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Associate Specialist in Food Safety

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Position description

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system’s 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 7,500 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities to highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design, and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.
In Fall 2016, UC Merced broke ground on a $1.3 billion public-private partnership that is unprecedented in higher education. The Merced 2020 Project will nearly double the physical capacity of the campus by 2020, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced has also recently built the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building in the heart of Merced.

This position is based at the Agricultural Engineering Technology lab (AET-LAB). The Agricultural Engineering Technology Laboratory at UC Merced directed by Professor Reza Ehsani is an interdisciplinary research group focusing on engineering systems for food and agriculture, automation and intelligent machines for agriculture, precision agriculture and horticulture, mechanical harvesting machines, robotic system in agriculture, and machines for food industries and food processing plants. We are recruiting a highly motivated and qualified specialist to be engaged in our projects related to machine design for food industries, perform microbiological and food safety tests, and evaluate the compliance of the machine with the existing rules and regulations. The candidate is expected to use his/her professional expertise to make scientific and scholarly contributions to our group, become proficient in all the experimental and analytical procedures carried out in the laboratory, stay on the top of future developments and opportunities for the implementation of related new technologies and procedures, and train and supervise the students in the group.

Qualifications: Highly self-motivated individuals who have demonstrated the ability to conduct independent scientific research with leadership skills and strong written and verbal communication skills are encouraged to apply. The candidate should have the following qualifications:

• A master’s degree in Food Safety, Food technology, Microbiology, or related area prior to starting the position. Ph.D. in Food processing and Food Safety is highly desirable.
• Experience working in California’s food industries and show proven knowledge of food processing and packaging techniques.
• Experience working in Food Science, Agriculture, Microbiology or related laboratory, as well as experience in relevant analytical and laboratory safety procedures.
• Experience in scientific writing conducive to publication of research articles and grant application as well as demonstrated experience in the training and leadership of students in research protocols and safety.

Interested applicants are required to submit 1) a cover letter 2) curriculum vitae and 3) a list of two references with contact information including mailing address, phone number and e-mail address; this will be submitted through the Recruit system.

This is a two-year position with the possibilities of extension based on the availability of funding as well as satisfactory performance. Salary is based on the University of California Academic Salary Scales. Review of applications will begin immediately. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2019, with applications continuing to be considered until the position is filled. Starting dates are negotiable.

The University of California, Merced is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, students and staff. The University is supportive of dual career couples.

Please contact Reza Ehsani at rehsani@ucmerced.edu for additional information.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.

  • Cover Letter

Reference requirements
  • 2 required (contact information only)

Job location

Merced, CA