Delaware State University
Vacancy Announcement -- Research Technician in Food Safety
College of Agriculture and Related Sciences
Apply online at www.desu.edu
Applications will be accepted until position is filled
THIS IS A 100% FULLY GRANT FUNDED POSITION
General
Description of the Job
Delaware State University’s College of Agriculture and Related Sciences
Dover, Delaware, seeks a self-motivated Research Technician in Food
Microbiology who has experience on food virology, bacteriology and food
safety. The incumbent will work cooperatively and independently on
laboratory research project funding this position. The overall goal is to
identify effective non-thermal processing technologies and to optimize
processing parameters to destroy these viruses in high risk foods, shell
fish (oysters and clams), fresh and frozen berries (strawberries,
raspberries and blueberries), berry purees, green onions, and salsa.
Specifically, the incumbent will be expected to work in food safety
research focusing on determining the physical and sensory attributes of
the processed food of the effect of the four non-thermal processing
technologies; high hydrostatic pressure (HPP), gamma radiation, UV, and
washing with sanitizers; on inactivation of human norovirus
(NVs), tulane virus (TV), hepatitis A virus
(HAV) and rotavirus (RV) in the high risk foods. In addition, the
efficacy of these non-thermal processing technologies will be tested on
pathogenic bacteria that cause large outbreaks in these high risk foods
(Vibrio parahaemolyticus in shellfish and
Escherichia coli O157:H and and
Salmonella in other products).
The
research technician will be in charge of obtaining and analyzing food
samples for a suite of pathogens. All analyses will be performed using
EPA or other accepted methodologies. The Research Technician will be
expected to work cooperatively with other food safety funded programs as
needed. The position also requires the individual to assist with student
training and mentoring, data analysis, and report preparation. This is a
grant-funded position with continued employment contingent upon
additional funding and satisfactory performance.
Required
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The successful candidate must have a Bachelor of Science degree from a
fully accredited institution of higher learning plus a minimum of 2 years
of experience in food science, biology, chemistry, microbiology,
molecular biology, or a related field is required or a Master of Science
degree in any of the above mentioned fields. Knowledge of sample
preparation and analysis for microbiological, other laboratory analyses
and technique are important. Also knowledge in the following areas is
desired:
- Theories, principles, and
practices of microbiology, specifically bacteriology, virology and
aseptic technique;
- Analytical skills related
to chemical testing, data collection, including sample preparation;
- Basic knowledge of
microscopy, titration, overall lab management;
- Be able to perform simple
calibrations of equipment and maintenance of equipment;
- Knowledge of and experience
with sample processing, database creation and maintenance,
cryopreservation of samples, all in a diagnostic laboratory setting;
- Skill in the use of
computers and common operating systems and software for data
storage, management, and retrieval, word processing, spreadsheets,
and slide presentations;
- Development of successful
working relationships with managers and staff;
- Oversight of graduate
students in the laboratory;
- Good organizational and
time management skills;
- Excellent oral and written
English communication and teamwork ability;
- Conducts responsibilities
with the utmost integrity and honesty;
- Must have a valid driver’s
license and be willing to travel.
All
applications must be submitted electronically via the Delaware State
University website (www.desu.edu). In addition, to receive full
consideration, please submit a PDF-format application packet including a
cover letter, resume, transcripts, and contact information for three
references to Lisa Hopkins at lhopkins@desu.edu
Note: The
University reserves the right to change or reassign duties as provided in
policy and negotiated agreements.
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