Research Associate, Food Safety

Under the direction of Dr. Feng, Blue Cross/Blue Shield NC Urban Food Systems Endowed Professor, the Food Safety Lab Manager will oversee daily operations of the Food Safety Laboratory within the Urban and Community Food Complex. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing and managing food safety testing protocols, maintaining laboratory compliance with state and federal regulations, and ensuring safe and efficient operation of all laboratory activities.

N.C. A&T is a public, land-grant, doctoral research institution and has been the largest historically Black university in the country for the past decade. With an enrollment of 14,311 students in Fall 2024, the university offers 59 undergraduate degree programs, 36 master's programs, and 12 doctoral programs. It is America's top producer of Black graduates in Engineering and Agricultural Science bachelor's programs, as well as a top five producer in numerous additional disciplines, including Liberal Arts and Communications/Journalism. It also ranks no. 3 in master's degrees awarded to Black graduates in Engineering Technologies and Related Fields, no. 4 in master's degrees in Engineering, and no. 11 best business school for women in the nation.

Nationally recognized for its leadership and excellence in STEM education and research, N.C. A&T is classified as "R2-High Research Activity" in the Carnegie Classifications and is poised to achieve "R1-Very High Research Activity" status. It also holds Carnegie's earned credential in Community Engagement and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities ( APLU) Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation. With an annual economic impact of $2.4 billion, N.C. A&T plays a vital role as a higher-education economic driver in North Carolina's Piedmont Triad region and across a state that is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the second straight year as "best for business" by the CNBC financial network.

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is ranked #1 among Public Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences ( CAES) at NC A&T is the largest college of Agriculture among HBCUs and top producer of African American graduates with degrees in Agriculture, in Biological Engineering, and in Landscape Architecture. CAES has a rich history of innovation and application of cutting-edge technology across its four academic departments: Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education; Department of Animal Sciences; Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; and Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Design. Within these departments, students are offered a myriad of opportunities for classroom learning, experiential learning, research and field work. In addition, the college's research and experiential learning are strengthened by non-academic units, including the University farm and the center for Excellence in Post-Harvest Technologies at the North Carolina Research campus. Through its Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension Programs, CAES conducts research on issues of national importance and provide research-based extension training and services to citizens, communities and industry partners across the state of North Carolina.

The Urban and Community Food Complex ( UCFC) at North Carolina A&T State University (NC A&T) is a 14,796 ft facility set for completion in June 2025. It serves as a hub for food technology innovation, sustainable agriculture, and community engagement. With a focus on urban food systems, the UCFC supports locally grown agriculture, advances research, and acts as a technology incubator. It empowers small-scale farmers, food entrepreneurs, and low-income communities by enhancing food security and economic well-being. Equipped with state-of-the-art food processing, food quality analysis, and food safety capabilities, the UCFC fosters cutting-edge R&D collaborations, bridging academia, industry, and community stakeholders.

PhD in food science and food technology, or a related discipline is required.

Candidate must have in-depth knowledge in ultrasound physics, plant systems, system integration, and plant responses when treated with a physical elicitor. Applicant must have ability to develop manuscripts, presentations, and assist in preparation of grant proposals. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills and demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team environment are necessary.

A Ph.D. in Food Science, Food Safety, Microbiology, Food Technology, or a related discipline is required.

The candidate must have at least 10 years of experience in food microbiology, foodborne pathogens, preventive controls, and laboratory methods used in food safety testing. Experience with BSL-2 laboratory procedures, microbial culturing, detection methods, and food safety regulatory standards (e.g., FDA, USDA, FSMA) is highly preferred. The applicant must be able to develop manuscripts and presentations and assist with preparation of grant proposals. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, are essential.

You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran's Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T 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. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.

Employee Benefits available to NC A & T permanent employees include the following and more;

This position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.