Research Coordinator I/II

POSITION DESCRIPTION: The Research Coordinator’s primary responsibility is to work either directly with each client or as an underwriter for a Research Scientist in the design of research studies that will accomplish the client’s technical, regulatory, and business objectives.  The Research Coordinator will also provide basic internal quality support to the contract research department, client services, and company management on microbiological scientific matters within the coordinator’s sphere of competence.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Meet with clients to discuss and exchange views on study objectives.
• Lead client-facing discussions on matters germane to contract research or technical services.
• Design and draft study proposals for shelf-life studies, inoculated challenge studies, and proficiency testing.
• Deliver contract research proposals and reports in a timely manner. 
• Effectively work with and collaborate on technical matters among a team of research scientists.
• Interact with clients/projects requiring multiple resources and effectively facilitate inter-company and interdepartmental initiatives and interactions to best meet the needs of the client/project.
• Participate in routine project proposal generation with attention to profitability and client satisfaction.
• Contribute to the design and development of consistent and efficient presentation and reporting of contract research results.
• Participate and comply with all regulations promoting a safe and healthy work environment.
• Develop executable protocols and training for introduction of non-routine shelf-life methods (Level II function).
• Assist in the data compilation and framing of reports for more advanced technical studies such as cooking instruction validations, method validations, and process validations 
• Assist with routine departmental functions to include, but not limited to, coordinating media requests, reviewing, and releasing Certificate of Analysis, maintaining microbiological culture inventories.
• Support commercial team as a resource for basic technical inquiries from current and prospective clients as needed.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• B.S. in science discipline (Food Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Engineering, or related field).
• 0-4 years of previous contract research work experience (shelf-life, microbial challenge, and process validation) in the food industry.
• Familiarity with International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 17025 accreditation is an added benefit.
• Familiarity with FDA BAM, USDA MLG, CMMEF, APHA, and AOAC methodology.
• Adequate conceptual strength to embrace new methods, techniques, and technologies effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and organization skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite applications (MS Excel, Word).
• Experience working with LIMS systems is an added benefit.
• Relatively infrequent travel may be required to support client projects and for industry specific events and conferences.