Research Scientist - Microbiology

Compensation: $68,000-$70,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

Position Type: Full-time (Exempt)

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Occasional weekend work may be required. This position is fully on-site; remote work is not available for this role.

Work Location: The Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH), 6502 S Archer Rd., Bedford Park, IL 60501.

Benefits: Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our competitive benefits package located here.

Summary

The Research Scientist-Microbiology leads the Sprout Safety Alliance at Illinois Tech's Institute for Food Safety and Health (IFSH). This position plans, designs, and executes collaborative and contract research projects in support of food safety initiatives and public health objectives. The role maintains laboratory equipment, resolves routine technical issues independently, and provides guidance to staff and students on research and safety related matters, as needed. As part of one of the FDA's centers of excellence in food safety, this position supports research that advances FDA's public health mission and provides the food industry with critical food safety information. The position collaborates with governmental agencies, academia, and food industry stakeholders, with success measured by collaborative research outcomes, project execution, and programmatic impact.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

50% - Leads the IFSH Sprout Safety Alliance and provides training and technical assistance to sprout growers as part of alliance activities. Works collaboratively with governmental agencies, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders to support program objectives and food safety initiatives. Provides supervision, training, and guidance to Support Scientists and students, as needed.

50% - Leads collaborative research projects and develops a research program focused on the microbiological safety of foods and the detection of foodborne pathogens and toxins in foods. Drafts proposals and secures external funding through FDA collaborative research, competitive grants, and industry sponsored contract research. Executes research projects to meet objectives, milestones, and deliverables; prepares reports for funding entities; presents findings at scientific conferences; and publishes results in peer reviewed scientific journals.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Food Science, Agriculture, Biological Sciences, or a related field, or a master's degree with at least three years of food safety related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience conducting laboratory-based research involving foodborne pathogens, with knowledge of food safety issues related to food, produce, and or sprouts preferred
• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skillsAbility to communicate and present technical research clearly and concisely in written, verbal, and electronic formats to scientific, academic, industry, and government audiences
• Ability to work collaboratively with governmental agencies, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Supervision & Budget Authority

• May supervise and train Support Scientists and students, as needed, and perform budget related duties, as assigned

Service Standards and Performance Expectations

• Works with minimal supervision, responds to complex queries, and proactively seeks solutions- Maintains exceptional attention to detail when documenting and maintaining scientific notebooks, research records, and related documentation
• Effectively communicates with colleagues and stakeholders to encourage participation and seeks input from others to resolve issues as they arise
• Mentors staff and students, as directedIndependently solves routine laboratory or research problems
• Drafts grant proposals and proprietary contracts, as required

Physical Requirements

• Works extensively in a laboratory environment involving foodborne pathogens and strict safety procedures
• Regularly works with various chemical sanitizers in accordance with all applicable safety requirements
• Must be able to stand up to 50% of the workday to perform experiments and laboratory maintenance tasks
• May perform repetitive motions for up to 20% of the workday, including data entry and instrument manipulation
• May occasionally lift up to 10 pounds

EEOC Statement

Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, inclusion, and diversity. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeks applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, age, unfavorable discharge from the military, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation, including gender ident