Research Associate

The NC FIL is created to aid companies, entrepreneurs, and University faculty with research, design, and new product development in collaboration with North Carolina stakeholders to advance the food manufacturing sector in the state.

Essential Job Duties

NC Food Innovation Lab is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the lab as a Research Associate. The successful candidate is expected to conduct research in the group related to food proteins or food material science to improve manufacturing processes and physical functionality.

The incumbent in this position must be capable of interpreting published research literature and patents to develop novel, innovative methods to extract, concentrate, purify, and characterize proteins from a variety of agricultural commodity products. The basic scientific techniques used by material scientists must be applied when characterizing these proteins.

This position will involve general laboratory management including, but not limited to,

• Instrument maintenance,

• Ordering, and management of supplies and workflows throughout the lab.

• Coordinate and/or conduct multiple, concurrent assignments, or a multi-faceted project.

• Assist in the preparation of technical reports, review articles, grant proposals, and manuscripts

• Presentations including the development of independent research objectives.

Located in Kannapolis, NC

Other Responsibilities

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Food Science, Nutrition Science, Plant Sciences, Chemistry/Biochemistry, or related field with an appropriate level of experience (>5 years in the industry), or a Ph.D. with 0-3 years experience.

Other Required Qualifications

• Procurement and management of laboratory supplies, as well as shared responsibility for EH&S and safety regulation compliance, are required

• Assisting in the mentorship of staff technicians with PI

• Strong written and oral English communication skills with the ability to interpret data in a written format and present it to clients at times

• Assist in developing manuscripts, grant proposals, and presentations

• Analytical chemistry skills as appropriate for the characterization of plant or animal-derived proteins, foods, and biological matrices are a must

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in extraction and analysis of biochemicals from foods

• Experience with the characterization of plant-based proteins

• Knowledge in plant science, biochemistry, food science and technology, and/or human nutrition

• Experience in membrane filtration is desired

• Working experience in twin screw extrusion is also desirable.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required No Commercial Driver's License required No