Updated: 3 months ago
Location: Corvallis, OREGON
Deadline: 02 Feb 2024
Position Details
Position Information
| Department | Food Science and Techno (AFS) |
|---|---|
| Position Title | Faculty Research Assistant |
| Job Title | Faculty Research Assistant: Food Microbiology Laboratory Manager |
| Appointment Type | Academic Faculty |
| Job Location | Corvallis |
| Benefits Eligible | Full-Time, benefits eligible |
| Remote or Hybrid option? | |
| Job Summary | The Department of Food Science and Technology invites applications for a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term, Faculty Research Assistant: Food Microbiology Laboratory Manager position. Reappointment is at the discretion of the Department Head. The Department of Food Science and Technology (FST) seeks a Faculty Research Assistant to support the Food Safety and Quality Systems program in the Waite-Cusic lab. Dr. Waite-Cusic’s integrated food safety systems program combines research, teaching, and outreach to assist food production and processing industries (and consumers) in improving food safety to minimize foodborne illness and to maximize product quality and shelf-life. Waite-Cusic lab conducts applied research in several thematic areas: (1) pre-harvest food safety, (2) process validation and microbial challenge studies, (3) prevalence of pathogens in food systems, and (4) microbiological quality indicators and spoilage. This position will work as lab manager to assist with day-to-day operations of a large laboratory group (15-20 people) as well as directly manage and execute diverse microbiological research projects as well as facilitate experiments on collaborative research studies without outside laboratories. Research is performed in several restricted-access food microbiology laboratories and thus the incumbent must successfully pass a background check. Occasional travel is required for research and outreach activities so the incumbent must have an acceptable driving record. College of Agricultural Sciences (CAS) faculty are committed to enhancing student success by engaging students in quality academic, research, internships, global studies, and other experiential learning opportunities. There is an expectation that, as part of your role in the college, you embody and advance the principles and practices conveyed in the CAS CARE Commitment document. Oregon State University is committed to creating and maintaining compassionate and inclusive learning and working environments for all learners, visitors, and employees. We envision collaborative community environments that enhance civility and embrace diversity. All employees are responsible for achieving this commitment. This commitment includes, but is not limited to, complying with Civil Rights and Language Access regulations. In addition, this individual will design, develop, maintain and/or carry out Extension programs to ensure that educational programs and outreach activities serve diverse populations, including those that have been historically marginalized/excluded from participation. Please visit the following webpages for more information on our commitment to inclusive excellence: OSU Extension Service https://extension.oregonstate.edu/about/diversity-equity-inclusion OSU Moving Forward Together https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/president/moving-forward-together |
| Why OSU? | Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job! Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all. FACTS: • Top 1.4% university in the world • More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined • 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S. • 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties • 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone • 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates • 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color • 217k+ alumni worldwide • For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about Locations: Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport. Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances. Total Rewards Package: Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including: • Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents. • Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources. • Retirement savings paid by the university. • A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave. • Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities. • Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program. Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU. |
| Key Responsibilities | 65% Lead and facilitate day-to-day operations and laboratory management of the food safety and quality systems program. Work with food production and processing companies to improve food safety and/or product quality. Perform food microbiology process validation and microbial challenge studies on food products and/or food contact surfaces using suitable food processing, storage, or formulations. Test food and related samples for microbiological contaminants. Analyze food samples for relevant characteristics (e.g., pH, water activity, moisture content, etc.) Use cultural, biochemical, immunological, and genomic approaches to identify bacterial isolates. Duties include designing experiments, preparing samples and collecting data, analyzing and interpreting data, drawing conclusions, and preparing reports. Experiments may be conducted in a BSL-1 and BSL-2 labs, in farm fields, and in food processing facilities; overnight travel is required to support research projects. Support and facilitate graduate and undergraduate student research projects. 15% Instruct lab members on laboratory safety, including biosafety protocols, and maintaining compliance with university laboratory training requirements and associated documentation. Supports the primary operational functions of the laboratory, including lab housekeeping, general lab supplies and chemical inventory management, and a large culture collection. Support modifications to laboratory organization/design to continue to improve laboratory’s efficiency. Obtain and manage an OSU Travel and Expense (T&E) credit card to place orders for travel expenses, lab supplies and equipment that cannot be ordered/purchased through the FST office. Reconcile T&E expenses in Concur on a timely basis. Promote a diverse and inclusive environment within the lab group. 10% Contributing to writing up study findings to be included in reports published in journals and/or presented at scientific conferences. Contribute to writing and editing to support the publication of research and outreach materials. 5% Developing budgets for projects and create project proposals. 5% Professional development such as: Attend professional conferences and workshops to improve skills, expand knowledge, remain current with changing technology and network with others in the profession. Engage in opportunities to contribute to and learn about diversity, equity, inclusion and their implications in the work environment and service provided by the lab. Driving OSU motor pool vehicles to collect samples will be required as an essential function of the position. |
| What You Will Need |
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess, and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030. This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months. |
| What We Would Like You to Have |
|
| Working Conditions / Work Schedule | Primary research/laboratory duties are conducted in several restricted-access BSL-1 and BSL-2 microbiology laboratories in Wiegand Hall. Occasional research projects may be performed in a greenhouse, in fields at experiment stations, or on-site at commercial farms or food processing facilities. Fieldwork may be conducted in difficult terrain and/or adverse weather conditions (heat, snow, rain, etc.) Laboratory spaces are shared with 15-20 other members of Waite-Cusic’s program and students from collaborating laboratories. Office work will be performed at an individual desk within a shared office space. Typical work schedule is expected to be a 40-hr Monday-Friday work week; however, flexibility in hours and days will be required to support research project requirements and occasionally require weekend or evening work. Employee in this position must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighting up to 50 pounds. |
| Pay Method | Salary |
| Pay Period | 1st through the last day of the month |
| Pay Date | Last working day of the month |
| Recommended Full-Time Salary Range | Salary is commensurate with education, skills, and experience. |
| Link to Position Description | https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/85629 |
Posting Detail Information
| Posting Number | P07692UF |
|---|---|
| Number of Vacancies | 1 |
| Anticipated Appointment Begin Date | 01/01/2024 |
| Anticipated Appointment End Date | |
| Posting Date | 01/19/2024 |
| Full Consideration Date | 01/26/2024 |
| Closing Date | 02/02/2024 |
| Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search | Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants |
| Special Instructions to Applicants | To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by January 26, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants. When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents: 1) A resume; and 2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position. You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process. For additional information please contact: Joy Waite-Cusic [email protected] 541-737-6825 OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at [email protected] . |
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