Senior Scientist - Food Chemistry

The Institute for Food Safety and Health ( IFSH ) is a unique and one-of-a-kind consortium between Illinois Tech, FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition ( CFSAN ), and the food industry. IFSH comprises Illinois Tech scientists, faculty and staff, working collaboratively with FDA scientists of CFSAN’s Division of Food Processing Science and Technology physically co-located at the Illinois Tech Moffett Campus in the field of food safety, technology and nutrition, and with participation from food industry member companies. The uniqueness of IFSH where FDA , academia and the industry collaborate and conduct research in a neutral ground to address major national food safety and nutrition issues has grown IFSH into a diverse premier research institution attracting scientists nationally and internationally. The Senior Scientist (Food Chemistry) will lead the development and delivery of food chemistry and food safety projects to key stakeholders. The Senior Scientist will receive mentorship by IFSH leadership and assist Center Directors and IFSH leadership in the development and execution of strategic plan to enhance the capabilities of IFSH and Illinois Tech. The Senior Scientist will manage research projects that includes initiatives involving multidisciplinary teams across IFSH and Illinois Tech and act as scientific mentor to developing scientists. The Senior Scientist will plan, design experimental plans, performs experimental tasks and conduct independent analysis to meet project deliverables in a timely, accurate and cost-effective manner. Expertise in chemical contaminants, allergens, food analysis, packaging and/or nutritional chemistry is highly desirable. The Senior Scientist is a stakeholder at IFSH and therefore ensures the laboratory safety, quality assurance and financial wellbeing of IFSH .

COMMUNICATIONS
Leadership in communications with FDA and other IFSH stakeholders (internal and external), including developing and writing proposals and grant applications is important. The successful candidate needs to demonstrate proficiency in written (e.g. manuscript writing) and verbal (e.g. presentation of findings at scientific meetings) communication of scientific principles. The Senior Scientist is expected to lead scientific communications and represent IFSH at trade shows, scientific meetings and stakeholder meetings.

CUSTOMER SERVICE
Demonstrated effective working relationships with FDA , USDA , other government agencies, academic institutions and the food industry. IFSH receives federal and state research grants along with food industry funded contracts. The Senior Scientist will be expected to uphold the values of IFSH and build relationships with its stakeholders and potential clients.

Special Schedule Requirements
N/A

EEOC Statement
Illinois Institute of Technology is an EEO /AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ ADA / ADEA employer dedicated to building a community of excellence, equity, inclusion and diversity. It is committed to fostering an inclusive environment and actively seeks applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities regardless of race, color, sex, marital status, religion, national origin, disability, age, unfavorable discharge from the military, status as a protected veteran, sexual orientation including gender identity and expression, order of protection status, and/or genetic information. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.

Qualifications

Education & Experience
Ph.D. degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Engineering or related field with 2 or more years (or M.S. degree with 5 or more years) of research experience, or equivalent credentials.

Knowledge & Skills
Demonstrated scientific expertise in food chemistry and in operation of advanced analytical instruments and equipment

SUPERVISION & BUDGET AUTHORITY
Work closely with other IIT IFSH scientists, and daily interactions with FDA scientists

Depending on project needs, 1-4 students from Illinois Tech may be part of the project team

Physical Environment and Requirements
Normal office and Laboratory environment Spends about 25% of time in office and 75% in lab areas.

Certifications and Licenses

List any certifications or licenses that are either required or helpful in performing the job, designating whether required or preferred.
This position will require security clearance with US FDA and CDC Select Agent Registration.

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibility
Lead, initiate, design, deliver and report on food chemistry research projects to stakeholder expectations. The expected research focus of this position will be, but not limited to, chemical food safety, including allergens, chemical contaminants in food and packaging materials, and mitigation strategies.

Percentage Of Time
50

Key Responsibility
Provide hands-on experimental and laboratory support to other scientists and project team members.

Percentage Of Time
30

Key Responsibility
Contribute to IFSH scientific and research strategies, research funding and external collaborations, prepare manuscripts for publications, and present research outcomes at conferences.

Percentage Of Time
20

Posting Information

Work Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Position Category
Full Time

Posting Date
07/05/2023

Closing Date

Posted Until Filled
Yes

Quicklink for Posting
https://iit7.peopleadmin.com/postings/9694