The Livestock Development for Community Livelihood Organization (LDC) is a local non-profit organization with over 20 years experiences on research and development (R&D) on livestock and agriculture, and edible insects as food and feed in Cambodia. 

In 2023, LDC has successfully implemented the first phase of a pilot project (Round-I) entitled “Cricket farming and Chaya planting solutions tackle the specific challenge of climate change adaptation and resilience (CCar) to reduce livelihood vulnerability of rural poor in Cambodia”, funded by AFCIA / ISGAP / UNDP. 

In 2024, LDC continues financial support from AFCIA / ISGAP / UNDP for the second phase (Round-II), which is an extension and scaleup. Therefore, LDC is looking for inspired and motivated intern students to join our dynamic team in cricket-based products and Frass research and development activities below: 

1.  Cricket-based products (R&D-I) with four experiments will be conducted –

–     Testing to evaluate the different freezing periods in storing fresh cricket in room temperature

–   Conducting experiment on development of cricket seasoning and predicting of its shelf life of “cooked whole-cricket as snack food”

–     Conducting experiment on development of cricket seasoning and predicting of its shelf life of “cooked whole-cricket powder as food ingredient”

–     Conducting community survey on preference, acceptance, and attitude of consumers for cricket-based products 

2.  Cricket Frass (R&D-II) with two experiments will be conducted –

–     Conducting experiment on the effect of different levels of cricket Frass application on growing vegetables (a)-Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), (b)-Celery cabbage (Brassica chinensis var), and (c)-Mustard green (Brassica juncea) in plastic baskets;

–     Conducting experiment on the effect of application intervals as best practice of cricket Frass on growing décor plants (a)-Pease Lily Plants (Spathiphyllum), (b)-Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata), and (c)-ZZ plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia) in Jars 

Responsibilities 

–     Direct practice in the experiments from day to day during the experiment

–     Perform in-house tests, assist sensory evaluation, support external testing and analyze data

–     Assist in conduct research and design experimental method on the assigned activities of the project by directly involving in the experiments (design, data collection, recording and data entry)

–     Prepare samples for shelf-life studies including frozen cricket, cooked whole-cricket, and cooked cricket powder (R&D-I); and for evaluating the amount and application period studies including Frass and other required samples; by conducting the experiment based on plan, and document the finding results

–     Assist applying the 5S (ស.៥) approach for the sites of processing, storing, and chemical analysis lab and general maintenance of equipment and lab facilities in warehouse of the work places

–     Other works assigned by immediate supervisor

–     Report on any problems and challenges and suggestions  

Requirements 

–     Currently pursuing bachelor’s degree of Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related background (for R&D-I), and degree of Agriculture or related background (for R&D-II)

–     Basic knowledge; of Food Science and Analytical Chemistry (for R&D-I); of Agriculture, livestock, and edible insects (for R&D-II); and/or other relevant knowledge

–     Capacity to design and implement field surveys, to manage and analyze qualitative and quantitative data

–     Good computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and Power Point)

–     Proficiency in English (e.g. writing, reading, listening}

–     Detail-oriented with good organizational skills

–     Good personality, good communication, and able to work with minimal supervision

Benefits

–       Practical knowledge on experimental design, data recording and analysis

–       Supporting the thesis writing  

–       Potential opportunities to be project staff at LDC

–       Providing monthly stipend 

Supervision team: 

Dr. Chhay Ty, with the support of Dr. Miech Phalla and Mr. Son Pov 

Duration: 

6 months each project, March-August 2024 

How to apply 

The interested applicants, please submit your updated resume to:

E-mail: info.ldc.kh@celagrid.org or info.ldc.kh@gmail.com  

Contact:

Name: Mr. Khiev Rathna, Admin Manager

Phone:  012 933 326

Telegram: +855 12 933 326