Research Associate - NCFIL

North Carolina State University

Commensurate with Experience ($60,000 - $70,000)

United States, North Carolina, Kannapolis

600 Laureate Way (Show on map)

Jan 15, 2025

Posting Information

Posting Number	PG193903EP
Internal Recruitment	No
Working Title	Research Associate - NCFIL
Anticipated Hiring Range	Commensurate with Experience ($60,000 - $70,000)
Work Schedule	Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm
Job Location	Kannapolis, NC
Department	NC Food Innovation Lab
About the Department	The NC Food Innovation Lab collaborates with the NC Plant Science Initiative, the NC State University Plants for Human Health Institute PHHI), the Department of Food Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences, and other outside agencies. NCFIL is located on the NC Research Campus in Kannapolis, NC. The NC Research Campus was created to have all aspects of human health and nutrition in one place complimented by multiple state and private entries providing academic and research resources.
Essential Job Duties	NC Food Innovation Lab is seeking a highly motivated individual to join the lab as a Research Associate. The successful candidate is expected to conduct research in the group related to food proteins to improve manufacturing processes and physical functionality in laboratory and pilot plant arenas. This position presents a unique opportunity for the right person. The intention is for this position to focus on all aspects of alternative proteins - extraction, concentration, characterization, and product formulation using multiple tools and instrumentation available at the North Carolina Food Innovation Lab in Kannapolis. Occasionally, this position will collaborate with researchers on the Raleigh campus. The incumbent for this position will also be expected to attend advanced training course on the use of highly specialized pilot plant equipment and laboratory instrumentation. This position is expected to promote and support NCFIL's and the Bezos Center's mission and vision, both internal and external to the University, toward gaining international recognition. Duties will include, but are not limited to: Create/formulate new or price-reduced alternative meat products to be commercialized by NCFIL clients or Bezos Center commercial partners Develop new protein concentrates and isolates Accelerate the development of novel protein products from raw agricultural products and their by-products Utilize standard methods to characterize the properties (ie., solubility, pH stability, foaming, gelling, water-binding, oil-binding, emulsifying, etc.) of these proteins Improve current methods/processes to extract said proteins and understand their properties Assist in data interpretation and troubleshooting of experimental results in other relevant NCFIL and Bezos Center projects Lead the development of manuscripts, grant proposals, and presentations, and communicating with various stakeholders Develop and implement lab standard operating procedures (SOPs) Perform standard lab management functions including procuring, ordering, and managing supplies for research projects, and workflows through the lab, as well as instrument and equipment maintenance Coordinate and/or conduct multiple, concurrent assignments, and/or a multi-faceted project. Assist in the preparation of technical reports, including the development of independent research objectives Assist in the mentorship of staff technicians alongside the NCFIL Director This position will divide their time between efforts conducted by the NC Food Innovation Lab and the Bezos Center for Sustainable Protein. This includes working with NCFIL clients and, also, developing new alternative meat products for potential commercialization by one of the Bezos Center's commercial partners. 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. This position will be located in Kannapolis, NC.
Other Responsibilities

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor's degree with at least 3 years of relevant professional experience, preferably as a Research Assistant, or a Master's degree. At least 1 years of industrial experience in protein chemistry and/or formulation.
Other Required Qualifications	Procurement and management of laboratory supplies as well as shared responsibility for EH&S and safety regulation compliance Strong written and oral English communication skills with the ability to interpret data in a written format and present it to clients. Analytical chemistry skills as appropriate for characterization of plant or animal-derived proteins, foods and biological matrices Must be comfortable using traditional milling to pulverize raw materials Must be familiar with protein concentrates and isolates Must have formulation experience in the protein ingredient space
Preferred Qualifications	Preferably, a Master's Degree in Food Science, Nutrition Science, Plant Sciences, Chemistry/Biochemistry or related field with 1-3 years in an industry setting. Experience with extraction and characterization of plant-based proteins Experience in membrane filtration, spray drying, and/or air classification Working experience in twin screw extrusion Experience writing grant proposals, reviewing articles, and manuscript preparation. Knowledge in plant science, biochemistry, food science and technology, and/or human nutrition Experience around foaming, gelation, emulsification, solubility, water/oil binding, and other physical functionalities
Required License(s) or Certification(s)	n/a
Valid NC Driver's License required	No
Commercial Driver's License required	No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date	01/14/2025
Anticipated Close Date
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.

Position Details

Position Number	00111269
Position Type	EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)	1.0
Appointment	12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather	Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events	Mandatory - Medical Emergencies, Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID	110309 - NC Food Innovation Lab
AA/EEO	NC State University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as an individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-515-3148 to speak with a representative at the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu. Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.