Temporary Research Assistant - Pecan Food Safety - Fort Valley State University

FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (FVSU), a state and land-grant institution of the University System of Georgia, invites applications for the position of Temporary Research Assistant - Pecan Food Safety.

Fort Valley State University, the only 1890 land-grant university in Georgia, is a comprehensive institution that provides an education to over 2,800 students including graduate students. The university is located in the town of Fort Valley in Peach County, the original site of the state's peach industry. Its 1,365-acre (5.52 km2) campus is Georgia's second-largest public university in area.

Fort Valley State University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate against applicants, students, or employees on the basis of race, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or marital or veteran status.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is a temporary, short-term position. The Research Assistant- Food Safety (RA) will work in the area of Pecan Food Safety with the scientists and graduate students in Biotechnology and Animal Science Programs. The RA will provide support for research by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, report writing, and perform operational duties associated with pecan food safety research.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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 nonthermal 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 skill
• Must be able to work in a team environment.
• Must have a positive attitude.
• A valid driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A MS degree in Biological Sciences, Food Science, Food Safety or related technical field
• Experience in the use of food safety engineering equipment (UV-light/pulsed 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 nonthermal processes in food safety a plus
• Experience gained during graduate training will be credited at ½ 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 in a BSL-2 laboratory.
• Operate and drive state vehicles.
• Occasional travel required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found on-line at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653.