Nairobi-based Sanergy Ltd, in partnership with Kenyatta University and the University of Surrey, UK, is spearheading an innovative initiative called the African Agriculture Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Project. This project aims to foster knowledge sharing, innovation, and mutual learning in agriculture.
The Partnership
The KTP Project is a collaboration between the KTP Associate, a UK university, a Kenyan university, and a business partner. Funded by Innovate UK, this partnership employs the Associate through the knowledge base while they work at the business partner’s location, receiving guidance from company personnel and university academics.
This position is a 24-month fixed-term contract, with the potential for recruitment by the business partner afterward.
Sanergy’s Mission
Sanergy Ltd is dedicated to solving the sanitation crisis through the power of the circular economy. The KTP Associate will lead the implementation of innovative solutions to enhance process predictability and efficiency in Sanergy’s composting and Black Soldier Fly (BSF) production operations.
Role and Responsibilities
In this role, the Associate will:
- Implement hybrid mechanistic/artificial intelligence models of composting and BSF processes to improve predictability and performance.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret data from various sources to inform model development and optimization strategies.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to validate models, implement solutions, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Apply optimization under uncertainty techniques to enhance decision-making and mitigate risks associated with process variability and supply chain dynamics.
Skills and Qualifications
Ideal candidates will have:
- A master’s degree in engineering, computer science, mathematics, bioengineering, or a related field. A bachelor’s degree with relevant work experience may also be considered.
- Strong proficiency in programming languages like Python and R, as well as data analysis tools.
- Experience with modeling, simulation, and optimization software tools and platforms (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
- A solid understanding of bioprocess engineering principles and at least two years of experience in industrial insect production (preferably in composting and insect rearing).
- Experience in computational optimization, data-driven modeling, and artificial intelligence, especially in bioprocesses or supply chain management.
- Strong mathematical foundations, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
- A willingness to learn a wide range of skills.
Compensation
The position offers an attractive package, including a competitive salary, on-the-job training, and medical cover. Interested candidates should send their applications by midnight East African Time on July 31, 2024, to aaktp@ku.ac.ke.
For more information, click here and visit the partners’ social media handles and follow the hashtags: #KTP #JobOpening #Innovation #Agriculture #AI #Sanergy #Kenya #Engineering.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in agricultural innovation, combining expertise from Kenya and the UK to drive meaningful change in the industry.
If you’re a motivated postgraduate with a passion for bioprocess engineering and a knack for problem-solving, this opportunity could be your chance to make a real impact.