Pilot Plant Research Technologist

The Pennsylvania State University • University Park, FL

1d

About The Position

The Department of Food Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking a full-time Pilot Plant Research Technologist to manage the Wet and Dry pilot plants in the Food Science Building. The Pilot Plants support the teaching, research and service missions of the Food Science Department and are equipped with a range of sophisticated pilot-scale food processing equipment. The successful candidate will work with minimal supervision and be responsible for all aspects of pilot plant operation and maintenance, will support teaching, research and outreach activities in the pilot plants, and work with all users of the pilot plant to schedule and execute projects. The successful candidate will: Develop and implement systems to ensure compliance with good manufacturing practices and develop standard operating procedures and ensure users are operating equipment safely. Manage Pilot Plant scheduling and maintain an updated calendar, coordinated with 25Live. Manage organization of the Pilot Plant storage areas, working with faculty and students to maintain order, cleanliness and proper material labeling. Supervise wage employees and students working in the Pilot Plants. Oversee daily operations, including equipment management, SOPs, maintenance and training. Supervise and verify cleanup procedures after Pilot Plant use, ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation standards. Provide technical and instructional support for academic classes and graduate student projects conducted in the Pilot Plant. This can include supporting Instructors and TA’s by ensuring all equipment and materials are available, operational and properly set up prior to class or project activities. Explain and demonstrate equipment capabilities to both internal and external users of the pilot plant and train users in equipment operation. Working both independently and collaboratively, develop new funding sources to support the pilot plant. Including meeting with potential clients, writing project proposals (ARSO, NDA), implementing the project, analyzing the data and effectively reporting the results to sponsors. Assist with planning and preparation for annual offerings of the Penn State Ice Cream Short, Course and Ice Cream 101 as well as other outreach activities that utilize the pilot plants. The work will take place under the supervision of Dr. Bob Roberts, Professor and Head of the Food Science Department.

Requirements

• The candidate must have excellent written and oral communication skills
• strong organization and administrative skills
• excellent attention to detail
• ability to take direction but can work independently and identify problem areas to address without explicit direction from supervisor.
• Bachelor's Degree
• 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted
• None
• Bachelor's Degree
• No prior relevant work experience required; previous relevant work experience accepted in lieu of education.
• None

Nice To Haves

• A. bachelor’s degree or higher in a field such as Food Science, Agricultural Engineering or a related field
• prior experience in food-processing
• experience in food product formulation
• experience in operating and maintaining food processing equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement systems to ensure compliance with good manufacturing practices and develop standard operating procedures and ensure users are operating equipment safely.
• Manage Pilot Plant scheduling and maintain an updated calendar, coordinated with 25Live.
• Manage organization of the Pilot Plant storage areas, working with faculty and students to maintain order, cleanliness and proper material labeling.
• Supervise wage employees and students working in the Pilot Plants.
• Oversee daily operations, including equipment management, SOPs, maintenance and training.
• Supervise and verify cleanup procedures after Pilot Plant use, ensuring compliance with safety and sanitation standards.
• Provide technical and instructional support for academic classes and graduate student projects conducted in the Pilot Plant.
• Explain and demonstrate equipment capabilities to both internal and external users of the pilot plant and train users in equipment operation.
• Working both independently and collaboratively, develop new funding sources to support the pilot plant.
• Assist with planning and preparation for annual offerings of the Penn State Ice Cream Short, Course and Ice Cream 101 as well as other outreach activities that utilize the pilot plants.

Benefits

• Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.
• In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time.
• One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees