any faults or deviations from established procedures.

• Maintain accurate research records, uphold laboratory safety and cleanliness standards, and support customer visits, technical demonstrations and research projects.

• Key Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Plant Science, Crop Science, Agriculture, Biological Sciences or a related field.

• Preferably 3 years of relevant experience in horticulture, floriculture, agricultural research, laboratory operations or crop trials.

• Experience in cut flower handling, post-harvest research or vase life testing will be an added advantage.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Word, with the ability to manage research data and digital records.

• Strong analytical, observational and report-writing skills, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to follow research protocols.

• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple trials, work independently and collaborate effectively with technical teams.

• Summit Recruitment and Search Africa is a leading Recruitment and Executive Search agency headquartered in Kenya providing outstanding talent to a wide range of companies and NGOs in various business sectors across Africa.

• We endeavour to make contact with all of our applicants, but unfortunately, high volumes of applications make this unrealistic. If you do not hear from us within two weeks your application has not been successful on this occasion. This does not mean you will not be considered for future roles so please keep an eye on our job board and apply for positions that match your skills and experience.

• Summit Recruitment and search Africa upholds a steadfast commitment to sustainability, inclusivity, and equality as integral pillars of our operations. Dedicated to driving positive change through the adoption of sustainable practices that minimize our ecological footprint. We firmly believe in fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce that embraces individuals from all races, genders, and backgrounds, ensuring equal opportunities for every candidate. Summit recruitment actively advocate for equality by cultivating an environment of respect, fairness, and non-discrimination. By prioritizing sustainability, inclusivity, and equality, we aim to set a high industry standard and contribute to the betterment of society as a whole.

• Summit Recruitment & Search, as a policy, does not charge any fee as a pre-employment or post-employment requirement