"Laboratory Specialist I"

Laboratory Specialist I

Company: Virginia Tech

Job Location: Blacksburg, Virginia

Category: Laboratory and Research

Type: Full-Time

Job Description

The individual in this position will perform quantitative analysis of nutrients in food samples, which may include retinol, starches, ash, moisture, and other nutrients in a variety of food samples, manage data and QA/QC files, prepare assay reports, perform method development as needed; prepare and homogenize food samples for analysis; assist with research projects on food composition and analysis; revise and/or prepare Standard Operating Procedures as needed; be responsible for the inventory, maintenance, and safe storage and/or disposal of chemicals and hazardous chemical waste and serve as the lab's EHS liaison; assist with other day-to-day general laboratory duties as needed which include, but are not limited to, sample shipping and receipt; large-scale sample preparation and homogenization of food samples, sample inventory management and shipping, temperature monitoring of sample storage areas and equipment, general laboratory clean up, and assist with checks of safety equipment.

Please submit resume, cover letter and list of references with application.

Required Qualifications

B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science and Technology, or related field with equivalent training and experience; Experience with the preparation of food samples for chemical analysis of nutrients in a research setting. Minimum 1 year hands-on experience with extraction and quantitative HPLC analysis of food components, including analytical QC. Detail oriented; strong organizational, interpersonal, and oral/written English communication skills with the ability to follow SOPs and perform method development and troubleshooting when necessary. Competence in general laboratory skills (quantitative pipetting, weighing, etc.) and laboratory equipment use and safety; experience with laboratory record keeping. Demonstrated working knowledge of quantitative chemical analysis; Ability to demonstrate accuracy and precision achieved in quantitative analysis of biological matrices; Hands-on experience with use of automated liquid chromatography instrumentation; Experience with Chemstation software; Competence with basic computer software including word processing, spreadsheets (e.g., Word, Excel); Ability to work independently. Must be able to work with and handle all types of food, but not limited to: dairy, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with sample handling and management for the USDA Food Data Central database; experience with Virginia Tech EHSS Chemical Hygiene Plan hazardous waste management and laboratory safety protocols. Familiarity with laboratory inventory management systems. Experience with analysis of ascorbic acid, retinol, starch by enzymatic-gravimetric methodology, moisture, and ash in food samples.

Pay Band 3

Overtime Status Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type Restricted

Salary Information $38,000 - $40,000

Hours per week 40

Review Date 03/17/2026

Additional Information

Please submit a resume, cover letter and list of references when applying to this position.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

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