Faculty Assistant
Job Description
Position Number:
129772Title:
Faculty AssistantFunctional Title:
Faculty AssistantCategory Status:
15-Fac.Non-Tenured,Continuing ConApplicant Search Category:
FacultyUniversity Authorized FTE:
100Unit:
AGNR-Nutrition and Food ScienceCampus/College Information:
Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify someone from employment. Prior to any adverse decision, finalists have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding the background check.
The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.
The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.
Position Summary/Purpose of Position:
The Faculty Research Assistant works with the USDA ARS Food for Health of People and the Environment Laboratory and the Food Components and Health Lab in Beltsville, MD on specific research projects related to food composition, including preparation and analysis of food and food components for inclusion in USDA’s FoodData Central database.
Major Responsibilities
1. Implements/develops/refines methodologies for food analysis, including but not limited to gravimetric assays, gross energy determination by calorimetry, nitrogen determination by the Dumas combustion method, fat determination by Soxhlet procedure, moisture and ash content of food and ingredient samples, high performance liquid chromatography assays, and other analyses as assigned.
2. Follows assigned quality control procedures to ensure accurate and robust data.
3. Reviews data from analytical procedures performed to determine the quality of the results and identify potential sources error. Alerts supervisor/mentor to data anomalies or unexpected results.
4. Performs statistical calculations such as mean, standard deviation, relative standard deviation, and Horwitz ratio (HorRat) on data. Evaluates the results for precision and accuracy. Alerts supervisor to values outside the acceptable range. If results are not acceptable, works with supervisor to investigate and evaluate alternative methods or analytical approaches.
5. Update manuals, instructions, and operating procedures. Establish standard operating procedures and job hazard analysis as needed.
6. Summarizes research results using appropriate statistical software and prepares reports.
7. Searches scientific literature for principles, methods, and procedures of chemical analysis of samples to meet study goals and works with supervisor to select the most appropriate for the research goals.
8. Assists in the acquisition of food items for analysis (eg: online purchasing, in-store purchases, vendor pickups).
9. Assists in preparation of food and ingredient samples for compositional analysis. Techniques include weighing, grinding, drying, freeze-drying, and extraction techniques.
10. Prepares food samples for analysis. Assists in shipment of material as needed. Maintains records of shipping dates and confirms receipt. Follows up on any anomalies in shipments.
11. Communicates work in coordination with other scientific researchers; respond to technical questions; participates in resolving problems; interacts with ARS scientists.
12. Carries out special assignments as needed to meet program requirements.
Benefits Summary
Top Benefits and Perks:Minimum Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, food science, food chemistry, or related field required.
Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, food science, food chemistry, or related field required.
Experience:
- Experience in compositional analysis of foods with differing matrices.
- Experience with basic lab techniques, including extraction protocols, titration, chromatography, pipetting.
- Use of basic laboratory equipment, including balances, pipettes, thermometers, centrifuges, spectrophotometers.
- Experience writing data reports and maintaining standard operating procedures
- Ability to apply data analysis and quality assurance/quality control standards, methods, procedures and principles.
Preferences:
Preferences:
- Master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, organic chemistry, food science, food chemistry, or related field required.
- Communication skills using the spoken and/or written word. Ability to see within normal parameters. Strong organizational and planning skills.
- Experience with statistical software, such as R or SAS.
Posting Date:
09/16/2024Open Until Filled
YesBest Consideration Date
09/30/2024Physical Demands
- Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds.
- Must be able to climb stairs.
- Ability to stand, walk, or sit for an extended period of time.
- Reaching by extending hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
- Finger dexterity required to manipulate objects with fingers rather than with whole hand(s) or arm(s), for example, using a keyboard.
- Work will involve working with in a laboratory environment where all required safe practices must be observed.
- Work may include early morning and occasional evening schedules.
Diversity Statement:
The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.
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