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RA II - Food Science-ROC00048 -
Maryland
Description
SBU/Central Function
into which the role reports: Mars Botanical
Position Title: Research
Assistant II - Food Applications
Reports To: Research Manager
Food Applications
Date of Job
Evaluation:
Purpose of Role:
The Research
Assistant II (Food) position is an integral part of the laboratory support
team, and is accountable for delivering against the project objectives set
for the Food Applications group within Mars Botanical. It is expected that
the position supports the product development efforts and some of the
science-driven activities through the design, execution and interpretation
of experiments.
The position
requires a positive, 'can-do' attitude and strong technical skills. He/she
must have experience handling multiple tasks while
maintaining composure under pressure as well as to be able to communicate
effectively. He/she should also be proactive in developing and/or
validating food characterization techniques in support of research and product
development projects.
Principal
Accountabilities
·
This position will be responsible for development of a wide range of
food systems for the delivery of active compounds. He/she will work in
partnership within a multidisciplinary team that aims to develop and/or
adapt methods for the quantitative analysis of such compounds in a
variety of food matrices. The associate will work in a hypothesis-driven
mode, that is, with a clear definition of objectives, testing protocols and
expectation(s) of the outcomes. The associate will be capable of writing
SOP's, preparing reports and/or presentations and to effectively
communicate results.
·
The associate is expected to work on problems of moderate scope and
technical difficulty where analysis of situation or data requires review of
identifiable factors related to ordinary laboratory experiments. The
associate may be responsible for leading and coordinating the testing with
other groups where appropriate.
·
Maintain accurate, complete logs/records of experiments and samples in the
standard lab notebook.
·
Execute project plans in accordance with project timelines
agreed with the research management team.
·
Possesses the ability to troubleshoot problems independently.
Develops a logical approach to identify and understand problems.
·
Keep abreast with developing technologies by engaging in disciplined and
constant survey of the literature and by, when appropriate, attend
meetings, industry conferences and training classes.
·
Ensure proper safety practices are followed in all testing and experiments
as well as comply fully with all applicable directives regarding health,
safety and environmental policies.
Mission Critical
Competencies:
·
Action oriented: enjoys working hard, not fearful of acting with
minimum planning
·
Listening: accurate in restating the case of others
·
Boss relationships: not tense in boss's presence, easy to challenge
and develop
·
Organized: arranges information and files in a useful manner, can
orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish a goal
·
Dealing with ambiguity: can effectively cope with change, isn't
upset when things are up in the air
·
Composure: can be counted on hold things together during tough
times, can handle stress
·
Creativity: comes up with new and unique solutions to problems
Qualifications
Key Functional
Skills/Knowledge
·
The incumbent will have a solid foundation in food chemistry and a
working knowledge in food processing operations (e.g. emulsification, spray
drying, powder agglomeration, pasteurization, sterilization, etc.). Strong
background in flavonoids is considered a plus.
·
From an instrumental point of view the incumbent must dominate at least
two of the following techniques: rheology (large and small deformation),
DSC, light scattering, HPLC, electrophoresis.
·
Must be comfortable using standard computer software (e.g. MS Office) as
well as specialized one (e.g. Origin, MathLab) as
to analyze data wherever appropriate.
·
Must have excellent oral/written communication skills as well as strong
technical, analytical and problem solving skills.
·
Strong interpersonal communication skills as the incumbent should be able
to work cooperatively and effectively with others.
·
Develops project timelines, creates technical proposals and reports and
makes recommendations.
·
Proactively seeks technical development with an emphasis on learning
procedures, techniques, and instrumentation. Works to understand the
theoretical and scientific principles relevant to his/her
project(s).
Key Experiences
·
Experience in food applications a plus, some analytical would be good, food
chemistry must be strong
Desired Education
·
BSc in Food Science and MSc in Chemistry or related
fields. MSc degree is a must.
Decision Making
Authority, Recommendations and Impact
·
Practices are guided by policies and procedures of Mars Symbioscience,
Mars Incorporated, Federal and State regulations.
·
The associate interacts closely with the supervisor. Tasks are
carried out as per protocol and typically works on multiple tasks or works
with little guidance on the development of new analytical techniques.
Travel
Domestic travel
and occasional international travel may be required for training and
off-site experimentation. Travel is expected to stay within 10% (i.e.
maximum 5 weeks/year).
People Management
Responsibility (per org charts)
None
Job
Research and Development
Primary Location
NA-USA-Maryland
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