Job Description
The Public Health Microbiology Laboratory of Tennessee State University is accepting applications for a new Public Health Microbiology Research Associate position. The position is initially a two-year appointment with the possibility of additional extension for one additional year. The main responsibilities of this position include culture dependent and independent (Real-time PCR) microbiological analyses for mitigating the risk of food and waterborne diseases in an applied research and outreach environment for assisting food science stakeholders. Position further requires development of public health outreach dissemination material, assistance in conduct of outreach and technical assistance efforts to stakeholders, and familiarity with the US. Food Safety Modernization Act. The position additionally requires assistance in administrative responsibilities of the Public Health Microbiology program as well as additional duties assigned by the Public Health Microbiology program director. Our program is unable to provide individual feedback to applicants. Only those meeting the qualifications will be contacted for further discussions. Only selected applicants would need to provide reference letters.
Minimum Qualifications
· BS degree in food microbiology, biology, public health or closely related field completed by the start date of the position (April 1, 2024) is required. MS degree and/or PhD degree in food microbiology, biology, public health are preferred for this position. Qualified ABD’s will be considered if able to defend and complete doctoral degrees requirement by start date. Qualified individuals with completed medical training and/or medical coursework and aspiration with interest and expertise in public health microbiology will also be considered for this position.
· Strong background in culture dependent and independent microbiological techniques.

· Track record of publications in food microbiology and public health.

· Familiarity with analytical software such as SAS and GIS

· Experience in microbiology of waterborne disease as associated with Raw Agricultural Commodities and value-added commodities.

· Familiarity and/or certification in Food Safety Modernization Act (Produce and Preventive Control for Human Foods Rule)

· Familiarity with risk assessment and microbiological challenge studies and application of Real-Time PCR.

· Familiarity with outreach and technical assistance for food safety stakeholders.


Special Instructions to Applicants
Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a criminal background check as mandated by Tennessee State University.
Official transcripts for positions which require a post-secondary undergraduate degree, advanced degree and/or certification must be presented upon hire.
An unofficial transcript may be attached in the “Transcript” section.
You will be required to provide names and contact information for three references during your application to the posting. If you are the recommended candidate for the position, our online hiring system will automatically generate solicitation for these letters using contact information you provided.