About This Role

This position is to provide technical and operational support for Dr. Jessie Vipham’s research laboratory. This role will oversee the BSL2 laboratory space, coordinate day-to-day lab research activities, maintain supplies and ensure proper stock rotation, and assist in the coordination of graduate student research projects. The position is essential for ensuring the safe, efficient, and organized execution of research efforts, as well as supporting student training and compliance with laboratory safety protocols.

About Us

The K-State Department of Animal Sciences and Industry (ASI) serves students, livestock producers and the animal and food industries through teaching, research and education. The Dept. of ASI prepares students for careers in the animal and food industries.

The curriculum includes the study of nutrition, reproduction, genetics, behavior, meat science and food science with production, management, and agribusiness skills. Students are given sound professional and scientific skills, a broad education and experience for contributing to our communities across the nation and abroad. Students receive excellent advisement and mentorship from faculty and professional staff and participate in extracurricular activities to develop skills to become industry leaders.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree
• One year of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A master’s degree in food microbiology, Food Science, Meat Science, Food Safety, or a related field is preferred.
• Specialized coursework or certifications in food safety, microbiology, or meat science is a plus.

Experience:

• Experience working in a food safety or microbiology laboratory, particularly in the context of foodborne pathogens or meat science research.
• Previous experience working with food safety regulations, HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points), or other relevant safety standards.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience with microbiological techniques such as bacterial culturing, PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), or ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay).
• Experience working in research areas related to food science or meat science, particularly in the study of foodborne diseases or microbiological analysis of meat products.

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of food safety regulations and industry standards related to meat processing and food production.
• Familiarity with meat science concepts, including meat quality, preservation techniques, and the microbiology of meat products.
• Strong understanding of microbiological and molecular techniques, as well as laboratory protocols related to foodborne pathogens, spoilage organisms, and antimicrobial resistance in food systems.
• Experience with laboratory data analysis, including microbiological data interpretation, statistical software, and database management tools.
• Ability to implement and uphold safety protocols specific to food safety and microbiology in a lab setting, including BSL2 handling procedures.
• Ability to stay current with research and advancements in food safety, microbiology, and meat science to contribute to the lab’s research direction and goals.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to troubleshoot laboratory issues independently and take proactive measures.

Additional licenses / registrations / certifications:

• N/A

Additional Role Information:

• Ability to work safely and responsibly with hazardous materials, chemicals, and biological agents in a laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of proper disposal methods for hazardous and biological waste, in compliance with environmental and safety regulations.
• Ability to work in compliance with institutional, federal, and state safety regulations and guidelines.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• KSU Page Up online application
• Resume
• List of three references with email addresses and cell phone numbers

Application Window

Applications close on 07/30/2025

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$20.83 - $22.98