Co-train Animal Science Staff on Gas Chromatography Machines
Peace Corps
Full-time
On-site
Africa, Ethiopia
Job Description
Animal Science encompasses various disciplines such as animal nutrition, physiology, genetics, reproduction, and health. Conducting experiments and research in these areas requires a sound understanding of laboratory equipment and their proper handling. However, the individuals working in animal science at Wolaita Sodo University have not all received adequate training in this aspect. The proper handling and management of laboratory equipment is crucial to ensure accurate and reliable results, maintain laboratory safety, and prolong the lifespan of costly equipment. Inadequate knowledge and skills in this area can lead to equipment malfunction, data contamination, or even accidents in the laboratory.
To address this challenge, the university is requesting a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to build the capacity of 3 to 4 laboratory technicians who are responsible for laboratory equipment handling and management through training seasons on key components such as laboratory safety, equipment use, storage, and handling, prevention measures, compliance, and practical exercises.
Specifically, the training will be on gas chromatography (GC) machine handling and management to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate operations, which are essential for animal science research and experimentation. These trainings will enhance the skills of laboratory staff and ensure sustainable actions and measures are implemented into the university’s laboratory protocols.
Wolaita Sodo University has not previously worked with a Peace Corps Volunteer or a VSPP. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.
Desired Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in animal science, agricultural science, or a related field
Experience:
• Experience developing training materials and guidance related to laboratory management and maintenance
• Familiarity with virtual engagement and communication
Required Skills
Education: Bachelor’s degree in any field
Experience:
• 1 year of experience working in an animal science laboratory
• Experience teaching or mentoring in an academic environment
• Experience working on gas chromatography (GC) machine installation and maintenance
Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually
Host Country Partner’s Mission and Goals
The vision of Wolaita Sodo University in Ethiopia is to be a leading university known for its excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. They strive to produce highly competent graduates who are not only academically skilled but also socially responsible and ethically conscious individuals.
The mission of Wolaita Sodo University is to provide quality education and advance knowledge through research and innovation for the social, economic, and cultural development of Ethiopia. The university is
committed to promoting the values of integrity, accountability, inclusivity, and sustainability. They aim to cultivate a culture of lifelong learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among their students. Moreover, they prioritize community engagement and collaboration to contribute to the overall development of the nation
Virtual Service Engagement and Tasks
The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:
• Co-facilitate a knowledge and skill gap assessment of the laboratory staff about gas chromatography (GC) machines
• Co-design training materials and co-facilitate weekly training sessions for the lab staff on gas chromatography (GC) machine function, setup and calibration, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting, and data management and documentation
• Co-design a laboratory check list for gas chromatography (GC) machine maintenance and installation
• Co-develop guidance, resources, and materials for the ongoing management and maintenance of gas chromatography (GC) machine
This engagement is expected to be approximately 18 weeks. VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5-15 hours per week.
Meetings between VSPPs and Host Country Counterparts will take place during normal office hours, Ethiopian time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
The Host Country Counterpart will have access to Zoom, WhatsApp, email, and Microsoft Teams for regular communication and collaboration.
Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0-18), two adults must be present.
Animal Science encompasses various disciplines such as animal nutrition, physiology, genetics, reproduction, and health. Conducting experiments and research in these areas requires a sound understanding of laboratory equipment and their proper handling. However, the individuals working in animal science at Wolaita Sodo University have not all received adequate training in this aspect. The proper handling and management of laboratory equipment is crucial to ensure accurate and reliable results, maintain laboratory safety, and prolong the lifespan of costly equipment. Inadequate knowledge and skills in this area can lead to equipment malfunction, data contamination, or even accidents in the laboratory.
To address this challenge, the university is requesting a Virtual Service Pilot Participant (VSPP) to build the capacity of 3 to 4 laboratory technicians who are responsible for laboratory equipment handling and management through training seasons on key components such as laboratory safety, equipment use, storage, and handling, prevention measures, compliance, and practical exercises.
Specifically, the training will be on gas chromatography (GC) machine handling and management to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate operations, which are essential for animal science research and experimentation. These trainings will enhance the skills of laboratory staff and ensure sustainable actions and measures are implemented into the university’s laboratory protocols.
Wolaita Sodo University has not previously worked with a Peace Corps Volunteer or a VSPP. They understand that the role of a VSPP is very different than a two-year Volunteer.
Desired Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in animal science, agricultural science, or a related field
Experience:
• Experience developing training materials and guidance related to laboratory management and maintenance
• Familiarity with virtual engagement and communication
Required Skills
Education: Bachelor’s degree in any field
Experience:
• 1 year of experience working in an animal science laboratory
• Experience teaching or mentoring in an academic environment
• Experience working on gas chromatography (GC) machine installation and maintenance
Intercultural skills and motivation: Flexible, strong cross-cultural agility, high tolerance for ambiguity, able to work independently, resourceful, creative, and genuinely motivated and capable to serve virtually
Host Country Partner’s Mission and Goals
The vision of Wolaita Sodo University in Ethiopia is to be a leading university known for its excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. They strive to produce highly competent graduates who are not only academically skilled but also socially responsible and ethically conscious individuals.
The mission of Wolaita Sodo University is to provide quality education and advance knowledge through research and innovation for the social, economic, and cultural development of Ethiopia. The university is
committed to promoting the values of integrity, accountability, inclusivity, and sustainability. They aim to cultivate a culture of lifelong learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among their students. Moreover, they prioritize community engagement and collaboration to contribute to the overall development of the nation
Virtual Service Engagement and Tasks
The VSPP will engage in the following tasks, in collaboration with their Host Country Partners:
• Co-facilitate a knowledge and skill gap assessment of the laboratory staff about gas chromatography (GC) machines
• Co-design training materials and co-facilitate weekly training sessions for the lab staff on gas chromatography (GC) machine function, setup and calibration, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting, and data management and documentation
• Co-design a laboratory check list for gas chromatography (GC) machine maintenance and installation
• Co-develop guidance, resources, and materials for the ongoing management and maintenance of gas chromatography (GC) machine
This engagement is expected to be approximately 18 weeks. VSPPs are expected to engage on the tasks listed above for an estimated 5-15 hours per week.
Meetings between VSPPs and Host Country Counterparts will take place during normal office hours, Ethiopian time. Specific times will be determined during orientation.
The Host Country Counterpart will have access to Zoom, WhatsApp, email, and Microsoft Teams for regular communication and collaboration.
Per the Child Protection Code of Conduct, when engaging online with minors (0-18), two adults must be present.