Research Assistant - Food Safety

Job Summary

The Research Assistant- Food Safety (RA) will work in the area of food safety with the scientists and graduate students in Biotechnology and in Animal and Food science. The RA will provide support for research by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data and perform operational duties associated with food safety research.

This is a full-time position at the Agricultural Research Station in the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in procuring laboratory materials and supplies
• Conduct experiments, collect and analyze data
• Conduct statistical analysis
• Coordinate research work conducted by undergraduate and graduate students
• Assist in conducting laboratories for undergraduate and graduate courses
• Assist in installation, calibration, operation, repair and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• The above mentioned duties and responsibilities are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive

Qualifications

Minimum:

• BS degree in Biological Sciences, Food Science, Food Safety or related technical field
• Knowledge of foodborne microorganisms and their inactivation processes and general microbial laboratory practices
• Knowledge of non-thermal processes for inactivating foodborne microorganisms
• Minimum six months' experience in a food safety laboratory
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment in a food safety laboratory
• Knowledge of and experience with statistical packages
• Must have effective written and oral communication skills
• Must be able to work in a team environment
• Must have a positive attitude
• A valid driver's license

Preferred:

• MS degree in Biological Sciences, Food Science, Food Safety or related technical field
• Experience in the use of food safety engineering equipment (UV-light generators, automated spiral spreaders and colony counters, vapor sorption analyzers, color and texture analyzers etc.) and other food engineering laboratory equipment
• Prior experience in the use of non-thermal processes in food safety environment a plus
• Experience gained during graduate training will be credited at time

Working conditions

Full time 8 am - 5 pm, Monday through Friday; occasional weekend work in the laboratory may be required

• Work is primarily done indoors
• Operate and drive state vehicles
• Occasional travel required

Physical requirements

• Occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, standing, climbing, kneeling
• Exposure to different foodborne microorganisms and laboratory chemicals