Commercial Tissue Culture Specialist - Coffee Production at Mai Shayi Coffee

Position Objective

• The Tissue Culture Specialist will oversee developing and implementing our commercial plant tissue culture unit for coffee propagation.
• This role is ideal for someone with a strong leadership background in mass plant micropropagation and research and development (R&D) who excels in commercial environments and is enthusiastic about contributing to the future of African-grown coffee.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and manage all aspects of coffee micropropagation in a sterile lab environment.
• Select, sterilize, and prepare elite coffee tissues for propagation.
• Formulate and prepare culture media; maintain and update stock solutions.
• Maintain high-quality culture collection and sterile working conditions.
• Schedule propagation timelines and ensure ongoing plantlet production.
• Implement new protocols for introducing novel varieties into culture.
• Record and analyze observations, results, and production data.
• Prepare and submit weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports on plant production, contamination rates, lab supply usage, and project milestones to management.
• Maintain and update nursery records and technical logs (e.g., flask replacement dates, use of disinfectants, and inventory).
• Supervise, train, and evaluate the performance of lab assistants and technicians.
• Ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practices and internal SOPs.
• Manage nursery practices, including hardening, disease control, and acclimatization of plantlets.
• Coordinate with R&D and agronomy teams to integrate propagation outcomes into plantation strategies.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Master’s Degree in Plant Biotechnology, Horticulture, Agronomy, or a related field.
• 7 - 10 years of hands-on experience in commercial plant tissue culture (coffee or similar high-value crops preferred).

Proven expertise in:

• Aseptic techniques and micropropagation.
• Media formulation and contamination control. Initiation and maintenance of tissue cultures. o R&D protocol development and varietal improvement.
• Experience managing a lab producing at least 1 million plantlets per annum.
• Strong background in nursery and floriculture practices.
• Technical expertise in organic fertilizers and indigenous plant growth nutrients.
• Experience in lab setup and facility management is an added advantage.
• High level of integrity, organizational skills, and attention to detail. Desirable Skills
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and team leadership skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Ability to document work accurately and communicate findings effectively.
• Advanced training in tissue culture techniques is preferred.

Reporting Line:

• The Commercial Tissue Culture Specialist will report directly to the Head of Production & Innovation and work closely with the Managing Director on strategic propagation targets and quality assurance metrics.
• Our Promise At Mai Shayi, you’ll work with a passionate, purpose-driven team dedicated to reshaping Africa’s coffee narrative. 
• This role offers a rare opportunity to influence and build a foundational pillar of our farm-to-cup value chain.