Technical Fellow In-Residence
- Application Deadline: Dec. 21, 2025
- Accra
- On-site
The AI Technical Fellow In-Residence is the technical backbone of the MEST AI Startup Program each year. During this one-year contract (January 2026 to December 2026), you will work directly with entrepreneurs-in-training (EITs) to ensure they can apply the technical concepts taught in the curriculum — from AI model development to deployment.
This is a highly hands-on, highly interactive role that includes regular meetings with EITs, experts, partners, facilitators, and program staff to collaborate, troubleshoot,
and accelerate learning.
You should have deep technical expertise, a passion for AI, and an excitement for learning alongside entrepreneurs. This is a role for a doer — someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-energy environment and is ready to dig in.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Training & Support
● Deliver interactive tutorials and workshops on AI/ML, software engineering, and MLOps
topics from the curriculum (e.g., Python, APIs, LLMs, RAG, LangChain, vector
databases, multi-agent systems, Docker, CI/CD)
● Provide 1:1 and group technical coaching, ensuring entrepreneurs can implement
concepts in their MVPs
● Conduct code reviews and guide participants in adopting best practices
Curriculum Integration
● Work with expert facilitators to align technical sessions with business and product
milestones.
● Adapt and create technical content based on evolving AI tools and participant needs.
Problem-Solving & Mentorship
● Support entrepreneurs in debugging and overcoming technical challenges.
● Learn and experiment with new AI tools alongside participants, sharing insights rapidly.
● Promote responsible AI use, including bias mitigation, privacy by design, and ethical
considerations.
Collaboration & Program Support
● Partner with program staff to ensure participants have the technical resources they
need.
● Contribute to creating a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative learning environment.
● Actively engage in scheduled check-ins, collaborative planning meetings, and review
sessions with EITs and program stakeholders.
Skills & Requirements
Technical Expertise
● Advanced proficiency in Python, Git/GitHub, and API development.
● Hands-on experience with:
○ LLMs, prompt engineering, and fine-tuning
○ RAG pipelines, embeddings, vector databases, LangChain
○ Multi-agent systems (e.g., CrewAI) and memory management
○ MLOps, CI/CD, Docker, cloud deployment, and API security
● Strong grasp of software engineering fundamentals: testing, EDA, model evaluation.
Experience
● 2 - 4+ years in software engineering and AI/ML product development.
● Track record of taking AI products from concept to deployment.
● Experience in startup or fast-paced, project-based environments.
Soft Skills & Mindset
● Excellent communicator and collaborator, with cross-cultural sensitivity
● Proactive problem solver with a hands-on “doer” mentality
● Adaptable, curious, and eager to learn alongside entrepreneurs
● Passionate about excellence, creativity, and innovation
Great Place to Work
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International Visa and Travel Expenses
-
Salary commensurate with experience
-
Healthcare
About the company
MEST is a pan-African software and entrepreneurship training program, seed fund and incubator helping launch technology startups across the continent. Founded in Ghana in 2008 by serial entrepreneur Jorn Lyseggen, MEST is a 12 month program that provides critical skills training in software development, business, and communications to Africa’s burgeoning tech talent. MEST provides seed funding for the best ideas coming out of the program and continues supporting the growth and development for its portfolio companies.
To date, MEST has trained over 1000s of entrepreneurs from across the continent and invested in over 80 startups across industries from Agritech, Fintech, SaaS, eCommerce, Digital Media and Healthcare amongst others. MEST is fully funded by the Meltwater Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Norwegian company Meltwater, the global leader in media intelligence headquartered in San Francisco.
Emily Fiagbedzi | Contact Person
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