Food Microbiology Research Lab Technician

Central State University; Kentucky; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Central State University seeks a Food Microbiology Research Lab Technician to join the ARDP, Food Safety Research Program. The technician will perform basic research lab experiments related to food microbiology safety and plant pathology, and collect environmental samples in fields and greenhouses.

The role requires independence and teamwork, ability to follow written protocols, document results in reports, and communicate findings to the research team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Food Science, Molecular Biology, Agriculture, Plant Pathology, Plant Science, Biology, or closely related fields.
• Equivalent to a four-year college degree plus five years related laboratory experience and/or training.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine food safety/microbiological testing following established protocols and SOPs.
• Culture and isolate microorganisms in a laboratory setting and perform serial dilution plating.
• Use molecular techniques to identify and isolate bacterial and fungal cultures.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures for laboratory equipment and methodologies.
• Document results of testing in a technical report format.
• Communicate data and results of microbiological lab research to appropriate audiences.
• Troubleshoot and maintain microbiological testing equipment, including supplies and microorganisms.
• Maintain the lab in compliance with microbiological safety housekeeping standards.
• Set up, maintain, calibrate, and repair laboratory equipment as needed.
• Perform physical tasks such as lifting, moving, or carrying samples and lab equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Assist the supervisor with data entry and management, scientific manuscript and literature reviews.
• Assist in field and technical services to gain experience in applying findings to the food safety industry.
• Complete special projects assigned by the supervisor.
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

Skills

Data collection

Lab reports

Business communication

Policy writing

Presentation

Advanced math

Critical thinking

BSL-2 safety

Manual dexterity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology/related fields

Tools

MS Office

Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

Job description

Food Microbiology Research Lab Technician

Minimum 40 hours/week. Monday - Friday with possibility of evenings and weekends as needed. This is a full-time position funded by an annual allocation from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the Evans Allen Program with matching contributions from the State of Ohio. All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check, which may include verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review. Certain positions may require additional screenings based on job responsibilities, regulatory requirements, or funding sources. Failure to successfully complete the required background check or provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.

Job Summary

The Food microbiology Safety Laboratory Technician will be part of the Research Team in the ARDP, Food Safety Research Program, at Central State University and will report to the food safety research assistant professor. The technician will execute basic research laboratory experiments related to food microbiology safety and plant pathology, as directed by the supervisor. Responsibilities also include collecting environmental samples in agricultural fields and greenhouses.

The technician should be self‑starter, capable of working independently or in a team, in both laboratory and field environments. The technician should have high integrity and character, be able to maintain relationships with university research and extension teams, develop and implement written protocols, execute protocols in laboratory or field trials, and effectively communicate results in written technical reports.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine food safety/microbiological testing following established protocols and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Culture and isolate microorganisms in a laboratory setting and perform serial dilution plating.
• Use molecular techniques to identify and isolate bacterial and fungal cultures.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures for laboratory equipment and methodologies.
• Document results of testing in a technical report format.
• Communicate data and results of microbiological lab research to appropriate audiences.
• Troubleshoot and maintain microbiological testing equipment, including supplies and microorganisms.
• Maintain the lab in compliance with microbiological safety housekeeping standards.
• Set up, maintain, calibrate, and repair laboratory equipment as needed.
• Perform physical tasks such as lifting, moving, or carrying samples and lab equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Assist the supervisor with data entry and management, scientific manuscript and literature reviews.
• Assist in field and technical services to gain experience in applying findings to the food safety industry.
• Complete special projects assigned by the supervisor.
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

Required Abilities and Skills

• Collect and manage scientific data, write lab reports, business correspondence, and policy/procedure manuals; effectively present information.
• Mathematical skills including advanced concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Work safely in laboratory environments containing biological hazards at BSL‑2.
• Perform experiments requiring extensive standing, use of arms and hands.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and broad knowledge in Microbiology, Food Science, Molecular Biology, Agriculture, Plant Pathology, Plant Science, Biology, or closely related fields. Equivalent to a four‑year college degree plus five years related laboratory experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with microbiological or molecular biology lab techniques including fungal and bacterial isolation and qRT‑PCR and nucleic acid extraction.
• Master’s degree in a related field can replace the required work experience.
• Ability to set up, calibrate, maintain, and repair laboratory equipment.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Authorized to work in the US.