Research Associate II, Chemist
About The Position
The Research Associate II will work on a one-year sponsored research project in the Food Analysis Laboratory in the Biochemistry Department. After consulting with the principal investigator (PI) about project goals, the associate will learn the analytical methods, components being analyzed, and relevant chemistry; organize and validate assays; and analyze research study samples. Initial work will bring established SOPs for phytosterols, fatty acids, vitamin D, and vitamin C in foods back online. Later work may include developing new methods and contributing to methodology research. The role involves liquid/liquid and solid-phase extraction, precise gravimetric measurements, and quantitative HPLC and GC analysis. The associate will operate and maintain two HPLC and two GC instruments, troubleshoot analytical issues, and manage a range of sample-preparation equipment. They will provide technical expertise to junior staff, assist with food sample preparation and control materials, and support the PI with publications. The associate is expected to independently develop detailed work plans, organize analytical work and timelines to meet deadlines, and keep the PI informed about problems and personnel needs. The initial project requires setting up an existing SOP and quality-control measures for phytosterol analysis in grain samples, then beginning study-sample assays within six weeks of employment with minimal supervision and consistently acceptable accuracy and precision. The sponsored project is expected to run for one year, starting at the end of September 2026. The position requires a criminal conviction check and an immediate start to meet project needs.
Requirements
- Master’s degree, or a bachelor’s degree with at least three years of post-degree experience, in chemistry, biology, biochemistry, food chemistry, or a closely related field.
- Extensive hands-on experience with gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and automated chromatography software for quantitative analysis of biological materials; food nutrients are preferred.
- Experience with analytical techniques and equipment including lipid extraction, solid-phase extraction, and gravimetric analysis.
- Experience and competence in routine maintenance and troubleshooting of GC and HPLC systems.
- Experience with all stages of quantitative analysis of food samples for organic nutrients, particularly lipids such as sterols and fatty acids.
- Demonstrable understanding of quality control and method-validation criteria, and the ability to consistently produce accurate and precise data.
- Competence in statistical data analysis and use of Microsoft Excel for data analysis and presentation.
- Knowledge and experience applying quality control and quality assurance to quantitative analytical chemistry processes and data.
- Experience writing and implementing Standard Operating Procedures and maintaining documentation.
- Ability to work independently, organize work, and meet project timelines.
- Ability to communicate effectively with the PI about ideas, plans, and results; effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Organized, with attention to detail in documentation and analytical rigor.
- Ability to lift and move equipment weighing over 25 pounds.
- Ability to work with hazardous materials and to stand, walk, stoop, and bend for long periods.
Nice To Haves
- Experience operating GC-MS and interpreting its data.
- Experience training and supervising laboratory staff.
- Experience with quantitative analysis of fatty acids, total lipid, sterols, vitamin C, vitamin D, and/or dietary fiber.
Responsibilities
- Learn the project’s analytical methods, target components, and relevant chemistry in consultation with the PI.
- Organize, establish, and validate analytical assays from existing SOPs, including methods for phytosterols, fatty acids, vitamin D, and vitamin C in foods.
- Analyze research study samples and generate results with consistently acceptable accuracy and precision.
- Set up the phytosterol SOP and quality-control measures for grain samples and begin study-sample assays within six weeks of the first day of employment.
- Potentially develop new methods and contribute to research on analytical methodology.
- Operate, routinely maintain, and troubleshoot two HPLC and two GC instruments.
- Manage and use sample-preparation equipment and methods, including liquid/liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, and gravimetric measurements.
- Develop detailed plans and timelines, organize work independently, and meet project deadlines.
- Keep the PI informed about problems and personnel needs; take the lead in analytical problem solving and supervision of laboratory analytical work.
- Provide technical expertise to junior staff and assist with food sample preparation and control materials as needed.
- Assist the PI with publications.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
