Researcher I - Regulatory Proficiency Testing

Zohorecruit; Kentucky; On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO/HMO Health Plan

Job summary

Cognizance Technologies, LLC in Laurel, KY, is seeking a Researcher I for proficiency testing and method validation in FDA-regulated food safety analytics. You will apply diverse analytical methods, perform homogeneity studies, and prepare reports and scientific materials.

The role involves coordination of laboratory operations and collaboration with graduate students on testing networks. This is a full-time on-site position in the United States.

Qualifications

• Compare and apply FDA and other analytical methods, including aseptic culture techniques, PCR/dPCR, WGS, MALDI-TOF, immunoassays, biosensors, GC-MS, LC-MS, ICP-OES/ICP-MS, spectroscopy, chromatography, and immunochemistry, as applicable.
• Perform laboratory-scale homogeneity and stability studies involving pathogenic organisms, chemical contaminants, or biothreat agents in food matrices.
• Prepare and distribute uniform, homogeneous, and stable food samples containing target pathogens or chemical contaminants to laboratory networks in accordance with approved study designs.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize inter-laboratory data and detailed method parameters in accordance with applicable ISO 17043, ISO 13528, and ISO 5725 standards.
• Prepare proficiency testing reports, manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, and posters or presentations for scientific conferences.
• Coordinate and oversee applicable laboratory operations and work conducted with Illinois Institute of Technology graduate students.

Responsibilities

• Apply FDA and other analytical methods in proficiency testing and method validation projects.
• Support laboratory-scale homogeneity and stability studies in food matrices.
• Distribute proficiency testing samples to network laboratories per study designs.
• Compile inter-laboratory data and method parameters per ISO standards.
• Prepare reports, manuscripts, and conference posters for dissemination.
• Coordinate lab operations and supervise graduate student work.

Skills

PCR

dPCR

WGS

MALDI-TOF

immunoassays

biosensors

GC-MS

LC-MS

ICP-OES/ICP-MS

spectroscopy

chromatography

immunochemistry

Tools

PCR

dPCR

WGS

MALDI-TOF

immunoassays

biosensors

GC-MS

LC-MS

ICP-OES/ICP-MS

spectroscopy

chromatography

immunochemistry

Job description

Cognizance Technologies, LLC | Full time

Researcher I - Regulatory Proficiency Testing

Laurel, United States | Posted on 09/18/2026

The mission of FDA HFP is to assure the safety and wholesomeness of regulated foods and related products. DSST laboratories provide scientific support for Agency policy, regulation, compliance programs, research, and outbreak investigations related to seafood safety. The DFPST Proficiency Testing (PT) Laboratory, accredited under ISO/IEC 17043, serves as an FDA-designated Proficiency Test Provider supporting analytical capability and capacity across FDA, state, and local public health laboratories. The PT Laboratory conducts proficiency testing exercises and supports validation and verification of microbiological and chemical analytical methods through inter-laboratory studies and comparison exercises

Requirements

Researcher I - Proficiency Testing and Method Validation

• Compare and apply FDA and other recognized analytical methods, including aseptic
  cultural techniques, PCR/dPCR, WGS, MALDI-TOF, immunoassays, biosensors, GC-MS,
  LC-MS, ICP-OES/ICP-MS,spectroscopy, chromatography, and immunochemistry, as
  applicable.
• Perform laboratory-scale homogeneity and stability studies involving pathogenic
  organisms, chemical contaminants, or biothreat agents in food matrices.
• 75F40124D00020/75F40126F19203
• Prepare and distribute uniform, homogeneous, and stable food samples containing target
  pathogens or chemical contaminants to laboratory networks in accordance with approved
  study designs.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize inter-laboratory data and detailed method parameters in
  accordance with applicable ISO 17043, ISO 13528, and ISO 5725 standards.
• Prepare proficiency testing reports, manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, and posters
  or presentations for scientific conferences.
• Coordinate and oversee applicable laboratory operations and work conducted with Illinois
  Institute of Technology graduate students.

• PPO/HMO Health Plan (includes medical, dental, and vision)