The Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences (FBNS) encompasses diverse disciplines in research extension and teaching. Our programs combine the disciplines of chemistry, engineering, microbiology, food, bioprocessing, nutrition, and sensory science. FBNS is home to 3 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs.
We provide a world-renowned education and engage with a variety of stakeholders to solve diverse industry-related problems that involve research, education and extension services. We build professional and industry relationships and active partnerships with national corporate and government centers, including USDA programs.
Home to more than 100 faculty and staff who work with and guide some 500 students, we are spread over a growing network of departmental facilities in North Carolina – Schaub Hall and the Howling Cow Dairy Education Center and Creamery in Raleigh, the Plants for Human Health Institute in Kannapolis, and the Center for Marine Sciences and Technology in Morehead City. FBNS is one of 12 academic departments in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Essential Job Duties
The Department of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences (FBNS) is seeking applications from highly motivated and qualified scientists to manage and oversee the teaching laboratories and research activities in pilot plants that are associated with the FBNS programs, who can bring together management skills and the knowledge of safety and lab procedures as well as being interested in ensuring all laboratories operate smoothly. This includes maintaining all equipment in working order to be ready for use.
The successful candidate is expected to be curious, adaptive, and able to make suggestions and work closely with faculty and staff to support laboratory-based learning, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain a safe, efficient, and innovative laboratory environment. The incumbent will also be expected to actively engage and interact with undergraduate and graduate students who use the teaching facilities and equipment therein. The chosen candidate must have excellent communication (oral and written), interpersonal, and organizational skills, in addition to being precise, self-aware, and a team player.
Essential job duties will include:
- Responsible for teaching lab spaces and pilot plants, including management of equipment, supplies, software, and documentation.
- Schedule the use of equipment and spaces.
- Train students on the correct use of lab equipment and specific laboratory techniques.
- Maintain records for training, equipment use, costs, safety documentation, and sanitation.
- Create an organized, clean, and sanitary space.
- Perform basic equipment and instrumentation setup, operation, and maintenance.
- Receive, assemble, test, and put into service machinery, instrumentation, and equipment.
- Reorder supplies and assess upcoming laboratory supply needs.
- Prepare and maintain security and safety standards.
- Work independently, use good judgment, and troubleshoot technical activities.
You Belong Here! At NC State, our goal is for all employees to reach their fullest potential at work. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition (https://news.hr.ncsu.edu/you-belong-here/) and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
Other Responsibilities
- Stay updated with scientific literature, developing and adapting protocols in consultation with the course instructor.
- Operate, calibrate, and maintain specialized laboratory equipment, utilizing it innovatively for required assays.
- Design and troubleshoot lab protocols, experiments, and data collection methods; analyze experimental data as needed.
- Oversee laboratory logistics, including budgeting, purchasing, inventory management, and equipment maintenance.
- Ensure compliance with environmental health and safety standards; provide training to staff and students in laboratory techniques and safety.
- Manage day-to-day lab operations, from scheduling to record-keeping, ensuring a functional, safe, and compliant environment.
- Serve as a primary lab resource, offering guidance on methodologies and assisting with production tasks as available.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Education and Experience
- Relevant Baccalaureate (4-year) degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, or a related field or a bachelor’s degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
- One or more years of lab or pilot plant management or related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and/or related experience.
Other Required Qualifications
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Interpersonal and organizational skills
- Ability to train and oversee others in complex procedures, equipment use, and safety compliance, ensuring adherence to quality control and safety standards.
- Ability to manage lab resources, inventory, and facilities, including budgeting and expenditure monitoring for smooth operations.
- Able to serve as a skilled resource in specialized procedures, coordinating multiple projects and adapting protocols with minimal supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in food science or related area and 2-3 years of relevant experience in a food science lab, research, engineering, or industrial setting. Relevant experience might include but is not limited to chemistry, rheology, lab procedures, and knowledge of GMP standards and requirements.
- Experience with research findings through demonstrations, presentations, and publications; assist in grant writing and proposal development.
- Experience with collecting, analyzing, and documenting experimental data, adapting methods as needed to maintain accuracy, validity, and quality.
- Knowledge and ability to modify research methodologies based on data and literature, applying scientific principles to refine techniques and quality control processes.
Special Instructions to Applicants
- Please attach a Cover Letter, resume/CV, and contact information for three (3) professional references.
- Please make sure that the information entered on the application matches what is on your resume.
