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Junior Specialist - Pires Lab

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Position description

NATURE AND PURPOSE
The position of Jr. Specialist has a narrow focus in a specialized area and provides technical or specialized expertise (e.g., with instrumentation and research equipment or with social science research methods) in the planning and execution of a research project. The Jr. Specialist stays apprised of emerging issues and problems and maintains technical competence in the designated area(s) of specialization. Within this defined area and when appropriate, the Jr. Specialist is expected to provide leadership, facilitate teamwork and develop collaborative relationships with colleagues and to supply input into the planning of research and educational programs. Jr. Specialists do not have Principal Investigator (PI) status.

This position will be involved in interdisciplinary research projects studies focusing on questions in microbiology, veterinary epidemiology, food safety, animal health and laboratory methods.
It will be necessary to occasionally work odd hours as necessary to conduct farm visits and meet deadlines. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal, communication, and decision-making skills; as well as the ability to work well independently and as part of a team.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DESIGNATED AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I. RESEARCH IN SPECIALIZED AREAS (80% EFFORT)
Coordination and planning of research projects, which includes field and laboratory work, manuscript and grant writing.
Research activities including collaborate/assist the PI and/or Post-doctoral researcher with study design, implement and conduct research on pre-harvest food safety and in diversified and small-scale farm environment. Coordinate with collaborative stakeholders (e.g., farmers, ranchers and other industry and governmental partners) the implementation of field work, sampling of biological samples and summarize research findings.
Perform laboratory activities including organization, development of microbiological and molecular protocols, and protocol troubleshooting. Laboratory testing such as traditional microbiological culture and PCR testing. Process environmental and animal samples (e.g., fecal samples, manure, soil, water, produce, etc.) from field projects, detection of foodborne pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, Campylobacter) and indicator bacteria using standard microbiological and molecular procedures. Mentor undergraduate students working in the laboratory.
Communicate with stakeholders and participating clientele/farmers. Create and maintain databases of data from research projects. Conduct statistical analyses and summarize the findings in progress reports, manuscripts and grants. Participate in writing and publication of manuscripts in collaboration with the PI and/or the Post-doctoral researcher.

II. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE AND ACTIVITY (10% EFFORT)
Summarize and present findings in internal lab meetings and stakeholder meetings.

III. UNIVERSITY AND PUBLIC SERVICE (10% EFFORT)

Work with and mentor undergraduate students in different laboratory and field activities.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
  • 2 required (contact information only)
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