Sr Research Assoc Nutrition & Cancer Research

TITLE: Senior Research Associate: Nutrition and Cancer Research

DEPARTMENT: College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences 

REPORTS TO: Lead Scientist for Nutrition and Cancer Research

EFFECTIVE DATE: Position will Remain Open until Filled

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt 

 Internal Candidates are Encouraged to Apply

PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB:  The Research Associate will work in coordination with the Lead Scientist for Nutrition and Cancer Research to plan, manage and supervise experimentation, publication and grant development, and laboratory duties regarding the Center for Nutrition and Cancer Research.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Research Associate, under the leadership of the Lead Scientist, will conduct experimentation and project development in the area of nutrition and cancer research.  In addition to experimentation, the associate will manage the day-to-day operations of the lab, oversee ordering of materials and chemicals, conduct routine checks on equipment, and assist in the oversight of graduate students and Assistant Researchers. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  

1. Work with Administrators and staff in developing, implementing and managing research program in the area of nutrition and cancer.
2. Mentor, provide oversight and lead graduate and undergraduate students in their research activities using cutting-edge techniques.
3. Assist in the implementation of USDA 1890’s Evans-Allen research grants and projects. This also includes with federal funded 1890’s Capacity Building Grants.
4. Assist the PI in developing research proposal and peer reviewed manuscript.
5. Review graduate research theses and student presentations.
6. Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in their research projects.
7. Data collection, management, analysis and visualization.
8. Assist faculty/staff in conducting research in coordination with faculty/staff in Nutrition and Cancer.
9. Aid CACE faculty and staff in using research equipment.
10. Support and participate in Extension and outreach activities related to CACE.
11. Maintain laboratory and manage inventory.
12. Data analysis.
13. Prepare annual and quarterly reports for research projects.
14. Prepare and monitor budget usage to maintain experiment and lab supplies.
15. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES: The position will conduct other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Masters of Science in Food and Nutritional Science or related field and two to five years of work experience in 

• Must have knowledge of advanced molecular techniques such as DNA extraction, rtPCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, Western Analysis and cell culture.
• Must have working knowledge of cell growth assays, oxidative stress, and molecular biological techniques.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES: 

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of experimental farming including procedures and controls. 
• Knowledge of plant and animal production. 
• Knowledge of specified local, state and federal regulations and mandates. 
• Ability to effectively communicate. 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

• Work could involve some exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises. 
• Requires some standing or walking. 
• Ability to lift 40 lbs. 
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk. 

KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform. The College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences strives for inclusive excellence and is interested in qualified candidates who can contribute to this effort through their research, teaching, and/or Extension programs.