THE
Position
Description
position is limited to 1/5/2010 with extension contingent on funding
TITLE: Research
Assistant II
DIVISION: Academic Affairs (CELS: Nutrition and Food Sciences)
REPORTS TO: Principal Investigator
GRADE: 3
SUPERVISES: N/A
BASIC FUNCTION:
Use microbiological techniques, conventional and test kits,
to evaluate on-site cleaning, sanitation and hygiene practices for food
preparation areas in foodservice areas, and report results through graphics representations
and statistical analyses. Travel
throughout
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Use basic microbiological techniques to evaluate effectiveness of on-site cleaning and sanitation protocol.
Organize and maintain records of microbiological evaluation trials.
Conduct data entry and statistical analysis, using laboratory-generated data associated with grant-funded protocol.
Assist project directors in some food safety training related to the microbiological evaluation of sites.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Inventory laboratory supplies and place orders as necessary.
Input data, perform data analysis, and generate tables and graphs needed for routine progress reports and for final reports.
Maintain routine records and laboratory notebook pertaining to all analyses used.
Perform other duties as required.
LICENSES, TOOLS AND
EQUIPMENT:
Autoclave and laboratory equipment normally associated with microbiological research; computer software, including spreadsheet, graphics and statistical software.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Research may require working with or exposure to foodborne pathogens that could be found in kitchens or foodservice institutions associated with poor cleaning, sanitation and/or hygiene.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required: Bachelor’s degree in microbiology, food
science or related field; 2 years of laboratory and/or appropriate food
industry experience (relevant graduate student assistantships and/or
internships will be considered as part of this work experience); knowledge of
food safety principles and microbiological and aseptic techniques; knowledge of
basic chemical principles, laboratory methods, sampling techniques and overall
experimental protocol; computer skills relating to graphics and spreadsheet
software, and to data input and data analysis; ability to work independently;
ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; willingness to
travel through out the state, and
ability to provide own transportation. Preferred: Experience
with food analysis techniques for food quality and safety; knowledge regarding
the use of equipment such as HPLC and GC, and/or distillation/titration techniques.
TO
APPLY:
Submit (no emails
or faxes, please) a resume and cover letter postmarked by 10-31-08 to:
Lori F. Pivarnik, Search Chair
Requisition # 12268
University of Rhode Island
PO Box G
Kingston, RI 02881
An Affirmative
Action/Equal
ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE
SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH
DISABILITIES.