Client Based Researcher II

University of Wisconsin Madison•Madison, WI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Dairy Research (CDR) is seeking a Client Based Researcher to support a growing innovative unit on the UW-Madison campus. Housed in a new, state-of-the-art facility in Babcock Hall, CDR is the largest dairy foods research program in the US. The Center has over 60 full-time staff, supports graduate and undergraduate research, and provides technical and training support services to hundreds of dairy producers and processers around the globe. Currently, CDR is actively addressing a key dairy industry issue regarding the utilization of dairy byproducts such as whey and permeate. We are looking to bring relevant new technologies to commercialization utilizing the state-of-the-art facilities at the CDR. This position will be responsible for client engagement as the CDR executes its strategies in the circular bioeconomy and dairy sustainability. They will engage with CDR clients, with the overall objective of scaling-up their technologies at the CDR facilities. More specifically, they will provide technical support to clients as they partner with the CDR. Activities include reviewing applications from clients to the CDR for technical assistance, assisting with the preparation of scopes of work for clients, providing technical expertise for process development optimization at the CDR for clients, providing technical expertise for upstream and downstream processing of raw materials and finished products, preparing interim and final reports for clients, tracking project progress using CDR systems, and preparing and submitting cost information for invoicing. In addition, the Client based researcher will assist with identifying and applying for appropriate grant/funding opportunities and aid in meeting reporting requirements for applicable grants.

Requirements

Experience operating dairy processing equipment in a pilot plant or manufacturing setting
Experience designing and executing project trials for the dairy industry
Demonstrated knowledge of project reporting and communication with internal and/or external clients
Strong project management skills as demonstrated by having led multiple projects to completion
Bachelor's degree in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology or related field required

Nice To Haves

Experience with fermentation processing
Experience working with grant-funded projects and reporting to funding agencies
Experience working with colleagues to develop winning grant applications with state, federal, and industry sponsors
master's degree preferred

Responsibilities

Reviews and edits research protocols under limited supervision
Prepares reports and materials and disseminates information to appropriate entities
Collects and analyzes moderately complex research data for one or more research projects.
Designs and conducts experiments and interviews.
Documents results according to established policies and procedures
Supervises day-to-day operations of a research unit and may supervise others within a specialized laboratory or research area
Identifies concerns and recommends solutions to leadership
Participates in research publishing and informational presentations to contribute to the development of (research type)
Directs the development of research methodologies and procedures according to client-based objectives and specifications
Review applications from clients to the CDR for technical assistance
Assist with the preparation of scopes of work for clients
Provide technical expertise for process development optimization at the CDR for clients
Provide technical expertise for upstream and downstream processing of raw materials and finished products
Prepare interim and final reports for clients
Track project progress using CDR systems
Prepare and submit cost information for Invoicing
Assist with identifying and applying for appropriate grant/funding opportunities
Aid in meeting reporting requirements for applicable grants