Food Microbiology Research Lab Technician

Job Summary

The Food microbiology Safety Laboratory Technician will be part of the Research Team in the ARDP, Food Safety Research Program, at Central State University and will report to the food safety research assistant Professor. They will be responsible for executing basic research laboratory experiments that are related to food microbiology safety and plant pathology, as directed by the supervisor. Responsibilities will also include collecting environmental samples in the agricultural fields and greenhouses.

The Technician will be a self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as a team environment, both in the laboratory, and in the field, as needed.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Perform routine food safety/microbiological testing following established protocols and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ability to culture and isolate microorganisms in a laboratory setting and effectively plate serial dilutions.
• Ability to use molecular techniques to identify and isolate bacterial and fungal cultures.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures for laboratory equipment and methodologies.
• Document results of testing following a technical report format.
• Effectively communicate, per audience, the data, and results of microbiological lab research.
• Troubleshoot and maintain microbiological testing equipment, to include supplies and microorganisms.
• Maintain the lab in compliance with microbiological safety housekeeping standards.
• Ability to set up, maintain, calibrate, and repair laboratory equipment as needed.
• This job requires the ability to perform physical tasks, such as lifting, moving, or carrying samples and lab equipment for up to 50 pounds.
• Assist the supervisor in data entry/ management, scientific manuscript & literature reviews.
• Assist in the field and Technical Services as needed.
• Complete special projects assigned by the supervisor.
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

Required Abilities and Skills

• Excellent Communication Skills.
• Ability to collect and manage scientific data, and write lab reports, business correspondence, and policy/procedure manuals.
• Mathematical Skills. Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.
• Critical Thinking Skills.
• The ability to work in laboratory environments that contain biological safety hazards, at BSL-2.
• Performing the experiments will require extensive standing, and extensive use of arms and hands.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and broad knowledge of such fields as Microbiology, Food Science, Molecular Biology, Agriculture, Plant Pathology, Plant Science, Biology, or closely related fields. Equivalent to a four-year college degree, plus 5 years related laboratory experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have experience with microbiological or molecular biology lab techniques including fungal and bacterial isolation and qRT-PCR and nucleic acid extraction.
• A master’s degree in a related field can be used to replace the work experience required.
• Ability to set up, calibrate, maintain, and repair laboratory equipment.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be authorized to work in the US.