Who we are:

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is proud to manage one of the most comprehensive and enduring datasets on any animal species. Recently, the Fossey Fund has expanded its research to include additional gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, aligning with our strategic goal of achieving 100% research coverage within the next five (5) years. These data are essential for advancing scientific knowledge of gorillas and informing conservation strategies for this endangered species.

To support this effort, we are seeking highly collaborative individuals with experience in conservation to join our team as a Laboratory Technician. This position will be based at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus located in Kinigi Sector – Musanze District/ Northern Province. 

Position Title: Laboratory Technician (1)

Job Purpose:

General:

The Laboratory Technician assists in the conduct of research applications in Fossey Fund’s Primate Science and/or Biodiversity Science Laboratories. This includes contributing to activities such as sample storage and laboratory processing, data collection protocols, data entry and management, and compliance with all applicable laboratory safety programs. The Laboratory Technician ensures data accuracy, integrity, and accessibility in support of research and to enable informed decision-making and reporting and supports coordination of daily lab activities.

Specialised for this call:

This position will support the Fossey Fund’s physiological monitoring and research programs, and other analyses of biological samples, and will be based primarily in the sample intake and hormone laboratories.

Main Duties/Responsibilities:

General:

1. Participate in laboratory-based protocols that support Fossey Fund’s primate/biodiversity research, monitoring and conservation efforts.
2. Assist in data entry and cleaning.
3. Participate in maintaining a safe working environment, including acting in full compliance with biosafety, chemical safety, and ethical research standards as appropriate and contributing to periodic safety reviews.
4. Take responsibility for the proper use and care of all lab materials and equipment, and ensure cleanliness and hygiene are always maintained in the laboratory.
5. Contribute to the writing of reports as needed.
6. Participate in program meetings and represent the team in other internal meetings as needed.
7. Assist in the training of students, interns and researchers on various laboratory protocols and equipment use as needed.
8. Assist in communications/PR programs (e.g., laboratory visits by tourists, students, and school children) as needed.
9. Perform additional tasks as requested by the employer

Specialized:

1. Conduct the processing, assay and measurement of biological samples from primates for physiology monitoring/research, genetic studies, parasite research, and other ongoing research projects following established protocols.

Education and Professional Qualifications:

• Advanced Diploma or bachelor’s degree in biology (also including Zoology, Botany and Conservation), Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Veterinary Medicine, or a related field.

Work Experience:

• Advanced diploma plus a minimum of one year of experience (including professional internship) in data collection, laboratory processing and/or analysis of biological samples.
• Bachelor’s degree with no additional experience required.
• Having practical training and/or experience in laboratory processing and/or analysis of biological samples, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for analysis of animal (human and/or nonhuman) physiology, Biosafety Level (BSL) II laboratory protocols and safety measures is advantageous.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

Technical Skills

• Demonstrated ability to follow established lab safety requirements and protocols regarding the handling of biological samples and use of laboratory equipment (advantageous).
• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Excel and Word.

Knowledge

• Foundational understanding of principles and laboratory methods in biology, chemistry and/or related fields, and associated safety practices.

Soft Skills

• Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills, including time management, and ability to record data accurately.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate within a multi-cultural lab team.
• High degrees of patience, resilience, and discipline.

Other Abilities

• Fluent in English; French or Kinyarwanda is a strong asset.
• Deep commitment to Fossey Fund’s core values: integrity, courage, equity, passion, and collaboration. 
• Willingness to live and work in remote field stations for extended periods.

Application Process:

NB: Before applying Kindly  print the form then fill  it out then submit it with the rest of required document via  the Email 

All candidates interested in this opportunity are invited to submit the following documents:

• A cover letter setting out briefly the candidate’s motivation and suitability for the position, not more than 1 page,
• A filled Job Application form
• An Updated CV.
• The name, position, and contact number for three references, 
• A copy of education and training certificates/diplomas/degrees
• A copy of relevant work certificates.
• A Copy of your national ID

The interested candidates are required to submit their application in a single PDF file via email to karisokejobs@gorillafund.org

by Friday, January 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m

NOTE: 

1. Candidates who previously applied for the Laboratory Research Assistant – Biological Sample Analysis and Wildlife Physiology position are encouraged to reapply. The job requirements have been revised, and the position has been reclassified as an entry-level role; therefore, previous applications were not considered.
2. Only short-listed candidates shall be contacted.

Felix NDAGIJIMANA

Rwanda Country Director