Faculty Research Assistant

Company: Oregon State University
Location: Corvallis
Posted on: October 13, 2020

Job Description:

Job Details Full-timeEstimated: $34,000 - $46,000 a year3 hours ago Qualifications - Statistical analysis - Chromatography - Quality assurance - Laboratory experience - Regression analysis - Bachelor's degree Full Job Description We are recruiting for a full-time (1.00 FTE ), 12-month, fixed term Faculty Research Assistant position in the Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology. Reappointments will be subject to funding availability and job performance. The primary function of this position will be to conduct analytical chemistry operations involved in the analysis of mycotoxins-fungal toxicants that are naturally present in plants. Samples of plants and other biological matrices submitted by growers and producers will be analyzed in a timely fashion as fee for service. This position will conduct sample extractions from various biological matrices, followed by further sample preparation from the extracts, and HPLC -based analysis of the samples. Mass spectrometry will also be integrated and utilized as needed to achieve testing objectives for the laboratory. Analyses will follow standard lab operating protocols and QA/QC procedures. The position will also be responsible for maintenance of analytical instrumentation, data analysis, and quality control procedures for samples. Skills in these areas are particularly critical to this position. Accuracy and timeliness of sample analysis are critical outcomes for these fee for service tests for customers and stakeholders, and will be key measures of performance. This position will work with Dr. Jennifer Duringer (Lab Director) and Ms. Anita Holman (Lab Supervisor) to conduct mycotoxin analyses, and report directly to Dr. Duringer in her role as Endophyte Service Lab Director. Experience and skills in chromatography and mass spectrometry are required. Duties may include developing new analytical methods to characterize and quantitate mycotoxins in soil, plant and animal matrices, supervise undergraduate students in the analytical laboratory, and provide written and oral reports of laboratory results. This position may also conduct research to develop new ideas and methods to increase through-put, cost and efficiency in pre-existing assays for analysis of mycotoxins and other fungal toxicants that are naturally present in plants. May also conduct research to develop new methods for mycotoxin extractions from plants and new methods of mycotoxin analysis, including but not limited to mass spectrometry. The secondary function of this position is to conduct basic and applied research characterizing the toxicity of naturally derived compounds. Such research will be conducted only if and when time and extramural funding permit, during non-peak field harvest analysis periods. This position may conduct such basic research under the supervision of the Laboratory Director, Dr. Jennifer Duringer. This research may include but not be limited to: research with mycotoxins directed toward improving animal production and health; natural product testing for toxicant activities and mechanisms of action; evaluation of mycotoxins as natural plant incorporated protectants; improving human and animal health and longevity. These research duties are subject to the availability of extramural research funding for support and the prior or timely concomitant completion of all field sample testing duties, which remains the primary responsibility of this position. Up to 50% FTE may be devoted to this type of research, subject to the availability of extramural funding and working capacity once field sampling, laboratory maintenance, and QA/QC assignments are completed. Research tasks will most likely be assigned and supervised by the Laboratory Director, Dr. Duringer for mycotoxin related research. However there may be opportunities for research with other faculty members in EMT who may have funding for environmental chemistry-related research for which this FRA position is qualified to conduct. Position Duties 40% Perform quantitative analyses and metabolic characterization of mycotoxins via HPLC -fluorescence and LC-MS/MS. Duties will include developing and employing analytical methods to measure toxicants in soil, plant and animal biomatrices using Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); following approved quality assurance/quality control procedures; preparing samples using extractions or other preparatory methods following grinding, homogenization, milling or other methods as required; determining transformation rates; and written and oral communication of results. 30% Assist in the care and maintenance of laboratory analytical instrumentation and equipment; providing, in writing, detailed information for ordering chemicals and other supplies for laboratory operation; assisting in laboratory consumable inventory updates and order laboratory support materials in advance of anticipated use; tracking quality control failures, suggesting modifications of procedures or operations; writing and updating controlled documentation modifications/improvements, specific to SOP development and updating PI concerning status of samples to be analyzed. 20% Responsible for sample organization/storage/check-in; documenting results and required reports including quality control information; upholding lab safety standards including proper disposal of waste, handling of chemicals, gas cylinders and samples in a safe manner. 10% Provides laboratory management by assisting the PI in the supervision of undergraduate students which includes planning, assigning and approving work. Secondary duties will be to conduct basic and applied research characterizing the toxicity of naturally derived compounds. Up to 50% FTE may be devoted to this type of research in partial substitution for the assigned duties delineated above on an 'as needed basis'. This work is entirely subject to the availability of extramural funding and employee working capacity once all field sampling and laboratory maintenance and QA/QC assignments are completed. Such research will be conducted only if and when time and funding permit, during non-peak field harvest analysis periods. Minimum/Required Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field. - Ability to design, establish and manage all aspects of scientifically and statistically sound laboratory and field experiments. Must demonstrate ability to work independently and to make effective and prompt decisions. - Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills. - Demonstrated ability to work productively and cooperatively in teams. - Knowledge, experience and capability to use computers including Office, graphics, internet, database, statistical and chromatography/mass spectrometry programs. - This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions. Preferred (Special) Qualifications - Extensive experience in the performance of laboratory environmental /animal biomatrix quantitative analyses and sample preparation as well as familiarity with chromatography, mass spectrometry and quality assurance/quality control procedures. - Knowledge and experience in statistical analysis including regression, analysis of variance and multivariate methods. - Demonstrated success in writing highly organized and grammatically correct technical reports and controlled documents, methods, and procedures. - Demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity. - Extensive knowledge of proper quality control practices, in accordance with ISO 17025. Working Conditions / Work Schedule This person will work in a chemistry research lab, with toxic, volatile, corrosive chemicals, fungal toxins and/or carcinogenic substances. 40 hrs per week full time; 8-5 pm unless otherwise assigned (e.g. staggered shift time scheduling during the COVID -19 pandemic). Primary work location is in a laboratory in the Oak Creek Building on the OSU campus and other research locations as needed. Currently, part of the job may be performed remotely to uphold safety measures due to the COVID -19 pandemic. This position requires a clear and unambiguous commitment to compliance of all National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) regulations for Division I (FBS) universities. No Posting Number P03955UF Number of Vacancies 1 Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 10/01/2020 Anticipated Appointment End Date Posting Date 09/17/2020 Full Consideration Date 09/30/2020 Closing Date 10/07/2020 Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants Special Instructions to Applicants To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by September 30, 2020 . Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants. Whening you will be required to attach the following electronic documents: 1) A resume/CV; and 2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position. 3) Please answer the following questions (upload into Other Document 1): A. What experience do you have in quality control/quality assurance in a laboratory environment? Have you worked in an accredited laboratory in past positions? If so, under what accreditation, and what role did you play in the quality control system? B. Provide an overview of your experience in maintenance and troubleshooting of HPLC and mass spectrometry equipment. C. Discuss any management/supervisory roles you have held in previous positions. D. Describe your approach regarding communication and development/maintenance of relationships with external stakeholders/clients/customers. E. Delineate any research projects that you have been involved in and your role in them. Letters of Reference are required for this position. Whening, you will be asked to provide the email ress and telephone number for (state #) referees who will be sent a secure quicklink that will allow them to upload the requested letters of reference on your behalf. For itional information please contact: Jennifer Duringer at - Starting salary within the salary range will be commensurate with skills, education, and experience. OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per OSU Standard et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions. Offers of employment are contingent upon meeting all minimum qualifications including the criminal history check requirement. 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Keywords: Oregon State University, Corvallis , Faculty Research Assistant, Other , Corvallis, Oregon