Food Microbiology Research Lab Technician

Food Microbiology Research Lab Technician

Minimum 40 hours/week. Monday–Friday with possibility of evenings and weekends as needed. This is a full‑time position funded by annual allocation by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through the Evans Allen Program with matching contributions from the State of Ohio.

All offers of employment at Central State University are contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check, which may include verification of education and employment history, criminal history check, driving record (if applicable), drug screening, and tax compliance review. Failure to successfully complete the required background check or provide accurate and complete information may result in withdrawal of an offer or termination of employment.

Posting Number: 0801831. Classification

Title:

Food Microbiology Research Lab Technician. Department:
Agriculture Research Development Program (ARDP). Department Contact Email: rkorir.

The Food Microbiology Safety Laboratory Technician will be part of the Research Team in the ARDP Food Safety Research Program at Central State University and will report to the food safety research assistant professor. Responsibilities include executing basic research laboratory experiments related to food microbiology safety and plant pathology, collecting environmental samples in agricultural fields and greenhouses, developing and implementing written protocols, and communicating results in technical reports.

• Perform routine food safety/microbiological testing following established protocols and SOPs.
• Culturize and isolate microorganisms, plate serial dilutions.
• Use molecular techniques to identify and isolate bacterial and fungal cultures.
• Develop SOPs for laboratory equipment and methodologies.
• Document results of testing in technical report format.
• Effectively communicate data and results to appropriate audiences.
• Troubleshoot and maintain microbiological testing equipment, including supplies and microorganisms.
• Maintain lab compliance with microbiological safety housekeeping standards.
• Set up, maintain, calibrate, and repair laboratory equipment as needed.
• Perform physical tasks such as lifting, moving, or carrying samples and lab equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Assist supervisor in data entry/management, scientific manuscript and literature reviews.
• Assist in the field and technical services to gain experience and knowledge relevant to the food safety industry.
• Complete special projects assigned by the supervisor.
• Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

• Ability to collect and manage scientific data, write lab reports, business correspondence, and policy/procedure manuals; effectively present information.
• Advanced mathematical skills including exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.
• Critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work in BSL‑2 laboratory environments containing biological safety hazards.
• Physical endurance for extensive standing and use of arms and hands during experimental work.

Bachelor’s degree and broad knowledge of fields such as Microbiology, Food Science, Molecular Biology, Agriculture, Plant Pathology, Plant Science, Biology, or closely related fields. Equivalent to a four‑year college degree, plus 5 years of related laboratory experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience with microbiological or molecular biology lab techniques including fungal and bacterial isolation, qRT‑PCR, and nucleic acid extraction.
• A master’s degree in a related field can replace the work experience required.
• Ability to set up, calibrate, maintain, and repair laboratory equipment.
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Authorized to work in the US.

Posting Date: 06/10/2026. Closing Date:
Open Until Filled Yes.

Staff - Monthly (Exempt)