| Location | Blacksburg, VA |
Job Description
An individual experienced in quantitative analysis of nutrients in foods Standard Operating Procedures writing following principles and implementation of analytical quality control and documentation data analysis spreadsheet statistical performance of GC and HPLC analyses and routine equipment maintenance excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to work independently and take initiative in problem solving is needed to work on a sponsored research project in the Food Analysis Laboratory in the Biochemistry Department.
The individual will after consultation with the PI about project goals be expected to become familiar with the analytical methods and components being analyzed the chemistry involved and organize work to systematically set up and validate assay methods initially starting from established SOPs for assays not currently being run analysis of phytosterols fatty acids vitamin D vitamin C in foods but needing to be brought back online for analysis of research study samples and then to analyze samples. Later the work might involve setting up new methods and contributing to research on methodology. The methods involve liquidliquid extraction solid phase extraction precise gravimetric measurements and quantitative HPLC and GC analysis. The person will be responsible for routine maintenance and operation of two HPLC and two GC instruments including troubleshooting analytical issues and must have experience and competence actually doing this. The individual will also be responsible for a variety of sample preparation equipment including homogenizers sonicators centrifuges evaporators solid phase extraction apparatus gas cylinders fume hoods dry baths vacuum and forced air ovens analytical balances shakers water baths etc. and will provide technical expertise to junior staff assist as needed with food sample preparation and and control materials as well as assist the PI with publications.
This work is part of sponsored research that would be performed for one year starting at the end of September 2026. Because of the timeframe and deliverables required i.e. results for samples and need for someone to be in charge of equipment the individual must have sufficient experience competence attention to detail and communication skills to start generating results with consistently acceptable precision and accuracy.
Directions given and received
After conferring with the PI on project goals the individual is expected to develop detailed plans to organize and conduct the work independently conferring as necessary with the supervisor to organize timelines to meet project deadlines. Keeps the P.I. informed of any problems and personnel needs including that of other laboratory personnel conferring as necessary but taking the lead in problem solving and supervision of analytical work in the laboratory. The initial project will be to set up an existing SOP and QC measures to analyze phytosterols in grain samples and begin assaying study sample within six weeks of the first day of employment with minimal supervision and guidance and achieving results with consistently acceptable accuracy and precision.
Required Qualifications
• Masters degree or bachelors with a minimum of 3-years 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 components biological materials preferably nutrients in foods.
• Experience with a variety of analytical techniques and equipment including lipid extraction solid phase extraction gravimetric analysis.
• Experience and competence in performing routine maintenance and troubleshooting of GC and HPLC systems.
• Experience in all steps of quantitative analysis of food samples for organic nutrients particularly lipids including sterols fatty acids.
• Demonstrable understanding of quality control and method validation criteria and ability to consistently produce data with accuracy and precision.
• Competence in statistical analysis of data and use of Microsoft Excel for analysis and presentation of data.
• Knowledge of and experience in application of quality controlquality assurance in quality controlquality assurance of quantitative analytical chemistry processes and data.
• Experienced with Standard Operating Procedures writing implementation and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently to organize work to meet project timelines.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the P.I. to discuss ideas plans and results.
• Effective communication skills.
• Organized with attention to detail in documentation and analytical rigor.
• Ability to lift and move equipment over 25 pounds.
• Ability to work with hazardous materials and standing walking stooping and bending for long periods.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with GC-MS operation and data interpretation.
• Experience training and supervising laboratory staff.
• Experience with quantitative analysis of fatty acids total lipid sterols vitamin C vitamin D andor dietary fiber.
Overtime Status
Exempt Not eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Restricted
Salary Information
60000 - 70000 commensurate with experience
Hours per week
40
Review Date
10122026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
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