Post-Doctoral Associate

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University of Maryland

Location: College Park, Maryland
Category: Admin-Other Administrative Positions
Application Deadline:

Job Description

Position Number:

129438

Title:

Post-Doctoral Associate

Functional Title:

Post-Doctoral Associate

Category Status:

15-Fac.Non-Tenured,Continuing Con

Applicant Search Category:

Faculty

University Authorized FTE:

100

Unit:

AGNR-Dean-Joint Inst for Food Safety & Applied Nutrition

Campus/College Information:

Founded in 1856, University of Maryland, College Park is the state’s flagship institution. Our 1,250-acre College Park campus is just minutes away from Washington, D.C., and the nexus of the nation’s legislative, executive, and judicial centers of power. This unique proximity to business and technology leaders, federal departments and agencies, and a myriad of research entities, embassies, think tanks, cultural centers, and non-profit organizations is simply unparalleled. Synergistic opportunities for our faculty and students abound and are virtually limitless in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The University is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding and diverse faculty and staff that will enhance our stature of preeminence in our three missions of teaching, scholarship, and full engagement in our community, the state of Maryland, and in the world.

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify someone from employment. Prior to any adverse decision, finalists have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding the background check.

The University reserves the right to rescind offers of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated.

Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

JIFSAN, a joint program of the University of Maryland and the U.S. FDA, is seeking a full-time Post-Doctoral Associate position within the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition (CFSAN). The incumbent will participate in applied regulatory research studying the potential for marine and freshwater natural toxin contamination in FDA-regulated products. The primary focus will be on freshwater cyanotoxins in products that either include cyanobacteria or extracts of cyanobacteria (e.g., foods and dietary supplements), or are exposed to cyanobacteria or cyanotoxin-contaminated waters during their production (e.g., seafood and produce).

Successful candidates for this research position will be responsible for utilizing biological, chemical, and/or toxicological knowledge and experience to inform scientific and regulatory decisions regarding the safety of FDA-regulated products from contamination with marine and freshwater natural toxins. The primary focus of this research opportunity will be on products containing freshwater cyanobacteria or extracts of cyanobacteria directly or are exposed to cyanobacteria or cyanotoxin-contaminated waters during their production. Additional opportunities to participate in research related to marine natural toxins (i.e. saxitoxin, domoic acid, okadaic acid, etc.) will also be possible. Specific duties will include method development and validation, as well as potential
product screening in a range of FDA-regulated products. Candidates will have the opportunity to interact with a variety of state and Federal agencies within their area of study.

Specific Aims

Apply biological, chemical, and/or toxicological knowledge and experience to the assessment of foods, dietary supplements, or other applicable FDA-regulated products for potential contamination with marine and freshwater natural toxins.
Serve as a resource to staff and stakeholders (e.g., other government agencies, general public) regarding biology, chemistry, and/or toxicology of marine and freshwater natural toxins.
Gain a comprehensive understanding of, and stay current with, issues associated with marine and freshwater natural toxins in FDA-regulated products by participating in training/development opportunities, reviewing the scientific literature, and attending conferences.
Work closely with other subject matter experts in the field to identify and close technical knowledge gaps.
Lead the preparation and presentation of scientific findings at meetings/conferences.
Publish findings in the scientific literature.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop, validate, and/or transfer methods of analysis for marine and freshwater natural toxins in FDA-regulated products. (50%)
Screen various FDA-regulated products for the presence of marine and freshwater natural toxins for risk assessment purposes. (20%)
Perform studies to better understand the uptake, depuration, and persistence of marine and freshwater natural toxins in FDA-regulated products. (20%)
Present data at meetings and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals (10%)

Benefits Summary

Top Benefits and Perks:

Faculty Benefits Summary

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Ph.D. degree in Biology, Food Science, Chemistry, Toxicology or a related field.

Experience:

Hands-on experience with methods of analysis for marine and freshwater natural toxins including LC-MS/MS.
Previous experience or knowledge of the principles of method development and validation, working knowledge of the sources, chemistry, and/or toxicology of marine and freshwater natural toxins, including those produced by harmful cyanobacteria (i.e., microcystins, anatoxins, cylindrospermopsin, and saxitoxin), and strong written and oral communication skills.

This position requires the ability to pass background and security checks to access U.S. FDA worksites. Applicants must also have maintained residency in the United States for three full years (36 months) during the last five years.

Preferences:

Hands-on experience with methods of analysis for marine and freshwater natural toxins including ELISA, or in-vitro assays such as cytotoxicity, receptor binding assays, enzyme inhibition assays, etc.)

Additional Information:

Additional Information:

Offers are contingent on providing proof of employment eligibility in the United States no more than 3 days after the initial start date. If this proof is not provided within this timeframe, the offer may be rescinded or employment terminated. Candidate must additionally be able to pass background checks inclusive of the U.S. FDA. Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary range: $68,000 – $70,000
Salary will be commensurate with experience.
The University of Maryland offers an extensive benefits package including medical, dental, paid leave, tuition remission, and retirement benefits.

Application:

All candidates must apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu. A complete application packet includes a cover letter, CV, unofficial academic transcripts, and three (3) professional references, including name, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address.

Closing date:

Open until filled. For best consideration, please apply by November 15, 2024

Posting Date:

10/14/2024

Open Until Filled

Yes

Best Consideration Date

11/15/2024

Physical Demands

Predominantly sedentary work in a laboratory setting.
Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Repetitive motions.
Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing, manipulating, and analyzing samples in a laboratory setting; analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading.
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
Ability to use analytical instrumentation and computers in a laboratory environment.

Diversity Statement:

The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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