Job no: 516352
Work type: Post Doc (Amherst Only)
Location: UMass Amherst
Department: Food Sciences
Union: Post Doc
Categories: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Research, College of Natural Sciences

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450 acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Advanced Analytical Lab and Raman, IR, and XRF core facility are looking for a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate starting from March 1, 2023. The Postdoctoral Research Associate is expected to conduct research on chemical, biological, and physical contaminants in a variety of environmental, agricultural, and food matrices. The researcher is also expected to assist the management of the Raman, IR, and XRF core facilities and conduct other small research projects related to food safety and chemistry. The contract is for one year with an extension to two years upon satisfactory performance.

Essential Functions

Examples of duties:

• Conduct research on contaminants (e.g., bacteria, pesticides, microplastics, and heavy metals) in a variety of environmental, agricultural, and food matrices.
• Assist the management and operation of the Raman, IR, and XRF core facilities.
• Collaborate with peers and industrial partners to work on some small projects related to food safety and chemistry
• Assist the advising of graduates and undergraduates in the lab.
• Write reports and manuscripts for the project. The manuscripts are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals.
• Attend lab meetings and scientific meetings to present the project data.

Other Functions

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the CNS community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Ph.D. in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and related areas.
• Strong analytical skills and prior experience with spectroscopic techniques (e.g., Raman, SERS, IR, and XRF) are preferred.
• Knowledge of chemical and physical contaminants and related analytical techniques.
• Ability to work independently to organize multiple tasks and set priorities for action, take the initiative, be creative, and operate with self-direction in a fast-paced office environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact effectively and work productively in establishing and maintaining harmonious working relationships with a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to organize and prioritize goals; ability to collaborate well to formulate plans and objectives in accordance with overall college goals; ability to identify and implement process improvements.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to set and meet deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy and quality.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Work in a biosafety Level II laboratory.

Additional Information

• Estimated appointment start date is March 1, 2023.
• The contract is for one year with an extension to two years upon satisfactory performance.
• Benefited position.

Work Schedule

• Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Salary Information

• Starting salary is $52,024.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a CV, cover letter and contact information for three (3) references. The search will remain open until filled.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. http://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, or genetic information in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Oct 28 2022 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: