Simon Macharia

I am an analytical chemistry professional passionate about pursuing a career in my area of specialization. The competencies acquired during my course and practical work experience include; laboratory skills, quality control, safety, research, data collection, carrying out administrative and marketing functions, and health management. Highlights of my experience include; assisting Biology and Chemistry students in carrying out qualitative and quantitative analysis, facilitating quantitative phytochemical analysis and antioxidant analysis to students, conducting practical sessions on Crop Protection, training students on Plant Breeding, Soil Fertility as well as carrying out qualitative analysis of botanical extracts using GC-MS.

My goal is to secure a senior-level position in the industrial sector where I can exploit my skills in Quality Control, Marketing, or production where I can put my expertise into use and assist in improving existing processes and systems.

Transport Manager at Byline Investment Limited (2022-01 – Present)

• Making sure vehicles are properly maintained
• Inspecting vehicles
• Arranging repairs and routine maintenance
• Ensuring that all drivers and operators have the correct, up to date qualifications
• Reducing the risk of vehicle overloading
• Maintaining and completing accurate records
• Keeping schedules and organizing team members

Presiding Officer at Independent Electoral and boundaries commission (2022-01 – 2022-12)

• Comply with any instructions given
• Take charge of the polling station
• Maintain the secrecy of the ballot
• Supervise the Poll Clerk(s) at the polling station
• Collect and check the ballot box and contents at the end of your Presiding Officer briefing
• Transport of election materials
• Provide assistance to voters where appropriate, including helping those that have physical difficulties in accessing the Polling Station

Laboratory Technician and Biology/ Chemistry Teacher at Different Schools (2020-01 – 2022-12)

• Collecting, receiving, labelling, and/or analysing samples or substances using the correct testing equipment, when necessary
• Designing and executing laboratory testing in line with standard testing procedures, recording observations, and interpreting findings
• Providing technical support, when necessary and keeping up to date with relevant scientific and technical developments
• Understanding the curriculum and developing schedules, lesson plans, and teaching methods that will help students cover the required content
• Preparing and delivering lessons that are stimulating and clear
• Educating students on lab safety and ensuring all experiments are carried out responsibly
• Setting up tests, assignments, experiments, and grading students fairly
• Ensuring appropriate resources and consultation times are available to students
• Mentoring and providing support to student teachers

Research Officer at Kenya Agriculture Livestock Research Organization (2019-01 – 2019-12)

Soil Fertility and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Roles

• Carried out soil sampling
• Determined total nitrogen in plant tissues
• pH analysis in soil and soil solutions
• Extracted and developed colour in elements to determine K, Na, and Na using UV/vis spectrometer
• Determined macro and micronutrients in soil using a flame spectrometer
• Determined the amount of copper in sugar cane juice using Fertilizer application and calculation

Research Officer - Plant Breed and Biotechnology Laboratory at Kenya Agriculture Livestock Research Organization (2019-01 – 2019-12)

• Handled Tiller count plant breeding
• variety testing description and release
• Brix and pol analysis in sugarcane juice
• DNA extraction and Qualification -PCR and DNA gel electrophoresis-preparing plant tissues culture

Research Officer - Crop Protection and Microbiology at Kenya Agriculture Livestock Research Organization (2019-01 – 2019-12)

Crop Protection and Microbiology (Pathology)

• Handled pest and diseases scouting
• Nematode's extraction and determination
• Ensured serial dilution
• pesticides and herbicides testing

Bachelors of Science in Analytical Chemistry With Computing – University of Eldoret (2016-01 – 2021-12)

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education – Molo Secondary High School (2012-01 – 2015-12)